Sophisticated Screening

Trace detection aids in thwarting advanced terrorist techniques

  • By Doron Shalom
  • Mar 03, 2009

Traditionally, aviation security checkpoints have focused on searching for metallic items and explosives using walk-through metal detectors and X-ray technology. However, as terrorists become more sophisticated, the need for better explosive-detection technologies that can detect an increasing variety of threats, including improvised explosives materials such as triacetonetriperoxide, is emerging.

Historical and recent events have shown that the threat of explosives and improvised materials to aviation security continues to increase. Trace detection provides the capability of detecting invisible particles smuggled onto aircraft by passengers in carry-on and/or checked baggage. If a threat substance, such as an explosive device, is hidden, it is impossible to see, smell, hear, touch or taste it. Trace detection technology enables the analysis of the particle contamination left behind or emitted by that substance.

Limitations of Physical Analysis
Historically, physical analysis at security checkpoints minimized these potential threats. However, no single technology can provide a comprehensive detection solution at a checkpoint. This point was highlighted by the Richard Reid incident, the shoe bomber who attempted to bring down American Airlines Flight 63 with an improvised explosive device that contained a plastic explosive with a TATP trigger. The TATP is organic peroxide with base ingredients that include acetone, bleach and drain cleaner. These basic ingredients can easily be purchased without attracting any attention. It also is believed that peroxide-based explosives were used in the July 7, 2005, London bombings.

The use of trace detection has become a preventative measure that can be employed across a wide spectrum of checkpoint applications. As we look to implement a total screening solution in the aviation sector, explosive trace detection technology has become an integral part of that solution and can complement X-ray machines, CT scanners and walk-through metal detectors by resolving alarms and providing confirmation once a suspected threat is found.

Being Obvious
One of the most efficient ways of deterring the smuggling of explosives across security checkpoints is by screening passengers and their carry-on luggage in an overt and efficient manner. Positioning the ETDs directly after the X-ray systems or CT scanners is typically most convenient for airport screeners. Checking the external surface of laptops, electronic devices and a carrying case is much faster, less obtrusive and leads to a higher throughput than requiring passengers to switch them on.

Arguably, the critical part of ETD technology is how the samples are collected and transferred by the screeners. Swipes or swabs are the most common method of sample collection. They are used to collect samples for direct insertion into the ETD analyzer. The technology is based on the belief that when concealing explosives in a bag, the terrorist or bomb carrier is bound to leave traces of the explosive material on parts of the bag. As a result, screeners concentrate their sample collection efforts on handles, zips, locks and items like MP3 players, digital camera and laptops.

Checked Baggage Screening
The Transportation Security Administration requirement for 100 percent screening of all checked baggage will become the standard in the aviation industry. Due to high false-alarm rates, typically experienced by explosives detection systems, ETD is often used as a complementary technology to resolve potential EDS alarms.

The combined use of EDS and ETD equipment is one of the most effective methods to identify suspect items of checked baggage and carry-on items. Checked baggage identified as suspect by EDS systems are set aside for further inspection using ETD technology.

Narcotics Trace Detection
The security industry is seeing the emergence of ETD devices that incorporate dual-detection capabilities of both explosive and narcotic substances, which address the rising global terror threats as well as the growing trafficking of contraband and illicit substances. These additional capabilities are now common in airports and at border control and customs checkpoints. It is becoming an essential tool for airport customs officials as a result of its ability to provide them with the operational capabilities needed to stay ahead of growing narcotic trafficking activities, while maintaining the reliable explosive detection capabilities and low false-alarm rates.

SDT recently introduced its MN1000B, a dual-mode explosives and narcotics trace detection system that builds on the success of the company’s range of trace detectors and is based on the advanced high-frequency quartz crystal microbalance, which incorporates dualmode detection capabilities in a single unit. It is nonradioactive and based on a green technology that can detect and identify a wide range of explosives, improvised materials and illicit substances while maintaining the highest levels of sensitivity and selectivity and maintaining low false-alarm rates.

