The number of clandestine methamphetamine labs seized nationwide by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) increased over 500 percent from 1994 to 2000 and continues to grow. Because of a lack of knowledge and training, police officers investigating meth labs in the 1980's and 1990's, and still today rush into the labs with little to no personal protective equipment causing serious injuries to the officers. Meth labs that have been inactive for some time still contain contamination of some type on surfaces and in the air, and for this reason, the scene should be decontaminated. Personnel entering the lab should enter only with self-contained breathing apparatus and complete skin protection. Policymakers need to consult with their State officials regarding laws, administrative policies, and funding opportunities for personnel protection equipment and training. Failing to properly train and equip officers entering the methamphetamine laboratories can be costly. Policies should be designed to protect the officer from injury and protect the department against claims for failure to provide proper equipment or training.