Utilizing Headspace Solid-Phase Microextraction for the Characterization of Volatile Organic Compounds Released from Contraband and its Implications for Detector Dog Training

Improving the accuracy and reliability of odor detection dogs is of utmost importance particularly for legal reasons. Field testing in conjunction with headspace analysis of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) has in recent times allowed for these improvements, by providing scientifically based recommendations for optimum training protocols. The current project leveraged on these established capabilities to enhance three areas of odor detection: illicit drugs, explosives and mass storage devices. With hemp being legalized under the 2018 Farm Bill, legal questions have been raised regarding a dog’s ability to ignore hemp if trained to detect marijuana, as both are types of Cannabis. Results concluded that most dogs do alert to hemp; however, they can be successfully trained over time to discriminate between hemp and marijuana. Headspace analysis showed marked similarities between sets of both products with minor differences. These differences can be further investigated to determine if characteristic marijuana VOCs exist that can be included in canine training regimens. Other tests showed that dogs imprinted on current marijuana odor mimics can falsely respond to hemp as the VOC components of these mimics are not specific to marijuana. These mimics should therefore be avoided for further training purposes. Dogs have been trained to detect and locate explosives such as triacetone triperoxide (TATP) that cannot be detected by most instrumental detectors. Headspace analysis showed TATP consisting primarily of the TATP molecule with relatively smaller amounts of the precursor acetone. Field tests determined that dogs imprinted on TATP may also falsely respond solely to the precursors acetone or hydrogen peroxide and as a result, additional training to ignore these VOCs should be considered. Detection of mass storage device (MSDs) is a relatively new field with little understanding of optimum training methods for dogs. Headspace analysis of various MSDs showed that they do have characteristic VOCs that can allow for successful odor detection with specificity. Additionally, the validity of 1-hydroxyclohexylphenyl ketone and triphenylphosphine oxide (TPPO) as training compounds were also investigated. 1-hydroxyclohexylphenyl ketone was detected in MSDs but also in other electronic controls while TPPO was not detected in MSD components

Rail Passenger Selective Screening Summit, MTI S-09-01

This publication is an edited transcript of the Rail Passenger Selective Screening Summit, which was co-sponsored by MTI and the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) in Chicago, Illinois on June 18, 2009, during APTA´s annual Rail Conference. The workshop was moderated by Brian Michael Jenkins, director, Mineta Transportation Institute\u27s National Transportation Security Center of Excellence (NTSCOE). Speakers included Bruce R. Butterworth, co-author, Selective Screening of Rail Passengers; Greg Hull, president, American Public Transportation Association (APTA); Paul MacMillan, chief of police, Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, Transit Police Department; Ron Masciana, deputy chief, Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA), New York; Jesus Ojeda, security coordinator, Southern California Regional Rail Authority; Ed Phillips, operations deputy, Office of Security, Amtrak; and John P. Sammon, assistant administrator, Transportation Sector Network Management, Transportation Security Administration (TSA

Study of the Transport of Odorants from Illicit Substances Using Direct Analysis in Real Time Mass Spectrometry

Canines have been employed in matters of law enforcement because of their keen sense of smell. Presently, law enforcement officials are utilizing trained canines in routine traffic stops to assess if the vehicle contains any illicit substances. Many believe that this is an infringement on an individual’s fourth amendment rights, which has garnered the attention of both the media and the courts. Many questions have been raised with respect to canines alerting to locations where illicit substances were no longer present. Thus, the purpose of this dissertation research is to evaluate the manner in which active odorants transport and persist onto various substrates. Direct Analysis in Real Time (DART) coupled to an accurate-mass time-of-flight (AccuTOF™) mass spectrometer was used to rapidly analyze the volatile organic compounds (VOC’s) from a variety of narcotic and explosive substances. The DART ion source is a soft ionization technique used in ambient conditions to sample liquids, solids or gases in real time. Thermal desorption of the VOC’s could thus be conducted in seconds. The present study found that the VOC’s from illicit substances transport from one location to another, in a short amount of time, through a process known as advection, which may contribute to canines producing unconfirmed alerts during their training and certifications. Three of the four odorants used in this study produced positive results, with the exception being 2-ethyl-1-hexanol, as it was not detected at any time when held at distances between 0.5 and 3 meters. In addition, the amount of time needed for an active odorant to contaminate an object in its immediate vicinity was explored and the results were determined to be inconclusive. Although they were observed following longer exposure times, it was still deemed to be inconclusive since it was still possible for these odorants to be present, albeit not in detectable amounts, at lower exposure times. Controlled odor mimic permeating systems (COMPS), patented technology by IFRI were tested to determine the possibility of cross-contamination between the training aids, and the results conclude that there was not any evidence of cross-contamination observed during any of the trials

The Journal of Mine Action Issue 5.1 (2001)

The Journal of Mine Action Issue 5.1 Landmines in Asia and the Pacifi

Identification of the Active Odors From Illicit Substances for the Development of Optimal Canine Training Aids

