Spectral Personal Radiation Detectors (SPRDs) a New Equipment Category for Use by Front Line Officers and First Responders

Experience with deployment and use of border monitoring equipment in the US and elsewhere has shown that the rapid resolution of innocent alarms is essential. This can only be achieved if the radiation detection systems used can not only detect, but at the same time also identify the radioisotopes. Then, cases that do not pose a threat, e.g., naturally occurring radioactive isotopes or medical isotopes in persons, can quickly be resolved. A significant effort has been under way in the US and Europe to develop and test advanced spectral portal monitors for vehicles and pedestrians. A similar requirement exists for personal radiation detectors (PRD). These devices fulfill the gamma and neutron (if applicable) dynamic search specifications of national and international standards for personal radiation detectors, but can also identify the isotope that had caused the gamma alarm. This shortens time and effort to bring in a hand-held radioisotope identification device for secondary inspection. SPRDs can replace PRDs to increase the throughput of individuals being screened at a choke point, or for patrolling officers to make a decision on the spot - in particular to distinguish medical and threat isotopes. Because of their small size and the option to operate fully automated, they can also be worn by first responders and servicemen to quickly detect and categorize a gamma field. Covert detection and isotope identification and ROD reconnaissance are other applications.