INTERPOL Chemical Awareness Film Wins Prize
The film is part of a larger campaign to raise awareness and increase the capacity of law enforcement and other agencies who suspect anyone of preparing a bomb so they can be stopped before an attack takes place
A film developed by INTERPOL to help first responders recognize potential homemade explosives has won a gold prize at the Cannes Corporate Media and TV Awards, the agency announced early this month. The 11:45 film highlights the importance of educating law enforcement, fire and ambulance services, and public health officials to identify early warning indicators of attacks in preparation and how best to report such cases. Coordinated by INTERPOL's Project Litmus, the award-winning film highlights how chemical and explosive materials in the wrong hands pose a significant threat in every country, potentially endangering public safety on a large-scale.
The film is part of a larger campaign to raise awareness and increase the capacity of law enforcement and other agencies who suspect anyone of preparing a bomb so they can be stopped before an attack takes place. The agency points out that high-profile explosive attacks using some ingredients found in common household products have affected communities worldwide, including Boston, London, Madrid, Moscow, Mumbai, and Oklahoma.
"We know that terrorist groups are working hard to both acquire CBRNE materials and develop the expertise to use them," said INTERPOL Secretary General Jürgen Stock. "The Project Litmus awareness initiative highlights the need for the various agencies involved to work more closely together. Information exchange is key to strengthening the global security architecture required to effectively counter the terrorism threat."
Through training activities in Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa, the objective of Project Litmus is to provide an understanding of the evidentiary requirements for front-line authorities and assist in facilitating the exchange of medical, forensic, and scientific evidence among relevant agencies. The project falls under INTERPOL's Chemical and Explosives Terrorism unit.