2000 Counterdrug Research and Development Blueprint Update
Appendix C: Counterdrug Research and Development Projects
Research
and Development Project-Counterdrug Technology Assessment Center
(1999)
Demand Reduction
Vaccine For
Cocaine Addiction
This project is
developing an effective catalytic antibody that acts as a circulating
interceptor in the blood stream to render cocaine inactive after which
the antibody becomes available again.
Agonist Drug
Development
This project is
developing an agonist-type compound that will reduce cocaine induced
effects of blocking the uptake of the neurotransmitter dopamine.
Brain Imaging
Technology
This initiative
provides advances in brain imaging to increase the level of drug abuse
research activity conducted at various medical research facilities.
These advanced brain imaging facilities will employ positron emission
tomography and functional magnetic resonance imaging technologies
to accelerate the development and evaluation of new drugs for treatment.
Drug Evaluation
Network
The Drug Evaluation
Network System (DENS) project, in conjunction with the Center on Addiction
and Substance Abuse (CASA), is a computer system with algorithms to
evaluate and monitor substance abuse treatment programs in real time.
Treatment data on patients are aggregated and organized by a central
computer system using the latest database and executive information
system technology and made accessible to treatment providers, researchers
and managers.
Drug Treatment
And Testing Technologies
This project provides
for a comprehensive analysis of substance abuse among Olympic, professional,
collegiate and high school athletes in America and provides recommendations
for improvement in substance abuse testing, sanctions and treatment.
Investigators will identify problematic substances, masking agents,
and gaps in current testing procedures. A set of recommendations is
being prepared that outline future research for new testing procedures.
Diversion Program
for Juveniles & First Offenders
A New Orleans
District Attorney diversion program to evaluate the treatment technologies
used in court diversion programs for juvenile offenders with drug
abuse problems is being supported.
Supply Reduction
Coded Aperture
Fast Neutron Analysis
A breadboard coded
aperture array is being designed and fabricated to develop an advanced
means of signal processing for neutron interrogation. Investigators
are attempting to overcome some of the disadvantages of X-ray and
pulsed fast neutron analysis, including the need for particle accelerators,
mechanical scanning, and tight pulsing while reducing system costs.
Neutron Interrogation
Probe
A transportable
neutron-based probe is being developed to nonintrusively inspect commodities
for illicit drugs. The system concept detects and analyzes inelastic
and thermal gamma ray signatures to provide elemental images.
Detector Dog
Breeding Program
A drug detection
dog breeding program was established with the Customs Service. The
program is based upon quantitative genetic principles proven by the
Australian Customs Service.
Surface Enhanced
Resonance Raman Spectroscopy
A two-year project
is being conducted with the Police Scientific Development Branch of
the Home Office to extend the use of current SERRS technology being
used for detection of explosives to applications to detect illicit
drugs.
RIONet
The RIONet system
is being developed in the Rio Grande Valley area of south Texas to
allow participating police departments to share information from their
individual data bases and analyze that information with advanced data
mining and link analysis tools. The system overcomes typical problems
associated with incompatible records management systems.
Information
Management and Exploitation
Technology demonstration
sites have been established with participating law enforcement organizations
in California, Colorado, Idaho and Iowa to provide investigators with
improved software technology to assist in solving drug related cases
more effectively. Case management system prototypes are being configured
to develop temporal pattern detection algorithms, to evaluate prototype
software tools for crime analysis, and to deploy advanced data mining
tools to track offenders. Other emerging system concepts include superfast
computer backup that could be deployed on-site and an integration
of forensics systems utilizing digital recording advancements for
the capture and analysis of fingerprints.
Inhibition
of Anhydrous Ammonia for Methamphetamine Production
A feasibility
study was performed to investigate the potential for altering agricultural
anhydrous ammonia to make it unsuitable for methamphetamine production
while retaining its agricultural benefit. Also related to clandestine
laboratory operations, CTAC is sponsoring the development of an online
interactive training module on clandestine laboratory seizures.
