Winter 2005, Vol. 2, Issue 4

Extending a helping 'hand' to law enforcement

Move over 007, researchers at Y‑12 have developed a pint‑sized metal detector that may yield huge dividends for law enforcement and homeland security. This 2‑ by 0.5‑in. smart chip will allow law enforcement professionals to detect metal objects on people or in envelopes and small packages.

NSTC exists to develop, demonstrate and deploy technologies and to produce products to support Y‑12's internal and external customers in an efficient and cost‑effective way.

This system on a chip, or SysChip, facilitates efficient searching while allowing security personnel full function of their hands. That functionality will permit immediate response with firearms or other weapons. When seconds count, that additional mobility can save lives.

The next‑generation SysChip will detect hazardous gases and radiation.

SysChip is one of the innovations developed by the National Security Technology Center at Y‑12. Under the leadership of Lee Bzorgi, NSTC director, the center leverages the collective expertise of Y‑12 to make visions become reality.

NSTC is also working on a chemical agent detector that is of great interest to Tennessee's first lady, Andrea Conte. Y‑12's Judy Johns, who is on assignment as a special assistant to the director of the Tennessee Office of Homeland Security, is working with Y‑12 Public Affairs on Conte's January visit and said that a briefing on this technology is high on her list.

In Johns' current role, she looks at technologies from two perspectives. For technologies like the SysChip, Johns tries to find state and national agencies that can use the technology developed at Y‑12.

On the other hand (so to speak), Johns looks at emerging technologies with potential Y‑12 or state applications. She approaches other agencies, such as the Domestic Nuclear Detection Office (DNDO is part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security), Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and independent vendors, and expresses interest on behalf of the state and Y‑12 in serving as operational test beds.

In describing this role, Johns draws a parallel to deployment of the Remotely Operated Weapon System, or ROWS, which was recently approved for use at Y‑12. She noted that with ROWS, Sandia National Laboratories developed the technology, NNSA headquarters funded the installation and Y‑12 took it through the paces for operational readiness.

Johns hopes to deploy additional technology in a similar manner. For example, she observed some DNDO‑funded physical detection technology at the Radiological and Nuclear Countermeasures Test and Evaluation Complex at the Nevada Test Site.

Following that observation, she briefed stakeholders, including U.S. Rep. Zach Wamp, and obtained Wamp's and site management's buy‑in.

The next step is to facilitate a meeting between stakeholders and DNDO and pursue a memorandum of understanding that will allow Y‑12 or the state to use the technologies in an operational setting.

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