ABSTRACT
Biochemical surveil-lance is particularly helpful for investigating cases of counterfeiting, arson, violent crime, theft in which traces may have been left behind, or products queued for import or export. DNA profiling is another aspect of biochemical surveillance that has been highlighted on television and is available in kit form to the general public for determining familial relationships. Castle walls are difficult to scale and it took equipment to launch biochemical weapons over the parapets. As can be seen by historical examples, biochemical agents continue to resurface when war erupts, hence the development of biochemical surveillance systems and devices. Chemical detection is an integral part of battle preparedness and response, and the Department of Defense sponsors many programs related to biological and chemical agent detection, protection, and decontamination. Customs and Border Protection makes extensive use of laboratory chemical tests to determine the composition and quality of materials crossing the border.