Mobile Drug
Destruction Technology
Several concepts
for the use of a mobile/portable incinerator to dispose of seized
drugs were evaluated for the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Technology
Testbeds And T&E Support
The support program
provides testbeds, instrumentation and engineering support to perform
testing of prototypes in operational environments. While the Federal
law enforcement agencies provide the lead for much of the testing
program, many prototype tests include State and local organizations.
The testbed program will continue in FY2000 with a concentration on
nonintrusive inspection technologies, computer science, and benchmark
comparisons of similar systems under development.
CTAC sponsored
the fifth ONDCP International Technology Symposium in March 1999 in
Washington, DC. The program was supported by the federal drug control
agencies and included the presentation of over 100 technical papers
with 400 attendees. In addition, CTAC supports interagency technical
working groups, such as the Scientific Working Group for the Analysis
of Forensic Drug Samples (SWGDRUG). The objective of the SWGDRUG is
to initiate and develop a minimum standard for the identification
of controlled substances in forensic science laboratories.
Technology
Transfer Program
The Technology
Transfer Program provides technologies developed with federal funding
directly to State and local law enforcement agencies that may otherwise
be unable to benefit from the developments due to limited budgets
or lack of technological expertise. This program matches existing
technology systems with state or local law enforcement agencies in
need of those technologies and funds the technology transfer.
Research and
Development Projects - U.S. Customs Service (1999)
Non-Intrusive
Inspection
Gamma Pallet
Scanner
The device is
intended to scan large pallets and provide imaging in a limited space.
Use of a Cobalt-60 source will enable penetration of nominal 4' W
x 4' L x 8' H pallets in a single pass and pallets up to 6 feet wide
and any length in multiple passes. A Cesium source is included for
research purposes. Footprint width of the device is expected to be
less than 14 feet total.
CTX Mobile
System
This project utilizes
a leased Computer Tomography X-ray (CTX) scanning system to examine
suitcase-size objects, 25" W x 20" H x 39" L, with automatic detection
of drugs and other contraband. The InVision CTX-2500 is mounted in
a 31-foot long (24-foot box) truck. The unit provides its own power,
appropriate conveyor belts, and auxiliary input and exit conveyors.
Automated Drug
Recognition Software
The software developed
in a previous joint Customs Service/Navy project will be attached
to an AS&E 101XL x-ray and evaluated for effective operation in a
field environment. A second computer will be attached for this proof-of-concept
operation.
Portal Radiation
Detector
This device provides
final screening of commercial truck traffic leaving U.S. ports of
entry. This is a passive system capable of detecting weapons of mass
destruction, radioactive contamination, and marijuana. This Technical
Support Working Group/Customs Service project continues with the addition
of a software upgrade and repairs/modifications to improve reliability
and operator interfacing.
Pulsed Fast
Neutron Analysis Field Test
Customs Service
will conduct a four to six month field test of a Pulsed Fast Neutron
Analysis (PFNA) - based cargo inspection system at the Ysleta (El
Paso) Texas port of entry. The purpose of this test is to evaluate
the detection capability, throughput, and other operational characteristics
of the system under sustained operational conditions and with stream-of-commerce
vehicles.
Tactical
Technologies
Clandestine
Detection and Tracking of Maritime Vessels
Halting the transport
of narcotics in commercial maritime vessels continues to present a
significant challenge to Customs Service. This project will link the
output of existing clandestine maritime vessel detection and tracking
systems and techniques to a GIS-driven application designed to facilitate
data collection, analysis and dissemination within Customs Service.
Go-Fast Interdiction
Technology
This multi-agency
project will develop non-lethal techniques for stopping go-fast drug
smuggling boats.
Advanced 40-Foot
Interceptor Boat Design
This project will
develop a new catamaran hull boat which will substantially improve
boat handling, speed and comfort in rough seas.
