Smiths Detection to Provide High-Speed Document Scanner Systems for TSA Pilot Program at New Haven Train Station

Business Wire, July 15, 2004

PINE BROOK, N.J. -- Smiths Detection, the world's leading provider of trace detection equipment, today announced it has been selected by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to participate in the third phase of the Transit and Rail Inspection Pilot (TRIP) program at the New Haven Train Station. Smiths Detection is supplying three Ionscan Document Scanners, which have the capability to detect and identify traces of explosive substances by scanning passenger travel documents, such as tickets and driver's licenses. Smiths Detection is the first provider of this unique security solution. This is the first time this technology is being used to scan passenger tickets.

"We are pleased that the TSA has selected Smiths Detection for this next phase of TRIP to screen passengers aboard railways," said Bill Mawer, President, Smiths Detection North America. "The Ionscan Document Scanner provides a high level of reliability and exceptional explosive detection performance.

Samples can be collected by swiping the surface of documents such as driver's licenses, passports and other travel documents, over a sample disc. Subsequently, the sample disc is automatically brought into the detector for analysis and a display presents the results to operators. If detection is made, the specific explosive is identified on the display. Positive detection would mean that trace amounts of a particular explosive have been found on the item sampled and would indicate that an explosive device may be present or that the person may have been in contact with explosive material. The Ionscan Document Scanner is currently being used by the Canadian customs.

The first phase of project TRIP took place in May at the New Carrollton, Md. train station where Smiths Detection provided Ionscan 400Bs, desktop trace explosives detection systems for screening carry-on luggage. The second phase took place last month in Union Station where Smiths Detection provided its Explosive Detection tomography System (EDtS), an automated multi-view tomography technique designed to screen checked baggage for explosives.

About Smiths Detection

Smiths Detection North America, based in New Jersey, is part of Smiths Detection, which is one of four operating divisions of Smiths Group plc. Smiths Detection offers technologically advanced security solutions to detect and identify explosives, chemical and biological agents, weapons, and contraband, plus specialist applications for life sciences and food manufacturing industries. Employing trace detection technology together with Smiths-Heimann x-ray imaging, Smiths Detection provides security solutions for customers in homeland security and defense markets worldwide. For more information visit: www.smithsdetection.com.