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| March 12, 2003
Re: Safety Equipment and Training As we are all too aware, in light of world events, the environment in which we police has dramatically changed, raising new concerns for the safety and well being of our members. In response, the union has been actively urging the Department to provide additional safety equipment and training to our members to address these concerns. In addition, the union has taken on the task of lobbying various elected officials in order to secure funding to pay for the needed additional equipment and training. Our efforts, and the Department's own lobbying efforts, have begun to produce tangible results. On February 24, 2003, I appeared with Senator Clinton and other union leaders at the 13th Precinct, for a press conference and announcement that Congress had appropriated $4 million to help pay for new equipment, including protective masks. While these monies are a solid beginning, we stressed that significant additional funding would be needed for enhanced equipment and specialized training to respond properly and handle the new challenges confronting us. On a related front, during a meeting with the Department on February 25, 2003, we were informed that the Department is in the process of implementing a plan that calls for the provision of Tactical Response Hoods (used to remove oneself from a potentially contaminated area until substance is identified and proper chemical protective gear is donned), N-100 Dust Masks (particulate filter masks used to protect against a "splash" of chemical biological and radioactive substances), Goggles (used to protect eyes from splash hazards), Advantage 200 Masks (used to protect against chemical, biological and radioactive particulates and substances), Hygiene Kits (containing germicidal wipe, decontamination towels, anti-microbial hand wipes and eyewash solution) and First Aid Kits to each MOS. Training in the usage of this equipment will be provided upon distribution. The Department will continue the already-commenced INTAC terrorism training and have assured us that every member will be trained over the ensuing months. We will continue our efforts to secure the training and equipment needed to confront the new threats facing us and advise you as developments occur.
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