Contraband
Detection
Detection of
Drug Swallowers
One of the most
difficult challenges facing Customs Service is the detection of smugglers
who swallow sealed packets of narcotics. This study, conducted with
the cooperation of the DoD, focuses on the detection of markers in
breath that would indicate ingestion of drug-filled packets.
Port Operations
Support
Plasma ARC
Contraband Destruction System
This project involves
the development and acquisition of a thermal destruction system capable
of destroying seized contraband, including Freon. The system uses
a Russian-designed ARC plasma torch and is expected to have a throughput
of greater than 300 pounds per hour. The processed material will be
completely destroyed, leaving no ash or slag.
Research and
Development Projects - Department of Defense (1999)
Non-Intrusive
Inspection
Maritime Container
X-ray System
This system will
provide for dockside inspection of large intermodal (sea/land) cargo
containers. It is mounted in a modified self-propelled container transporter.
It uses a two setting ( 2 MeV or 6 MeV) linear accelerator to generate
transmission x-ray images. Demonstration and evaluation testing is
scheduled to be completed in CY00. If successful, transition of this
technology to the Customs Service is anticipated.
Large Pallet
X-ray System
This system can
accommodate pallets and air cargo containers up to 8 ft high and 8.5
ft wide. It has been designed to use a special 1 MeV nested high voltage
x-ray source, and is capable of generating both transmission and backscatter
images. It will be demonstrated and evaluated during CY00.
Portable Inspection
System
Law enforcement
agencies boarding boats at sea suspected of drug trafficking require
a portable inspection system that can penetrate up to 2 inches of
steel to search for hidden compartments and drug packages. This project
will develop a portable backscatter imaging system for that application.
Nonintrusive
Inspection (NII) Testbed
The Thunder Mountain
Evaluation Center, located in Fort Huachuca, Arizona, provides a controlled
operational test environment for NII systems prior to the introduction
of the systems to operations at ports of entry on the border. The
location provides facilities and personnel to support test, evaluation,
technical analysis, and operator training and logistic support for
the systems. Indoor and outdoor test space, storage space for test
cargoes and vehicles, and data reduction facilities are available.
The facility has been used to evaluate a small package x-ray, the
mobile truck x-ray, a gamma ray detector, a hyperspectral infrared
vapor detector, and a number of vapor and particle detection systems.
Wide Area
Surveillance
Relocatable
Over-The-Horizon Radar (ROTHR) Technology Enhancements
The Department
of Defense operates the relocatable OTH radar systems to detect and
track aircraft engaged in illicit drug trafficking. Enhancements currently
under development or being installed in the operational system include
1) improved tracker for airfield surveillance, 2) tracker improvements
to decrease false alarm rate, 3) elevation nulling to reduce effects
of equatorial clutter, and 4) automated ray tracing to support target
altitude estimation. Particular attention is being paid to enhancements
for the Puerto Rico relocatable OTH radar in the areas of equatorial
clutter rejection and airfield monitoring.
Advanced Jungle
Laboratory Detection System Evaluations
Studies and evaluations
are being performed with a variety of sensors to determine their ability
to detect and identify drug laboratory activities hidden in jungles.
These include hyperspectral imaging systems, magnetic detection sensors,
advanced radar systems, passive microwave and radio frequency detection
systems. If successful, these evaluations could lead to the development
of enhanced sensors to be installed in the Advanced Sensor Platform
aircraft.
Autonomous
Acoustic Sensor System
An underwater
acoustic sensor system is being developed to detect, classify, and
report the presence of small boats in shallow water. The system, currently
under development, consists of a buoy that contains a power source,
GPS receiver, acoustic sensor, processor, and satellite data link
transceiver. Once a target is detected, its location is sent via the
satellite data link to a central control center.
Advanced Sensor
Platform
This project provides
for the development of a multi-sensor airborne platform to detect
drug processing laboratories hidden in the Colombian jungles. A complete
system with a foliage penetration radar, and electro-optical and infrared
imaging sensors will be completed and transitioned to USSOUTHCOM in
year 2000.
