The Dept. of Homeland Security (DHS) is testing new advanced spectroscopic portal (ASP) radiation detection monitors. ASPs are expected to reduce both the risk of missed threats and the rate of innocent alarms, which are considered to be limitations of radiation detection equipment currently used at U.S. ports of entry. Congress has required that the Sec. of DHS certify that ASPs provide a significant increase in operational effectiveness before obligating funds for procurement. This report is a review of: (1) the degree to which DHS's criteria for a significant increase in operational effectiveness address the limitations of existing radiation detection equipment; (2) the rigor of ASP testing and preliminary test results; and (3) the ASP test schedule. Illus.
The Dept. of Homeland Security (DHS) is testing new advanced spectroscopic portal (ASP) radiation detection monitors. ASPs are expected to reduce both the risk of missed threats and the rate of innocent alarms, which are considered to be limitations of radiation detection equipment currently used...