Massive Research will Enhance IED Screening Capabilities

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Approximately 3,000 improvised explosive device (IED) incidents were recorded in the United States in 2017, killing 10 people and wounding dozens. These homemade explosives pose a continued threat as assailants adapt to stealthier tactics. To stay ahead of emerging threats, the US Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate (DHS S&T) has been researching the detection and prevention of homemade explosives at various labs and test facilities across the country.

S&T began the testing the screening technology after the London mass transit system attacks of 2005, where 56 people died. That event prompted S&T to collect data on homemade explosives (HME) to be later used by an HME Rapid Response Team to characterize explosive threats against transit systems.

The Tyndall Reactive Materials Group (TRMG) in Panama City, Florida, and the Detection Technology Center in Huntsville, Alabama, are two test facilities operated by S&T where testing is done of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screening equipment, according to homelandprepnews.com.

“Screening at checkpoints is a top priority for Congress and the Department. These labs support this activity and the wider DHS mission by rapidly delivering explosives data, helping us better prepare for any future threats that may arise,” William Bryan, senior official performing the duties of the undersecretary for DHS S&T, said.

“DHS S&T uses data collected at those labs to inform and develop mitigation strategies and strengthen our detection and response capabilities in order to stop an attack,” Elizabeth Obregon, homemade explosives program manager at S&T, said. “The information generated from these facilities ensures screening equipment is attuned to detect threats before they can create tragedy, and the folks operating at these labs work tirelessly to keep families safe.”

Chemists, imaging experts, and explosives detection technicians at the TRMG facility provide rapid response for data that can immediately help mitigate a wide range of emerging explosive threats such as car bombs or suicide vests.

The DTC, a collaborative function between S&T and the FBI Terrorist Explosive Device Analytical Center (TEDAC), studies explosive threats and countermeasures in an aviation security environment.

The facilities turn data into tactically relevant information that can be deployed for security enhancements.