A concealed weapon and contraband imaging and detection system (CWCIDS) is an instrument, a device, or equipment designed to find items considered to be weapons or contraband. This guide provides information that will help members of the law enforcement and corrections community who are current or potential users and operators of CWCIDS better understand the operation, limitations, and applicability of CWCIDS technology to their specific application, as well as to provide an overview of the state of development in the CWCIDS. The guide contains a brief tutorial on science topics necessary for understanding and comparing various CWCIDS and on how to apply these systems for a specific purpose. It contains detailed technical information as well as basic or introductory information. Still, each level of detail is written with the layperson in mind. A brief discussion of radiation-exposure safety is presented in one section, and another section contains descriptions of the technology currently being used or under development for CWCIDS. The concluding section provides suggestions and recommendations for performance standards, which can also be used for procurement purposes. 16 figures, 3 tables, and 33 references