According to Airport Council International, the number of global passengers is forecast to surpass 5 billion by 2010, and by 2025, it is expected to be in excess of 9 billion passengers globally. Air cargo and freight operations are expected to grow faster than passenger operations, with the number of tons expected to triple by 2025. This rise in passenger throughput, air cargo and freight places additional pressures on the aviation security industry, which is already facing multiple, complex challenges and threats. The most prominent of these threats is global terrorism. The aviation security industry must adapt to the evolving nature of the threats and, as such, ETD systems will undoubtedly become more prominent within airport security checkpoints around the world. To cope with the growing demands, ETDs will become smaller, lighter and more portable. In addition, they will have greater connectivity—whether using Bluetooth or WiMax technology— to airport control centers.

This article originally appeared in the issue of .

Featured

  • Video Surveillance Trends to Watch

    With more organizations adding newer capabilities to their surveillance systems, it’s always important to remember the “basics” of system configuration and deployment, as well as the topline benefits of continually emerging technologies like AI and the cloud. Read Now

  • New Report Reveals Top Trends Transforming Access Controller Technology

    Mercury Security, a provider in access control hardware and open platform solutions, has published its Trends in Access Controllers Report, based on a survey of over 450 security professionals across North America and Europe. The findings highlight the controller’s vital role in a physical access control system (PACS), where the device not only enforces access policies but also connects with readers to verify user credentials—ranging from ID badges to biometrics and mobile identities. With 72% of respondents identifying the controller as a critical or important factor in PACS design, the report underscores how the choice of controller platform has become a strategic decision for today’s security leaders. Read Now

  • Overwhelming Majority of CISOs Anticipate Surge in Cyber Attacks Over the Next Three Years

    An overwhelming 98% of chief information security officers (CISOs) expect a surge in cyber attacks over the next three years as organizations face an increasingly complex and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven digital threat landscape. This is according to new research conducted among 300 CISOs, chief information officers (CIOs), and senior IT professionals by CSC1, the leading provider of enterprise-class domain and domain name system (DNS) security. Read Now

  • ASIS International Introduces New ANSI-Approved Investigations Standard

    • Guard Services

  • Cloud Security Alliance Brings AI-Assisted Auditing to Cloud Computing

    The Cloud Security Alliance (CSA), the world’s leading organization dedicated to defining standards, certifications, and best practices to help ensure a secure cloud computing environment, today introduced an innovative addition to its suite of Security, Trust, Assurance and Risk (STAR) Registry assessments with the launch of Valid-AI-ted, an AI-powered, automated validation system. The new tool provides an automated quality check of assurance information of STAR Level 1 self-assessments using state-of-the-art LLM technology. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • A8V MIND

    A8V MIND

    Hexagon’s Geosystems presents a portable version of its Accur8vision detection system. A rugged all-in-one solution, the A8V MIND (Mobile Intrusion Detection) is designed to provide flexible protection of critical outdoor infrastructure and objects. Hexagon’s Accur8vision is a volumetric detection system that employs LiDAR technology to safeguard entire areas. Whenever it detects movement in a specified zone, it automatically differentiates a threat from a nonthreat, and immediately notifies security staff if necessary. Person detection is carried out within a radius of 80 meters from this device. Connected remotely via a portable computer device, it enables remote surveillance and does not depend on security staff patrolling the area.

  • Luma x20

    Luma x20

    Snap One has announced its popular Luma x20 family of surveillance products now offers even greater security and privacy for home and business owners across the globe by giving them full control over integrators’ system access to view live and recorded video. According to Snap One Product Manager Derek Webb, the new “customer handoff” feature provides enhanced user control after initial installation, allowing the owners to have total privacy while also making it easy to reinstate integrator access when maintenance or assistance is required. This new feature is now available to all Luma x20 users globally. “The Luma x20 family of surveillance solutions provides excellent image and audio capture, and with the new customer handoff feature, it now offers absolute privacy for camera feeds and recordings,” Webb said. “With notifications and integrator access controlled through the powerful OvrC remote system management platform, it’s easy for integrators to give their clients full control of their footage and then to get temporary access from the client for any troubleshooting needs.”

  • HD2055 Modular Barricade

    Delta Scientific’s electric HD2055 modular shallow foundation barricade is tested to ASTM M50/P1 with negative penetration from the vehicle upon impact. With a shallow foundation of only 24 inches, the HD2055 can be installed without worrying about buried power lines and other below grade obstructions. The modular make-up of the barrier also allows you to cover wider roadways by adding additional modules to the system. The HD2055 boasts an Emergency Fast Operation of 1.5 seconds giving the guard ample time to deploy under a high threat situation.