Historically, defense and homeland security agencies have been the primary users of trace explosives detection technology.
However, as illustrated by recent events, the threat of violent extremism extends beyond battlefields and mass transit systems.
Law enforcement agencies in communities around the world are depending more than ever on proactive and preventative technologies to keep the public safe.
Recent technological advances have enabled the development of next-generation, handheld explosives trace detection (ETD) tools designed specifically for the modern police force, and through years of working with our customers, FLIR has learned that no single product can meet all the various applications for handheld radiation security solutions.
Different applications require different detector sizes and sensitivities. Some applications require smaller, more rugged devices while at other times, increased sensitivity outweighs the importance of deploying a compact, lightweight instrument.
It can be a complicated decision, but it doesn’t have to be!
AST, recently recognized FLIR’s outstanding product development achievements for three of the company’s personal radiation detectors for their unique advantages to law enforcement and first responders – as 2016 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Program Winners, securing two Platinum Awards and a Gold Award.
FLIR Systems Fido X2
Platinum Award, Best Investigation/Surveillance/Detection Product
At 1.5 pounds (0.68 kg), the FLIR Fido® X2 can go anywhere the patrol officer goes, providing a visible deterrent to extremists at random checkpoints, temporary roadblocks, or foot patrol.
The FLIR Fido® X2 also complements fixed-site checkpoints and mobile canine teams at high profile events and venues.
Law enforcement teams can utilize handheld ETD systems for a number of asymmetric response missions including random screening, area reduction, and post-blast sweeps.
Concealed bombs can leave trace chemical signatures behind that indicate a threat is present.
Importantly, a terrorist does not have to be carrying an explosive for residue to be detected. A bomb-maker who has previously handled explosives can have residue left on their person or property for an extended time period.
Technologies like FLIR’s TrueTrace™ core have advanced handheld ETDs to the point that they can sense traces of explosive material that are invisible to the naked eye, to levels that fall below a nanogram. A nanogram is 1/1,000,000,000th of the weight of a paperclip.
The ability to detect trace-level evidence makes it possible to screen “first-touch areas” for residue left by someone who has handled explosives.
First-touch areas include surfaces a person would lift, slide, move, zip, tuck, or press. Backpacks, car door handles, keys, tickets, and badges can all be screened for the presence of explosives in as little as ten seconds.
This trace evidence provides actionable intelligence, and can lead to catching a terrorist ahead of the act, rather than after the fact.
(Learn More about the Fido X2, courtesy of FLIR and YouTube)
FLIR Systems identiFINDER R100
Platinum Award, Best CBRNE Detection System
The FLIR identiFINDER® R100 personal radiation detector is the latest addition to the industry-leading identiFINDER R-Series handheld radiation security solutions.
The rugged, belt-worn FLIR identiFINDER R100 personal radiation detector (PRD) integrates networking capabilities to safeguard first responders, law enforcement, and military and security personnel by delivering immediate radiation threat alarms and providing automatically-generated radiation dose rate reports to offer increased situational awareness to central command personnel.
With the convenience of size, weight and portability, the identiFINDER R100 is designed for everyday use.
Plus, it’s the only personal radiation detector that is American National Standards Institute (ANSI) drop-test compliant, meeting the 1.5M drop criteria, and IP67 rated, which ensures protection against dust and immersion in water up to 1M depth.
The original identiFINDER user interface is well-known for its ease of use and intuitive structure. Based on our customer feedback, we use this same core interface with an expanded feature set to operate all identiFINDER models.
The shared user interface allows a user trained on one instrument to operate them all without any additional training. This also allows agencies to cooperate more seamlessly, providing better protection against emerging and evolving threats.
(Learn More about the identiFINDER R100, courtesy of FLIR and YouTube)
FLIR Systems identiFINDER R200
Gold Award, Best CBRNE Detection System
The identiFINDER® R200 Spectroscopic Personal Radiation Detector provides full ANSI N42.32 PRD compliance and features next-generation solid state detector read-out technology that delivers ANSI N42.48 SPRD compliance with nuclide identification.
The FLIR identiFINDER R200 is a rugged, pager-sized Spectroscopic Personal Radiation Detector (SPRD). The clear user interface and simple data presentation common to all identiFINDER products allow it to quickly integrate with existing operational protocols and reduce the training burden.
At less than one pound, the identiFINDER R200 is lightweight and rugged enough to wear it on a belt without burdening the user. It is 1.5 meter drop-tested and IP67-rated so operators can wear it with confidence during routine traffic stops or high visibility events and in mass transit or critical infrastructure entry control points.
It has a long-lasting internal rechargeable battery with additional external battery compartment for extended field situations. The identiFINDER R200 performs automatic calibration and stabilization and doesn’t require any user maintenance.
(Learn More about the identiFINDER R200, courtesy of FLIR and YouTube)
FLIR’s personal radiation detectors are also equipped with the TrueTrace core technology which achieves exquisite sensitivity.
TrueTrace is a patented, multiplexed luminescence detection technology uniquely formulated to react to multiple classes of explosives.
It detects homemade explosives like Triacetone Triperoxide (TATP), as well as commercial, military and fertilizer-based explosives. It detects emerging explosive formulations without modification, to protect against future threats.
TrueTrace also maximizes system availability during high-threat scenarios with quick three-minute start-up, fast ten-second analysis, and rapid, reliable clear-down that is measured in seconds.
To learn more about TrueTrace patented technology, go to http://www.flir.co.uk/threatdetection/display/?id=65365
FLIR Systems FC-Series ID also earned a 2016 ‘ASTORS’ Platinum Award, for Best Thermal, Infrared Camera System – for a Record Winning Total of FOUR 2016 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards!
(At FLIR Systems we provide superpower vision, helping people around the world save lives, protect the environment, and enhance productivity. We’re building more than innovative technologies; we’re striving to build a more sustainable, more efficient, safer future. Courtesy of FLIR and YouTube)
FLIR Systems, designs, develops, manufactures, markets, and distributes technologies that enhance perception and awareness. We bring innovative sensing solutions into daily life through our thermal imaging systems, visible-light imaging systems, locator systems, measurement and diagnostic systems, and advanced threat detection systems.
Our products improve the way people interact with the world around them, enhance public safety and well-being, increase energy efficiency, and enable healthy and entertained communities.
