Smiths Detection latest trace detection technologies become key security component for Corrections Victoria

Sydney, Australia, October 6. 2005 - Corrections Victoria, responsible for management of the Australian state's prison and corrections system, has selected Smiths Detection to provide Sentinel II and Ionscan 500DT drug and explosive detection equipment for two Melbourne prisons. Under a contract valued at over A$600,000, the advanced technology systems will be installed at the HM Melbourne Assessment Prison and the maximum security HM Barwon Prison.

Scott Basham, Vice President of Smiths Detection Asia Pacific, commented: “In selecting Smiths Detection’s Sentinel II and Ionscan 500DT systems to screen visitors, Corrections Victoria has cutting edge security screening solutions that are the most advanced found in correctional institutes anywhere in the world. It now has an unrivalled capability to detect drugs and explosives, using a combination of the Sentinel II walk through trace detection portal and the Ionscan 500DT desk top unit for baggage checks. Prisons and correctional facilities around the world would do well to follow the lead of Corrections Victoria, one of the most forward thinking organisations in its field. Smiths Detection is excited about partnering with Corrections Victoria to create this major screening capability.”


The Technology:
The Sentinel II is a non-invasive walk-through scanner that can screen up to 420 people per hour. It operates automatically, passing air gently over the body to release particles that are naturally absorbed by or cling to a person’s clothing or body. These particles are then drawn into the instrument for analysis. Detection of these particles or vapours can indicate that a person is either carrying narcotics or an explosive device or has come into contact with these substances.

The Ionscan 500DT is a desk top device capable of simultaneously detecting microscopic amounts of more than forty types of narcotic and forty types of explosive substances. It is capable of identifying sub-nanogram amounts of both substances in less than eight seconds from a single sample. More than 7,000 Ionscan trace detection systems are deployed throughout the world, at airports, port and border crossings, public and private buildings, court houses and correctional facilities.


About Smiths Detection:
Smiths Detection is one of four operating divisions of Smiths Group plc. Smiths Detection offers technologically advanced security solutions to detect and identify explosives, chemical & biological agents, weapons and contraband. Employing trace detection technology together with Smiths Heimann X-ray imaging, Smiths Detection provides screening solutions for customers in civil and military markets worldwide.


About Corrections Victoria:
Corrections Victoria is responsible for the direction, management and operation of Victoria's corrections system, which incorporates both prisons and community correctional services. It manages some 50 community correctional services locations across the state and is responsible for managing Victoria's 10 public prisons and overseeing the contracts relating to the management of two privately operated prisons. In so doing, Corrections Victoria delivers a safe and secure corrections system that actively engages offenders and the community to promote positive behaviour change.


Press contacts:

Richard Bayliss
Tel: +44 (0)1923 658106
richard.bayliss@smithsdetection.com

Scott Basham
+61(0) 2 9597 6833