DHS opens new testing, evaluation lab for explosives detection systems

The Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) recently opened a new building at the Transportation Security Laboratory (TSL) to provide independent testing, evaluation, and certification of explosives detection equipment for use in checkpoint areas.

The new facility is located at the William J. Hughes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Technical Center in Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey. The laboratory is comprised of scientific researchers and engineers, explosive storage and handling areas, and a multi-laboratory infrastructure to examine new technology to be used in explosives and contraband detection scenarios across the country.

TSL was put into operation in 1992 as part of the federal response to the 1988 Pan Am 103 Lockerbie bombing, which killed 243 passengers,16 crew members, and 11 civilians on the ground. It is now the only authorized laboratory to evaluate and certify explosives detection and blast mitigation equipment for the Transportation Security Administration.

“Today we renew with vigor a lasting commitment to aviation security that we made 25 years ago to make the skies safer and the world more secure,” TSL Director Christopher Smith said. “Back then we constructed a laboratory to develop and test equipment to detect bombs hidden in checked luggage. Today we are expanding those capabilities to address threats that are constantly increasing in complexity and variety.”