NCJ Number
193153
Date Published
2002
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This paper briefly described the technologies and strategies being tested and utilized in the United States, Europe, and the United Kingdom in the detection of explosives in airports with emphasis on baggage handling.
Abstract
For several years, airlines and regulators have struggled with ways in which to protect passengers from the threat of terrorist attempts to plant explosives. Due to explosives not being metallic in nature and not having predictable shapes, detection becomes difficult. The use of standard x-ray technology does not aid in the detection of explosive substances. This paper explored the progress being made in the development of technologies to enhance detection capabilities in the United States, Europe, and the United Kingdom. Technology development and testing was highlighted in the area of baggage handling. In the United States, baggage screening detection technology included: (1) the CTX 5000 system or computed tomography (CT); (2) dual-energy or dual-beam x-ray; (3) backscatter; and (4) quadrupole resonance (QR). In the United States, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) developed criteria that bomb detection technologies must meet for certification. Due to the mandated criteria, the deployment of the above U.S. technologies became delayed. Currently, the only certified technology is CT. In the United Kingdom, baggage screening technology included: (1) smart x-ray systems; (2) dual-energy x-ray; (3) trace detection; and (4) computed tomography (CT). In Europe, the European Civil Aviation Conference (ECAC), the baggage screening technology discussed included predominantly x-ray systems. In addition to baggage screening technology, this paper explored technologies being developed in the areas of passenger screening, as well as enhancements in the selection, training, and performance of security personnel in the operation of explosive detection systems.