The exploitation of illicit substances, such as drugs and explosives, is on the rise. Special attention must therefore be considered to reduce the transportation and storage of these illicit substances by improving the capability of detection, even when hidden from view. Although analytical methods of detection for both drugs and explosives have improved over time, biological detectors, such as canines, are still commonly used. In comparison to humans, these canines have a larger number of olfactory receptors and a greater olfactory epithelium surface area, providing them with a more enhanced olfaction than that of humans. The premise for the detection of illicit drugs and explosives is based on the premise that these substances though hidden, will emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These VOCs are not often the parent drug or explosive, they are essentially a chemical associated with the source and provide a reliable indication of the illicit substance. Previous successful research has been conducted on the identification of the active odors present in the headspace of cocaine, methamphetamine, and MDMA but instead for marijuana and heroin there have been minimum success. Thus, in the present research a method using headspace solid-phase microextraction coupled to gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-MS) was optimized to identify the VOCs makeup of heroin and marijuana to further identify the active odor compound(s) responsible for the alert response of biological detectors (canines). A mixture of acetic acid and acetylsalicylic acid was identified as target odor mimic for heroin by certified detector canines, while a mixture of limonene and caryophyllene was recognized as odor mimic for marijuana by conducting ORTs. The training aids developed successfully mimic the scent of the actual illicit substance and can be used to improve the capabilities of both drug and explosive detection canines. Additionally, as growing threat of improvised explosives has created a worldwide concern and emphasized the requirement of a greater spectra of canine training aids that covers the complete range of explosives available, a new approach for the creation of training aids for IEDs have been evaluated. The use of a dynamic collection system have proved to be an option to develop fast and reliable canine training aids for IEDs

Evaluation of the Scent Collection System for Its Effectiveness in Volatile Organic Compound Collection and Use in Canine Training

As a result of increased terrorist activity around the world, the development of a canine training aid suitable for daily military operations is necessary to provide effective canine explosive detection. Since the use of sniffer dogs has proven to be a reliable resource for the rapid detection of explosive volatiles organic compounds, the present study evaluated the ability of the Human Scent Collection System (HSCS) device for the creation of training aids for plasticized / tagged explosives, nitroglycerin and TNT containing explosives, and smokeless powders for canine training purposes. Through canine field testing, it was demonstrated that volatiles dynamically collected from real explosive material provided a positive canine response showing the effectiveness of the HSCS in creating canine training aids that can be used immediately or up to several weeks (3) after collection under proper storage conditions. These reliable non-hazardous training aids allow its use in areas where real explosive material aids are not practical and/or available

Transportation Security: Key Actions Have Been Taken to Enhance Mass Transit and Passenger Rail Security, but Opportunities Exist to Strengthen Federal Strategy and Programs

A letter report issued by the Government Accountability Office with an abstract that begins "Terrorist incidents worldwide have highlighted the need for securing mass transit and passenger rail systems. The Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is the primary federal entity responsible for securing these systems. GAO was asked to assess (1) the extent to which federal and industry stakeholders have assessed risks to these systems since 2004, and how TSA has used this information to inform its security strategy; (2) key actions federal and industry stakeholders have taken since 2004 and the extent to which federal actions are consistent with TSA's security strategy, and the challenges TSA faces in implementing them; and (3) TSA's reported status in implementing 9/11 Commission Act provisions for mass transit and passenger rail security. GAO reviewed documents including TSA's mass transit and passenger rail strategic plan, and interviewed federal officials and industry stakeholders from 30 systems and Amtrak--representing 75 percent of U.S. mass transit and passenger rail ridership.

UNMAS 2016 Annual Report

As conflicts rage across the world and the threats posed by explosive hazards perpetuate humanitarian crises and hinder emergency response, UNMAS leadership is needed more than ever. Repeatedly and consistently, mine action has proven critical to humanitarian action. This, and the crucial coordination role of UNMAS, was widely recognised at the World Humanitarian Summit, and in the outcome documents, by affected states, donor nations, United Nations entities and civil society. Mine action is also a vital stabilization enabler, facilitating the recovery of communities impacted by conflict. As Iraqis work to rebuild their lives in the aftermath of Da’esh, mine action efforts are needed for their safe return and ensure that schools, hospitals and infrastructure are open and accessible. UNMAS is providing high quality services specialised advice across continents. The trust and confidence affected states and donor nations have placed in this Service are evident; requests for assistance persist, from Cameroon and Ukraine to name but a few. For the second consecutive year, donor contributions to the Voluntary Trust Fund for Assistance in Mine Action have increased. However, though the fund grew by 21 per cent in 2016, there is a need for increased levels of core funding to support UNMAS operations as the number of programmes continues to grow. Such trust is not misplaced. As you will see in this report, UNMAS is effectively leading, shaping and guiding mine action globally; consistently delivering tangible results in both technical response and policy development. UNMAS work is underpinned by careful and strategic planning supported by robust monitoring and evaluation. The quality of work is constantly improving. UNMAS goes into its twentieth year stronger and more effective than ever before; fit for purpose to respond to the needs of millions of people impacted by conflict

The Fourth National Security Summit: Approaches to Passenger Screening, MTI S-08-01

The Fourth National Security Summit: Approaches to Passenger Screening is the transcript of a symposium held on March 14, 2007. It was sponsored by the Mineta Transportation Institute and the American Public Transportation Association. For this symposium, numerous experts on security and terrorism, public policy makers, transit executives, and members of law enforcement were invited to participate in an open forum. Topics of discussion included: how public transportation is vulnerable to terrorist attack, and how public transportation has become a target for terrorist both in the United States and abroad; what techniques in screening can be considered the most realistic, reliable and effective; what new technologies may provide public transportation with increased security; how federal training programs and federal funds can most effectively be implemented and distributed nationwide; and finally, the best techniques in preventing terrorist attacks and mitigating risk