Using the FLIR Fido X2 handheld explosive detector for counter-terrorism
30th January 2020
Using the FLIR Fido X2
In December 2018, the BBC reported that a couple who had been jailed for making home-made explosives in Cardiff after a property raid. South Wales Police, alongside multiple specialist support teams (including the Welsh Extremism and Counter-Terrorism Unit), conducted the property raid in August 2018 after a tip-off. The raid led to suspects being convicted of possession of explosives, counts of manufacture and counts of possession of a document containing information useful to terrorism.
Identifying explosive material with TrueTrace™ technology
The FLIR Fido X2 explosive trace detector (ETD), sold by Southern Scientific in the UK, was used by officers at the scene to identify and verify explosive threats. Handheld ETDs operate by collecting trace quantities of explosive material present on surfaces or individuals that have been in contact with explosive material.
TrueTrace™ multiplexed luminescence technology
The FLIR Fido X2 and X3 use TrueTrace technology for detection of Trace (nanogram) amounts of explosives. Fido X Series uses multiplexed luminescence technology, a reversible, chemically-specific interaction. TrueTrace enabled devices allow high throughput with a low cost-per-sample, making them a popular portable trace detection instrument.
Quickly analyse sample material
Within ten seconds, the FLIR Fido X2 can accurately analyse samples collected with reusable swabs. The X2 ETD displays simple “Threat”/“No Threat” results, along with category-based explosive identification. The system graphical user interface (GUI) and on-board tutorial videos guide the user through operation, with basic operator training taking less than an hour.
During the property raid in Cardiff, the X2 was first used to swab the suspect’s hands, testing positive for explosive material within seconds. The speed of analysis ensures that responding officers can quickly and accurately identify threats with confidence. The X2 also boasts a rapid start-up of just three minutes and a rapid clear down within seconds, making it the device of choice for first responders to save time during critical operations.
Lightweight and portable ETD
Ergonomically designed and ultra-lightweight, the Fido X2 is easily portable during periods of high alert. Officers in Wales utilised the X2 ETD throughout the raid to test suspects and items while multiple teams conducted a thorough search of the property in question, demonstrating that portable handheld ETD technology, such as the FLIR Fido XSeries, is sensitive, portable and intuitive, allowing it to play a primary role in combatting the global threat of terrorism.
BBC reference: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-46646674