Detection and
Monitoring Studies
This project is
an in-depth analysis addressing the detection, monitoring, and interdiction
process for the counterdrug transit and source zones (i.e., Central
America, South America, and the Caribbean). This analysis provides
an assessment of air and maritime detection and monitoring operations
in the transit zone with particular emphasis on improved surveillance.
The results of the analysis are provided to the DoD Coordinator for
Drug Enforcement Policy and Support, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and
the United States Interdiction Coordinator. The results are used to
assess and, as required, improve the effectiveness of detection, monitoring,
and interdiction operations. In addition, studies and analyses are
performed on existing and newly emerging sensors for use in the counterdrug
mission area.
Tactical
Technologies
Tagging and
Tracking Systems
This project provides
support to the military, and as appropriate, the law enforcement agencies
in the application of new global tagging technology. A family of electronic
tags is under development that can be used for tracking airborne platforms,
land vehicles, and maritime vessels. The tags use GPS satellites or
other means to self locate, and satellite communication systems (such
as INMARSAT) to report data to a central control center. They all
feature small, lightweight packages with low power consumption and
long battery life. A geographic information system is also under development
that enables a command center operator to display the location of
each tag on a map display.
Clandestine
Airfield Monitor
Commercial off
the shelf unattended ground sensors are being investigated and evaluated
to provide an airfield monitoring capability.
Emergency Locator
Beacon
A small, lightweight
emergency locator beacon has been developed and demonstrated. Two
versions have been developed – a vehicle mounted unit, and a
small person carried unit. They interface with the existing satellite
systems, using the GPS system for self-location and the SARSAT (search
and rescue satellite) system to generate and transmit the emergency
data. Demonstration of a prototype unit has been conducted with the
U.S. Border Patrol at Marfa, Texas.
Remote Ranging
and Location System
The Remote Ranging
and Location System consists of a pair of high quality binoculars
integrated with a built-in GPS receiver, magnetic compass, and laser
rangefinder. The system has numerous applications. Working with the
National Guard, the system was successfully evaluated for use by aerial
observers searching for marijuana crops. The airborne observer locates
the crop using the binoculars, presses a button on the system, and
the system automatically computes the geographic coordinates of the
crop's location.
Fast Boat Interdiction
A variety of non-lethal
means to stop go-fast boats have been developed and evaluated. Prototype
surface-to-surface and air-to-surface capabilities have been developed.
Current efforts are concentrating on air delivered means although
surface delivery also is being evaluated. Possible users are the interdiction
forces of the USCS and USCG.
Timeline Analysis
System (TAS)
This project developed
a series of automated graphical aids and visual analytical tools for
analysts. It provided an easy to use interface that allowed the analyst
to graphically track events on a map, on a timeline, or as a process
display. It has been introduced at both SOUTHCOM and at Joint Interagency
Task Force - East. Enhancements developed under this project allow
the system to operate on a variety of platforms operating with different
operating systems and allow greater flexibility and utility for the
operational commands.
Biometric Integration
The objective
of this project is to conduct integrated demonstrations of automated
biometric recognition systems (facial, fingerprint, and voice) to
positively identify suspects in a booking station and other applications.
To achieve this objective, the program supports research in facial
recognition algorithms; the collection of a large database of facial
images; the integration of algorithms into a test bed independent
testing and evaluation of facial recognition algorithms; and demonstration
of the fusion of biometrics in real-world situations. Excellent results
have been achieved to date. Working with several law enforcement agencies
system it is planned to demonstrate and evaluate system performance
in real world applications.
HAMMER
This is a multi-year
development project to investigate advanced state-of-the-art training
and simulation technology for use in counterdrug applications. It
will utilize remote learning to effectively reach many users at low
cost.
