CDP utilizes emerging hand-held technology for discovering explosives precursors

The Center for Domestic Preparedness (CDP) recently indicated the agency plans to implement new technology into its training courses, including the latest evolution of ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) and Raman and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy.

IMS technology revolves around a hand-held spectrometer that resembles a lantern-style flashlight. The technology allows the user to detect trace amounts of explosives precursors that may be used for the illicit manufacturing of explosives. Explosive precursors are typically seen in common, commercially available peroxide-based volatile and unstable chemicals used to construct improvised explosive devices (IEDs). These chemicals have been used in a variety of terror attacks, such as the recent Brussels and Paris terror attacks.

Raman and FTIR spectroscopy courses will teach technicians and operations-level responders to conduct field-based, presumptive analysis of suspect chemicals. Like the IMS spectrometer, Raman and FTIR units are also lightweight, hand-held instruments that allow for pronounced accuracy in field analyses.

“We have several courses in which responders train with IMS, Raman and FTIR spectrometers in the detection and analyses of a broad spectrum of chemical threats, not strictly those classified as explosives precursors,” said Mack Castillo, coordinator of CDP’s technology integration. “The responders learn to use varying survey and monitoring technologies developed for response operations in environments potentially contaminated by chemical substances.”

CDP is responsible for identifying, developing, testing and delivering training to state, local, and tribal emergency response providers and is part of the Federal Emergency Management Agency.