Smiths Detection has supplied the Pittsburgh UASI Urban Area Working Group with 15 SABRE 5000 handheld trace detectors, first used to help protect attendees and participants at the Pittsburgh Marathon on 5 May, 2013.
The SABRE 5000 is the smallest, lightest tri-mode handheld system available for detecting trace amounts of explosives, chemical warfare agents, toxic industrial chemicals or narcotics. Its miniaturized detection technology is programmed to detect and identify over 40 threat substances in about 20 seconds, including common chemicals often used in Improvised Explosive Devices and Home-Made Explosives.
Raymond DeMichiei, Deputy Director for Emergency Management and Homeland Security for Pittsburgh, procured the devices using Federal UASI funding to improve security for the Pittsburgh Marathon, as a response to the Boston Marathon bombing. “The ability of the Sabre 5000 to detect explosive agents was critical to the layer defense we put into place post Boston; and it will be a permanent part of our security protocols moving forward throughout our Urban Area.”
James Viscardi, Smiths Detection’s Vice President, U.S. Critical Infrastructure & Emergency Response, said: “The SABRE 5000 is one of our leading solutions that provides a critical layer of security at major events. It can help security authorities identify even trace elements of explosives on suspicious persons or packages in just seconds, helping to enhance event safety.”
The SABRE system is already widely used to help protect the world’s critical infrastructures, ports and borders, transportation systems and military bases and now is increasingly offered by Smiths Detection for event security.
For SABRE 5000 technical specifications, please click here.
Smiths Detection designs and makes advanced solutions to detect and identify threats including explosives, chemical agents, biohazards, nuclear, radiation, narcotics, weapons and contraband. A market leader worldwide in providing layered security technologies, Smiths Detection has major plants in three U.S. states. It partners federal and state government agencies and first responders to strengthen homeland security and safeguard the military. Major customers include the Department of Defense (DoD) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS). It is part of Smiths Group, a global leader in the practical application of advanced technologies. Smiths Group employs around 23,000 people, including more than 9,000 in the U.S. where it operates around 100 sites in 40 states.