Demand Reduction
Specimen Cup
Automated Pouring (SCAP)
Optimized urinalysis
testing methods, equipment, and procedures, and improved specimen
sampling process are being developed. The Specimen Cup Automated Pouring
consists of a new bottle concept that will greatly improve the integrity
and efficiency of the urine sampling process. In addition, the system
will provide an automated specimen bottle handling system to identify/read
the redesigned specimen bottle using bar code technology and automatically
extract urine samples from the container for testing. Demonstration
and evaluation of the system will begin in early CY00 at the beta
test site.
Research and
Development Projects - U.S. Department of Agriculture / Agricultural
Research Service (1999)
Chemical
and Biocontrol of Illicit Narcotic Crops
Agricultural Research
Service (ARS) has screened various herbicides and evaluated their
environmental impacts in support of the Department of State illicit
narcotics control program since 1987. Their most current program is
monitoring field applications of glyphosate for the eradication of
coca and opium in Colombia. Recent accomplishments include the development
of a glyphosate-adjuvant mixture for application in high-rainfall
environments; this development has substantially increased the efficacy
of the eradication program in Colombia. The program also supports
Operation Breakthrough, an interagency effort to more accurately measure
the increase in illicit narcotics cultivation in Colombia. ARS continues
to work with the Department of State, the Drug Enforcement Administration,
and the U.S. Embassy, Bogota, in an effort to convince Colombian authorities
to expand the number of herbicides (most particularly drug formulations)
that are more appropriate to the extremely varied ecosystems of that
country.
Alternative
Crop Research
The rehabilitation
and expansion of traditional tropical tree crop industries, which
can be managed within forest ecosystems in narcotics-impacted areas,
is the primary emphasis of the program. To date, research goals have
focused upon limiting the impact of tropical pests specific to the
coffee and cacao industry through biological control of diseases and
insects, improved cultural practices and proper field management techniques
for small-scale farmers. More recently, a long-term program to improve
the genetic structure of cacao in terms of quality, productivity and
disease tolerance has been initiated. The latter emphasis represents
a long-term commitment to tropical agroforestry. The general philosophy
has been to emphasize organic production, since this most probably
represents a major growth market and a higher value-added component
to small-scale growers in the Andean Region. This year, at the request
of the Department of State, ARS will initiate an organic banana program
for the Caribbean with emphasis upon Jamaica and the Windward Islands.
Accomplishments
to date include the establishment of field stations in Peru, Costa
Rica and Brazil. The Agency currently supports two post-doctoral candidates
from Colombia and one candidate from Peru; their research emphasis
has been upon coffee and cacao respectively. ARS has also supported
small-farmer field training programs in Peru, a Costa Rican regional
workshop, and a national cacao/agroforestry conference in Lima.
Crop Estimation
and Identification
This program has
two components: the detection of illicit drug plants (primarily cannabis
from aerial platforms) and the development of models for the estimation
of illicit narcotics production overseas.
a. Detection:
The detection of cannabis from aerial platforms remains a problem
due to difficulty in developing spectral signatures unique to cannabis.
This is primarily due to the high degree of genetic heterogenity of
illicit cannabis, as well as the general practice of concealing small
plots within agricultural plantings, e.g., corn, or on public lands
within state lands or the U.S. National Forests. Due to small plot
size, satellite imagery is not an option within the United States.
Despite these difficulties, ARS, in cooperation with NASA and the
Naval Systems Weapons Laboratory, has made some progress in developing
hand held sensors for deployment from helicopters. Unfortunately,
some visual corroboration remains necessary. During the last year,
ARS, in cooperation with DEA has conducted two workshops for State
Police, National Guard and federal land management agencies; the Maryland
State Police and Florida Department of Law Enforcement have provided
logistical and classroom support for these workshops.
b. Crop Estimation:
Public Law 481, as amended, mandates that the Secretary of State produce
an annual report to Congress with estimates of the magnitude of the
illicit narcotic crop overseas by country. ARS scientists collaborate
closely with host country governments, the intelligence community,
the Department of State and Drug Enforcement Administration in developing
models of narcotic alkaloid yield which are then matched with spectral
imagery produced by both the U.S. intelligence community and the United
Nations. Current programs include support for Operation Breakthrough
in Colombia and development of diversion estimates from the licit
poppy crop in India. In recent years, the program has moved from applied
research to the development of predictive mathematical plant growth
models based upon known parameters including weather, rainfall, soil
type and genetic characteristics of the target narcotic plant species.
