NCJ Number
218305
Journal
Law Enforcement Technology Volume: 34 Issue: 4 Dated: April 2007 Pages: 130,132,135
Date Published
April 2007
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This article describes emerging “stand-off” explosive detection technology that will allow investigators to accurately detect explosives inside an object while standing a safe distance away.
Abstract
The article shows that as terrorists update and change their methods, scientists are developing new technologies to combat them. Between October 2005 and January 2006, investigators for the Government Accountability Office were able to smuggle materials for improvised explosive devices (IEDs) past airport security at all 21 airports where they attempted the security breach. This reflects poorly on post-September 11th airport security, to say the least. In an effort to improve the detection of explosives and IEDs from a distance and within objects, several research projects have focused on developing new technologies and improving current technologies. These research projects and their products are described, including the technology under development at Kansas State University that will improve stand-off bomb detection within suspicious containers. This device uses pulses of gamma and neutron radiation to penetrate into the target and detect its contents. The University of Arizona is working toward the improvement of explosive screenings at airports. Their device is being designed to screen passengers for traces of explosives or illegal drugs as they walk through security portals while handheld units screen their baggage. Finally, the work being conducted at Purdue University is described, which uses a new, faster method of mass spectrometry that can identify samples directly from the environment rather than from samples that require significant and timely pretreatment.