Explosives and drugs detection
Since the 1970s HOSDB has built a worldwide reputation for its work on detecting terrorist weapons and bombs.
We evaluate and develop equipment and techniques for detecting explosives, weapons and drugs. This work supports the police, the Department for Transport and other government departments. We work in close collaboration with customers in the UK and overseas.
Expert evaluation
Most scanning equipment in UK airports has been tested by HOSDB to assess its effectiveness against real threats. We play an active role in testing and developing new equipment as it comes onto the market or, in some cases, before. This provides our customers with independent, objective evaluations of the many types of drug, weapon and explosive detectors. Commercially available detection systems are tested for applications including building search, prison and airport security. HOSDB works closely with its customers to ensure equipment meets their needs and to develop test standards and methods.
Search and detection equipment
Results of equipment evaluations are published in the Manual of Search and Detection Equipment (the 'Blue Book'). This reference document contains up-to-date information on the different types of security search equipment. It is available to Police Search Advisers, government security advisers and approved companies responsible for key parts of the national infrastructure, to assist them in planning for purchasing and support requests. It has an international distribution. Subject to successful application, the manual is available on CD or as a hard copy. Email Vanessa Porter or call on 01727 816217 for more information.
Original R&D
HOSDB carries out original research and development where the performance of commercially available detection systems falls short of the requirement.
Current R&D projects include:
- sensitive explosives and drugs vapour detection systems based on Surface Enhanced Resonance Raman Spectroscopy
- development of microengineered mass spectrometers for vapour detection
- new baggage x-ray techniques for automated explosives detection
- millimetre wave and terahertz spectroscopy and imaging for detecting concealed items.
