US Customs brings on radiation identifiers

AS PART of its “get tough” policy on security, the US Customs and Border Protection Agency (CBP) has deployed sophisticated radiation portal monitors at all major US seaports and land border crossings to the US. Some 300 radiation isotope identifier devices (RIIDs) have been supplied. These hand-held instruments are capable of detecting and identifying various types of radiation from radioactive materials, including materials used in a nuclear or radiation dispersal weapon as well as nuclear materials, natural sources and isotopes. This “layered enforcement strategy” is designed to prevent the smuggling of radiological dispersal devices.