The Office of Inspector General (OIG) says the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) needs to improve the BioWatch Program in order to prevent a significant loss of human life.

DHS’ Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction’s BioWatch is designed to operate a nationwide aerosol detection system. It was established in 2003 in response to the 2001 anthrax attacks. The system is intended to detect potential biological threat agents, identify the agent used, and share information with stakeholders, serving as an early warning system. But OIG found that BioWatch has information sharing challenges that reduce nationwide readiness to respond to biological terrorism threats.

BioWatch is not currently operating a nationwide early warning system. Its biological detection equipment is located in just 22 of 50 states (44 percent), which leaves 28 states without coverage. WHICH STATES? This occurred because BioWatch has not reassessed its strategic posture and designated locations needing coverage since 2003. Moreover, BioWatch equipment in 34 of 35 jurisdictions could not always collect air samples to test for biological threats because the equipment was not secured to prevent unplugging or security breaches.

Read more: Homeland Security Today