Emergency planners should be aware that the release of any CW/BW agent is likely to induce a psychological reaction on the part of a largely unprotected civilian population, and that problems with crowd control, rioting, and other opportunistic crime could be anticipated. The primary counter to these effects must involve an effective "psy-ops" operation to include extensive participation by public information/affairs officers and the media. Extensive attempts must be made to prevent a "panic reaction" among those that might potentially be exposed to a warfare agent. It is anticipated that early interventions/statements by technical experts and political leaders can help to defuse public feelings of confusion and fear...and lead citizens to