The ultimate goal will be to develop a predictive model of production
which can be driven by spectral imagery with a more limited requirement
for the collection of ground truth data, which involves expensive,
relatively high-risk activities in narcotics producing areas.
Illicit
Crop Chemistry
This program effectively
supports the other three by mapping the biochemical pathways of narcotic
plant chemistry and mapping the genome and taxonomy of illicit narcotic
species. It is an essential element of both in developing a narcotic
crop eradication strategy, as well as, developing predictive models
of illicit (and licit) narcotic alkaloid production.
Recently, the
program has become more aligned with mapping narcotic plant genetics.
Two related current initiatives, at the request of Department of State,
involve the improvement of the Turkish and India licit poppy industries
to meet expanding needs of the U.S. pharmaceutical industry. An additional
similar initiative has been the characterization of the cacao genome
collections worldwide with emphasis upon identifying genetic markers
for the isolation of both alkaloids and flavanoids of high commercial
value, which if introduced by breeding into traditional cacao culture
in Latin America can provide significant value-added profits for small-
scale farmers. Similar technologies can be applied to other alternative
crops, including bananas, mangosteens and plantain.
Development
of Mycoherbicides
Drug research
funds in the amount of $23 million were appropriated to the Department
of State under the Western Hemisphere Drug Trafficking Emergency Supplemental
in 1999. Of these funds, $13 million were earmarked for the development
of mycoherbicides for narcotic crop control. These funds have been
provided by the Department of State to the United Nations Drug Control
Program to further the research and development of mycoherbicides.
Research
and Development Projects - Immigration and Naturalization Service
(1999)
Long Line
Sensor Technology
BLUE ROSE - The
INS is exploring the merits of a new approach to long line fiber optic
intrusion detection being developed by the Naval Undersea Warfare
Center, Newport, Rhode Island for use along the Southwest Border.
Development of a proof-of-concept demonstration sensor was initiated
and completed with a successful demonstration of the concept on December
9, 1999. Continued development funding is to be determined.
Research and
Development Projects - U.S. Coast Guard (1999)
Improve
Surveillance Technology
Technical Evaluation
of Acoustic Detection Systems for Go Fast Boats - A project to
design, fabricate and test a prototype of an unattended underwater
acoustic sensor capable of detecting and classifying small boats and
communicating this information to operational forces in a timely manner.
Sensor Fusion
- A project to enhance target detection, classification and tracking
in support of tactical analysis and intercept decisions through an
analysis of both imaging correlators and fusion algorithms as well
as complete flight demonstration of the Sensor Integrated Tactical
Workstation.
Digital Nighttime
Investigation of Telephoto Equipment for Identification System
- A digital airborne image acquisition and target alignment/illumination
system is being developed to facilitate positive, in-flight nighttime
identification of target vessels.
UAVs as Over-the-Horizon
Sensors - Demonstration of how unmanned aerial vehicles can provide
an Over-the-Horizon sensor platform for deployed Coast Guard cutters
to detect, classify and identify maritime targets.
Improve
Vessel Search Capabilities
Boarding and
Search Equipment - Analyzing new technology applications, methods
and procedures in support of improved vessel searches. Specific areas
of investigation include: (1) countermeasures against obscurants used
in attempts to foil detection by ion mobility spectroscopy equipment
and technology, and (2) the potential of adapting existing technologies
to collect, analyze and accurately report the presence of cocaine
vapor directly or via one of its vapor by-products.
