U.S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY RESPONSE CAPABILITY TO NUCLEAR THREATS

The U.S. Department of Energy has formed a special group of scientists, engineers and technicians and developed equipment and procedures to provide technical assistance to the Federal Bureau of Investigation in responding to a threat by an individ- ual or group to detonate a nuclear explosive or to scatter radioactive material. The group is called the Nuclear Emergency Search Team (NEST). Appropriate elements of NEST can be rapidly mobilized and transported to the scene of a threat. DOE personnel and equipment are prepared to evaluate threat credibility, conduct a search, per- form diagnostics, assess probability of nuclear yield or spread of radioactive material, assess damage potential and assist in render safe and disposal operations.