globe

Laying Down the Law

TSA enhances screening measures, expands use of ETD technology

In response to the failed Christmas Day bombing by Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, the Transportation Security Administration has mandated enhanced screening measures at airports nationwide for U.S.-bound passengers traveling from or through state sponsors of terrorism and other countries of interest.

Abdulmutallab, a Nigerian national, attempted to detonate an explosive device containing PETN and TATP hidden in his underwear while on board Northwest Airlines flight 253, en route from Amsterdam to Detroit. His trip originated in Lagos, Nigeria. Abdulmutallab has pleaded not guilty to charges of attempted use of a weapon of mass destruction; attempted murder within the special aircraft jurisdiction of the United States; willful attempt to destroy and wreck an aircraft within the special aircraft jurisdiction of the United States; willfully placing a destructive device in, upon and in proximity to an aircraft within the special aircraft jurisdiction of the United States; and two counts of possession of a firearm/destructive in furtherance of a crime of violence. If convicted, he faces a life sentence in prison.

The State Department designates four countries as sponsors of terror: Cuba, Sudan, Syria and Iran. These countries have repeatedly provided support for acts of international terrorism. The other countries of interest are Afghanistan, Algeria, Iraq, Lebanon, Libya, Nigeria, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Somalia and Yemen.

The long-term, sustainable directive states that every U.S-bound traveler who holds a passport issued by, or is traveling from or through, nations that are state sponsors of terrorism or other countries of interest are required to undergo enhanced screening. The TSA has not offered details on the enhanced security procedures. TSA also is expanding the use of explosive trace detection technology within security checkpoints to randomly screen passengers' hands and carry-on luggage. If travelers refuse the ETD swab, they may be subject to additional screening and referral to a law enforcement officer. A TSA blog stated that TSA officials are aware and sensitive to the fact that many travelers may work around chemicals that may result in a positive ETD result. They are cognizant that an alarm does not automatically infer guilt. They have the experience and procedures in place to ascertain those who pose real threats while clearing innocent travelers.

Tried and True

Airports nationwide rely heavily upon Smiths Detection's IONSCAN 500DT, which received TSA certification in 2006. These devices are employed as explosives detection systems for checked baggage and ETD systems for more visible environments such as security checkpoints. With the expanded use of ETD technology, TSA officers will place IONSCAN 500DTs on handcarts for mobile random screening of passengers at security checkpoints, in checkpoint queues and at boarding areas. Officers may swab carry-on luggage or passengers' hands and use the device to test for trace explosive residue. For sanitary purposes, screening swabs are disposed of after each use.

By incorporating two IMS detectors in a single unit, the IONSCAN 500DT is capable of detecting and identifying more than 40 explosives and narcotics during a single analysis. The detectable explosives substances include RDX, PETN, NG, TNT, HMX and TATP. TSA does not calibrate the ETD machines to test for narcotics.

"Explosive trace detection technology is a critical tool in our ability to stay ahead of evolving threats to aviation security," said TSA acting administrator Gale Rossides. "Expanding the use of this technology at checkpoints and at departure gates greatly enhances security to keep the traveling public safe."

Serious Business

The Department of Homeland Security has awarded $15 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding for the purchase of 400 fixed ETD machines. President Obama's 2011 budget includes an additional $39 million to purchase 800 portable ETD machines.

Funded in part by the ARRA, Morpho Detection has recently signed a contract with TSA to deliver hundreds of Itemiser® DX ETD machines. The contract value is approximately $16 million.

The TSA-certified Itemiser DX is an ion trap mobility spectrometer that has been added to the TSA Qualified Product List for ETD. It is the first trace detector that simultaneously detects positive and negative ions. The desktop detectors will be deployed at airports nationwide to screen checked baggage, passengers and cargo.

"We are especially pleased to have our next-generation Itemiser DX explosive trace detection system chosen by TSA for use at airport checkpoints across the country," said Dennis Cooke, senior vice president and CEO of Morpho Detection Inc.

Featured

  • Cost: Reactive vs. Proactive Security

    Security breaches often happen despite the availability of tools to prevent them. To combat this problem, the industry is shifting from reactive correction to proactive protection. This article will examine why so many security leaders have realized they must “lead before the breach” – not after. Read Now

  • Achieving Clear Audio

    In today’s ever-changing world of security and risk management, effective communication via an intercom and door entry communication system is a critical communication tool to keep a facility’s staff, visitors and vendors safe. Read Now

  • Beyond Apps: Access Control for Today’s Residents

    The modern resident lives in an app-saturated world. From banking to grocery delivery, fitness tracking to ridesharing, nearly every service demands another download. But when it comes to accessing the place you live, most people do not want to clutter their phone with yet another app, especially if its only purpose is to open a door. Read Now

  • Survey: 48 Percent of Worshippers Feel Less Safe Attending In-Person Services

    Almost half (48%) of those who attend religious services say they feel less safe attending in-person due to rising acts of violence at places of worship. In fact, 39% report these safety concerns have led them to change how often they attend in-person services, according to new research from Verkada conducted online by The Harris Poll among 1,123 U.S. adults who attend a religious service or event at least once a month. Read Now

  • AI Used as Part of Sophisticated Espionage Campaign

    A cybersecurity inflection point has been reached in which AI models has become genuinely useful in cybersecurity operation. But to no surprise, they can used for both good works and ill will. Systemic evaluations show cyber capabilities double in six months, and they have been tracking real-world cyberattacks showing how malicious actors were using AI capabilities. These capabilities were predicted and are expected to evolve, but what stood out for researchers was how quickly they have done so, at scale. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • ResponderLink

    ResponderLink

    Shooter Detection Systems (SDS), an Alarm.com company and a global leader in gunshot detection solutions, has introduced ResponderLink, a groundbreaking new 911 notification service for gunshot events. ResponderLink completes the circle from detection to 911 notification to first responder awareness, giving law enforcement enhanced situational intelligence they urgently need to save lives. Integrating SDS’s proven gunshot detection system with Noonlight’s SendPolice platform, ResponderLink is the first solution to automatically deliver real-time gunshot detection data to 911 call centers and first responders. When shots are detected, the 911 dispatching center, also known as the Public Safety Answering Point or PSAP, is contacted based on the gunfire location, enabling faster initiation of life-saving emergency protocols.

  • QCS7230 System-on-Chip (SoC)

    QCS7230 System-on-Chip (SoC)

    The latest Qualcomm® Vision Intelligence Platform offers next-generation smart camera IoT solutions to improve safety and security across enterprises, cities and spaces. The Vision Intelligence Platform was expanded in March 2022 with the introduction of the QCS7230 System-on-Chip (SoC), which delivers superior artificial intelligence (AI) inferencing at the edge.

  • 4K Video Decoder

    3xLOGIC’s VH-DECODER-4K is perfect for use in organizations of all sizes in diverse vertical sectors such as retail, leisure and hospitality, education and commercial premises.