Vessel Search
via Low Energy Imaging Techniques - Ultrasonic - Using low energy
interrogation technologies and techniques such as ultrasonics, the
Coast Guard is developing a prototype imaging device and evaluating
its potential as a tool for searching vessel tanks for contraband
and locating hidden compartments.
Support Narcotic
Detection Technology Assessment Team Activities - The USCG R&D
Center participates in and supports the CTAC NDTA test and evaluation
studies of illicit substance detection devices in laboratory, simulated
field and real field operational conditions.
Compliance
Technology
Vessel Interception,
Disabling and Marking - Development and assessment of new technologies,
including non-lethal, that support Coast Guard interdiction of suspect
vessels. They are demonstrating different technological approaches
which can be used at standoff distances to apply markers to suspect
vessels; or to disable or inhibit them from evading the pursuit assets.
Technology
Investment
Maritime Operations
Simulation Upgrade - Provide the Coast Guard with the ability
to sustain a flexible, low-cost and powerful maritime law enforcement
operations modeling, simulation and analysis capability.
Fuel Cell Propulsion
for a WMEC - Demonstrate the benefits of fuel cell propulsion
and ship's service on board Coast Guard cutters performing counterdrug
interdiction patrols. Provide technical and cost data necessary to
evaluate future applications of marine fuel cells.
Mobile Communications
Infrastructure - Evaluate new and emerging commercial systems
to meet Coast Guard mobile communications requirements, including
secure communications for counterdrug interdiction operations. Develop
an architecture for wide area network connectivity between mobile
platforms and shore units. Test and recommend alternatives that can
be used to implement this architecture.
Completed
Counterdrug R&D Initiatives (FY99)
Operational
Information Integration Technology - Develop an information model
for operational information, including law enforcement, and analyzing
this model for data integration requirements along the following dimensions:
data discovery, data fusion, data conversion, and data display. Investigate
innovative systems and methodological technologies for data integration.
Operational
Information System Plus - Demonstrate how new state-of-the-market
communications and information systems can greatly improve support
for operations, including law enforcement, resulting in increased
mission efficiency and effective use of Coast Guard resources.
Research and
Development Projects - National Institute of Justice, Office of Science
and Technology (1999)
Tactical
Technology Development
Body Cavity
Screening: Supplemental Proposal for System Calibration and Procurement
of Long-Term Lead Items for Phase II
A portion of this
funding supplement proposal is for additional calibration work necessary
to complete the optimization or parameters and demonstrate the effectiveness
of the systems for detecting foreign objects in body cavities. Preliminary
tests have shown the Body Cavity Screening System to be a non-invasive
scanner for very small steel objects smuggled in body cavities. Calibration
with human volunteers was not intended to be part of the system development
effort and not included in the Phase II Statement of Work. However,
the program has progressed to the point that realistic imaging targets
must be used to more fully optimize the imaging parameters.
COPLINK Database
Integration and Access for a Law Enforcement
The Tucson Police
Department (TPD) and the University of Arizona Artificial Intelligence
Group have partnered to research the application of state-of-the-art
and cost effective database, Intranet, and multimedia technologies
to computer justice information database integration, management,
and access. The partnership blends two area of expertise: law enforcement
and information technologies.
Detection of
Date Rape Drugs in Hair and Urine
This project will
develop a methodology to detect flunitrazepam (rohphon) in the hair
of suspected date rape victims. Detection time in other biological
fluids is limited because of the relative short half-life of the drug
and its metabolite, 7-amino flunitrazepam. The extremely sensitive
confirmatory assay was initially applied to the detection of the flunitrazepam
and its metabolite in hair but will be expanded to include other benzodiazepines
such as diazepam, clonazepam, trizolam and alprazolam. The project
will be expanded to examine the detection feasibility of other date
rape drugs in specimen samples. These include gamma hydroxy butyrate
(GHB), ketamine and scopolamine. The information would be valuable
in helping to get an overall picture of the role various drugs might
play in criminal sexual assault.
