Walk-through Metal Detectors Compliance Testing Program
Updated: Jan. 22, 2003
The security of the nation's public safety facilities, such as police stations, courthouses and jails, as well as schools and airports, have taken on an increased importance due to recent events. One of the most commonly used contraband detection devices in public facilities such as these is a walk-through metal detector.
The National Institute of Justice (NIJ) has a long history of research and standards development in the area of metal detectors and contraband detection devices. The National Institute of Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice (NILECJ), the predecessor of NIJ, published NILECJ Standard-0601.00, Walk-Through Metal Detectors for Use in Weapons Detection, in June 1974. This standard was subsequently revised in September 2000, and based on input from the public safety community and with assistance from the metal detector manufacturing industry, has been revised again. This new standard, NIJ Standard-0601.02, Walk-Through Metal Detectors for Use in Concealed Weapon and Contraband Detection, includes improvements in detection performance as well as new requirements for system performance, including operator interface and/or controls, more realistic test objects, environmental tolerance, electromagnetic compatibility, quality control and assurance, safety and operator instructional and technical repair documentation. It is envisioned that many of these new requirements can be used as a template for consistency for future standards for concealed weapon and contraband imaging and detection systems.
This new standard is also the foundation for a voluntary compliance testing program for walk-through metal detectors administered by NLECTC-National. NLECTC-National has been tasked to initiate this testing program by evaluating a representative sampling of commercially available walk-through metal detectors. An independent testing laboratory has been selected to perform these initial tests and the manufacturers of walk-through metal detectors have been invited to submit a limited number of models for testing. Testing of five models began in June 2002 and is currently anticipated to be completed by spring 2003. When testing has been completed, NLECTC will publish a bulletin and an Equipment Performance Report (EPR) detailing the results of the testing. Models of walk-through metal detectors tested and found to fully comply with the NIJ Standard will be added to a Consumer Product List (CPL).
Contact:
NLECTC
Alex Sundstrom, Testing Coordinator
(800) 248-2742 or (301) 519-5060
rsundstrom@nlectc.org
Office of Law Enforcement Standards (OLES)
Nick Paulter, Program Manager
(301) 975-2405
nicholas.paulter@nist.gov
Last updated: Jan. 22, 2003
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