Transportation security technologies research and development

This paper reviews the mission and function of the transportation security laboratory (TSL) within the Department of Homeland Security. It discusses the security challenges to be met and the methodology for developing equipment that can be fielded. The current program area structure is broken down into 4 areas that include: commerce inspection systems, passenger inspection systems, infrastructure protection systems, and conveyance protection systems. Under commerce inspection systems 2 areas are discussed. This includes checked baggage technology and cargo screening. Under checked baggage the development of revolutionary technologies and the combining of technologies are reviewed. In-line and lobby installations are compared. How current technologies fit into cargo screening is also discussed. Checkpoint improvement plans are presented along with the latest developments in walk-through explosives detection portals, document scanners, and walk-through metal detectors. Continuing efforts in the human factors areas are discussed. Within the conveyance protection program the authors review progress on hardened containers and blast resistant liners for protection of airliners as well as the use of threat containment units in conjunction with explosives detection systems (EDS). Under the infrastructure protection program the authors review some of the on-going pilot projects at various airports and the use of technologies such as fingerprint and iris identification, radio frequency identification (RFID) readers, video motion tracking and fiber optic netting. The authors also discuss the application of technologies in various modes of transportation including rail, highway, transit, and maritime