Year
2004
Abstract
Terrorist threats and activities have demonstrated that western countries must improve their security postures to detect weapons of mass destruction materials that may be entering their countries. Control of these materials at their source is typically the first consideration, and detection of these materials prior to entry into the country is the second. For nuclear materials, radiation detecting portal monitors can be positioned at key locations in customs entry/exit points, while security personnel carrying portable monitors scan objects as necessary. However, border security personnel have missed portal alarms indicating radiological material is entering or exiting their country, thus creating the need for a means to ensure that personnel are performing their jobs as required. Based on Second Line of Defense initiatives, a pilot system was installed in October 2003 at the Vilnius International Airport in Lithuania. This integrated system consists of pedestrian and vehicle radiation monitors combined with a surveillance system that records detected radiological events; all instruments and cameras are connected via a local area network at key locations throughout the airport. Border security personnel at the local command post are immediately notified of alarm events through a computer interface and can assess the situation to take appropriate actions. In conjunction with the airport police, procedures are in place to detain the person and/or luggage and determine the level of the threat. Finally, archived data is periodically reviewed by the US through an internet/firewall interface to assure use of and compliance with the procedures set-forth. After beginning with a brief background of the project, this paper will present the design of the system. Following this, its implementation will be detailed. To conclude, the paper will describe how the system is being used to mitigate the threat of materials traveling undetected through the Vilnius International Airport.