At the end of last month, the Special Unit received a new intervention vehicle, specially equipped for the work of bomb disposal technicians when suspicious objects are reported or found, when inspecting the site of an explosion and when responding to a suspected use of hazardous agents and substances.

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Special Unit Commander Dr Robert Radkovič: "The members of the unit are still being trained in the use of the vehicle, which will be used by the Bomb Disposal Section. The purchase was financed by EU funds".

The new response vehicle will also enable the decontamination of first responders at the scene of an incident where chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear (CBRN) agents are suspected to have been used or are present, significantly reducing the potential for endangering the lives and health of police officers. The vehicle has all the necessary equipment and space to enable a person who has come into contact with hazardous substances, as well as their working clothes, etc., to be washed with both water and appropriate chemical agents; contaminated water is also collected in a special 'pool' and taken away to prevent further contamination.

The fact that organised criminal groups and terrorists may use means of mass destruction in addition to conventional means is one of the main challenges for the European Union as a whole, making the response capacity of Member States even more important. Illicit activities involving chemical, biological and radioactive agents are also a challenge for the Slovenian police, particularly in terms of providing adequate equipment and expertise.