INTEGRATED ENTRY CONTROL/EXPLOSIVES SCREENING CHECKPOINT FOR HIGH SECURITY APPLICATIONS

High security areas, such as nuclear materials handling areas, screen personnel to check individual authorization and to prevent nuclear material theft or sabotage. Such checkpoints may employ metal detectors and special nuclear material (SNM) detectors, and rely on security personnel for additional screening. An automated checkpoint can provide several advantages. First, by removing the security force from direct contact with a potential adversary, the possibility of injury or death to members of the security force is minimized, and more delay time is provided for other responders to arrive. Second, labor costs can be reduced because much less attention is required from security personnel. A prototype checkpoint was constructed to provide automated screening, combining trace explosives detection with badge swipe, personal identification number (PIN), and hand geometry (biometric) measurement. These technologies are installed in a booth with locked doors. Badge readers on the outside of the booth limit entry to those with a valid credential. Successful entry into the secure area requires passing badge, PIN, hand geometry, and explosives screening inside the booth. Total screening time per person is about twenty-five seconds. Test results and future plans to integrate SNM and metal detection into this system will be discussed.