Development
of a Guideline for Explosives/ Drug Detectors for Law Enforcement
Applications
The main objective
of this project is to provide information about the capabilities of
drug detection systems to local law enforcement agencies, and to provide
a technical basis for the procurement of such equipment based on the
development of an appropriate guideline on commercially available
systems, standard test protocols, and testing results. Emphasis will
be placed on systems that are small and lightweight enough to be transported
in a standard police car, and on units that are low cost.
Facial Recognition
Technology (Phase II)
Locating missing
and exploited children, tracking known sex offenders, attempting to
identify individuals in video surveillance are difficult, time consuming
tasks that suffer from inadequate personnel support. Modern computer
technology can substantially enhance these investigative efforts.
Evolving technologies, such as automated still photo and video facial
recognition and expert system analysis, already exist but must be
integrated with advanced search methods to provide solutions that
are useful in this context. This project will develop and integrate
specialized software search agents with biometric identification "modules"
that can be used as a system to find missing children and fugitives
on the Internet, in video surveillance, or other large facial databases.
These specialized software search agents can be used in a variety
of combinations depending upon the specific type of search required.
Interlaboratory
Studies on the Analysis of Hair for Drugs-of-Abuse
In recent years,
there has been considerable interest in the use of hair analysis for
detecting drug use. However, there are many analytical aspects of
this procedure that have not been thoroughly investigated and resolved.
The objective of this project is to conclude work on a quality assurance
program for laboratories that use or are investigating using hair
analysis for drugs of abuse. The results of this project have indicated
the need for standard reference materials for the analysis of drugs
of abuse in hair.
NIJ Standard
0604.00/0605.00, Chemical Spot Tests for Preliminary Identification
of Drugs of Abuse
The objective
of this project is to complete the revalidation of the chemical spot
test for sensitivity, specificity, and color reaction, and to prepare
a revised document that is a single comprehensive standard for the
use of chemical spot tests. A report will update and issue one revised
NIJ Standard for both of the two current standards for the Chemical
Spot Tests and for Color test.
Non-Intrusive
Detection and Determination of Drugs in the Human Body: Evaluation
of Saliva as an Alternate Drug Testing Specimen
The objective
of this project is to focus on the development of rapid non-intrusive
methods for the detection and determination of drugs of abuse in the
human body. It explores: (1) the use of saliva as a diagnostic sample
medium, (2) correlation of the drugs concentration in the saliva with
that in the blood for estimation of circulating concentration of drugs,
and (3) electrophoresis, both in a capillary and on a microchip for
the rapid separation and determination of the drugs concentration.
A Portable
Voice-Command Translation System (IWT)
The Voice Response
Translator (VRT) is an officer-portable device enabling law enforcement
officers to communicate with persons having difficulty speaking or
understanding English. The Voice-activated VRT device emits pre-recorded
spoken phrases in either Vietnamese, Chinese (Cantonese) or Spanish,
in response to an officer's prompting. The phrases are intended to
elicit gestures and body language, in the form of head nods or hand
motions, from persons the officer is addressing.
Real-Time Computer
Surveillance for Crime Detection
The American Probation
and Parole Association and the National Institute of Justice will
work with a group of 25 manufactures, service providers, and product
and service users from throughout the country to develop and deliver
information on electronic monitoring tools, develop and implement
procedures for testing equipment abilities and specifications, develop
a list of equipment capabilities and specifications for users, report
on potential applications of current technology, and develop data
elements for future evaluation or equipment uses.
Technology
Thrust Areas and Technical Solutions to Law Enforcement
Texas Instruments
will deploy low-cost, uncooled thermal imaging systems for law enforcement
in cities and countries in the corridor along Highway 75 between Dallas
and Grayson Counties in Texas.
Voice Command
Mobile Phone Technology for Community Policing
A technology matrix
of the most promising counter terrorism technologies will be developed
along with a prioritized listing of needs. A Final Report will provide
the results of the seminar war game.
