Bioterrorism

Reducing the threat of bioterrorism, and other bio related crimes, through effective countermeasures

The threat

The spread of an infectious or toxic biological agent can happen without warning. It can threaten humans, animals and plants, causing widespread illness and death, and instilling fear and panic on a transnational scale.

"Bioterrorism refers to the intentional release of biological agents or toxins for the purpose of harming or killing humans, animals or plants with the intent to intimidate or coerce a government or civilian population to further political or social objectives." INTERPOL Bioterrorism incident pre-planning and response guide

Prevent, Prepare, Respond

The successful management of an incident involving the release of bacteria, viruses, or biological toxins, whether of a natural, accidental, or deliberate origin, relies on coordination across multiple sectors. Implementing a whole of government approach is essential.

This includes cooperation of national stakeholders involved in preparing for, preventing and responding to biological incidents on an operational, tactical, and strategic level. In a globalized world, these efforts must extend regionally and internationally to increase capabilities and knowledge across local communities and borders.

At INTERPOL, we aim to reduce the threat of bioterrorism by establishing effective countermeasures as part of a global security strategy.

Global Biosecurity Enhancement Programme

Our dedicated programme supports member countries to enhance their capabilities to successfully manage biological threats and incidents. We do this by increasing global awareness of the biological threat landscape, strengthening cooperation among relevant actors, increasing information sharing, offering a wide range of training, and by providing investigative support.

The programme focuses on three pillars, and activities can be global or country-specific.

Police data management and analysis, notably our BioTracker early warning tool.
Expertise, including capacity building and crisis support.
Building global partnerships

Gender inclusivity

Aligned with INTERPOL’s Gender Mainstreaming Framework for Capacity Building, we are strongly committed to increasing gender parity. This commitment is maintained, promoted and monitored throughout our programming efforts to ensure gender is considered at all stages of our initiatives.