About this Book

Hot Zone Forensics is a detailed description of the evidence collection protocols that will be required in criminal cases involving the release of a chemical agent, biological agent, or radiological material. This book sets the standards for the methods that may be used by local, state and federal investigative law enforcement officers when locating and collecting hazardous evidence in airborne, liquid, solid, surface and dermal form. Sampling protocols from OSHA, NIOSH, EPA, DOE, CDC, Chemical Weapons Convention, and the Biological Weapons Convention have each been examined in an effort to provide law enforcement with a clear understanding of the many underlying evidence collection and prosecution issues associated with this type of criminal evidence collection. Detailed evidence collection protocols and equipment requirements for chemical, biological and radiological evidence are provided along with complete explanations as to why each protocol is recommended. The recommended collection protocols provided in this book have been designed to meet the many rigorous challenges that may be faced during the criminal trial process. Criminal investigators and prosecutors will find this book a useful guide when establishing their own evidence collection standards for chemical, biological, and radiological evidence.