On May 1, 2014, FBI Portland held a complex attack training scenario at a local mall to test the response of law enforcement, fire, emergency medical services, and private sector representatives. Portland's Evidence Response Team was part of the equation during the training. The exercise was part of a nationwide Complex Mall Attack Initiative that enabled the FBI to practice responses in the event of a terrorist attack on a public venue and to work to develop a coordinated plan of action with state and local law enforcement partners. The Evidence Response Team Unit (ERTU) provides traditional and hazardous evidence collection capabilities to FBI field Evidence Response Teams (ERTs), Hazardous Evidence Response Teams (HERTs), Hazardous Evidence Response Components (HERCs), Underwater Search and Evidence Response Teams (USERTs), and law enforcement partners by offering forensic training, resources, and expertise in support of the FBI's investigative priorities. |