Detection System Reduces Drug Presence In UK County

Wherever drugs go, trouble and crime are often right behind. In Kent, England police officers are using a handheld trace detection device capable of sensing narcotics to cut down on drug activity in and around pubs and nightclubs throughout the county to help make the streets safer.

As part of the “Safer Streets” initiative in the county, Kent law enforcement officers use MobileTrace from GE Security to test for a wide variety of drugs and narcotics right in the field. Using the detectors, police require testing as a condition of entry into more than 600 participating establishments.

Since starting the program, more than 300 people were refused entry after admitting to recent drug use, and 152 people were arrested for drug possession.

“Trace detection devices have provided our officers a great advantage as part of the fight against drugs in Kent,” said Howard Chandler, Kent police drugs liaison sergeant. “During a night’s work where we have to travel from venue to venue, handheld technology is very useful to officers. By minimizing the amount of drugs on the streets and in nightclubs, we can lessen the number of incidents that occur and ensure a safer environment for patrons.”

Along with narcotics identification, MobileTrace also can detect explosives. Sensing both positive and negative ions allows effective identification from even difficult substances from a single test.

“GE Security is pleased the police service in Kent is seeing such success in combating drug activity by using GE Security’s handheld MobileTrace units along with its existing Itemiser desktop narcotics detectors,” said Vincent Ortega, national security specialist of GE Security’s Homeland Protection business. “This demonstrates GE Security’s continued commitment to providing real-world advanced technology security solutions that meet the demands and needs of law enforcement today.”

About the Author

Brent Dirks is senior editor for Security Today and Campus Security Today magazines.

Featured

  • Maximizing Your Security Budget This Year

    7 Ways You Can Secure a High-Traffic Commercial Security Gate  

    Your commercial security gate is one of your most powerful tools to keep thieves off your property. Without a security gate, your commercial perimeter security plan is all for nothing. Read Now

  • Surveillance Cameras Provide Peace of Mind for New Florida Homeowners

    Managing a large estate is never easy. Tack on 2 acres of property and keeping track of the comings and goings of family and visitors becomes nearly impossible. Needless to say, the new owner of a $10 million spec home in Florida was eager for a simple way to monitor and manage his 15,000-square-foot residence, 2,800-square-foot clubhouse and expansive outdoor areas. Read Now

  • Survey: 72% of CISOs Are Concerned Generative AI Solutions Could Result In Security Breach

    Metomic recently released its “2024 CISO Survey: Insights from the Security Leaders Keeping Critical Business Data Safe.” Metomic surveyed more than 400 Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) from the U.S. and UK to gain deeper insights on the state of data security. The report includes survey findings on various cybersecurity issues, including security leaders’ top priorities and challenges, SaaS app usage across their organization, and biggest concerns with implementing generative AI solutions. Read Now

  • New Research Shows a Continuing Increase in Ransomware Victims

    GuidePoint Security recently announced the release of GuidePoint Research and Intelligence Team’s (GRIT) Q1 2024 Ransomware Report. In addition to revealing a nearly 20% year-over-year increase in the number of ransomware victims, the GRIT Q1 2024 Ransomware Report observes major shifts in the behavioral patterns of ransomware groups following law enforcement activity – including the continued targeting of previously “off-limits” organizations and industries, such as emergency hospitals. Read Now

Most   Popular

Featured Cybersecurity

Webinars

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. 3

  • Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems, an industry-leading manufacturer of pedestrian and vehicle secure entrance control access systems, is pleased to announce the release of its groundbreaking V07 software. The V07 software update is designed specifically to address cybersecurity concerns and will ensure the integrity and confidentiality of Automatic Systems applications. With the new V07 software, updates will be delivered by means of an encrypted file. 3

  • 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. 3