General Counterdrug Intelligence Plan
Appendix C – Counterdrug Research and Development Projects
Research and Development Projects – Counterdrug Technology Assessment Center (1999)
Demand Reduction
Vaccine For Cocaine Addiction
This project is developing an effective catalytic antibody that acts as a circulating interceptor in the blood stream to render cocaine inactive after which the antibody becomes available again.
Agonist Drug Development
This project is developing an agonist-type compound that will reduce cocaine induced effects of blocking the uptake of the neurotransmitter dopamine.
Brain Imaging Technology
This initiative provides advances in brain imaging to increase the level of drug abuse research activity conducted at various medical research facilities. These advanced brain imaging facilities will employ positron emission tomography and functional magnetic resonance imaging technologies to accelerate the development and evaluation of new drugs for treatment.
Drug Evaluation Network
The Drug Evaluation Network System (DENS) project, in conjunction with the Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA), is a computer system with algorithms to evaluate and monitor substance abuse treatment programs in real time. Treatment data on patients are aggregated and organized by a central computer system using the latest database and executive information system technology and made accessible to treatment providers, researchers and managers.
Drug Treatment And Testing Technologies
This project provides for a comprehensive analysis of substance abuse among Olympic, professional, collegiate and high school athletes in America and provides recommendations for improvement in substance abuse testing, sanctions and treatment. Investigators will identify problematic substances, masking agents, and gaps in current testing procedures. A set of recommendations is being prepared that outline future research for new testing procedures.
Diversion Program for Juveniles & First Offenders
A New Orleans District Attorney diversion program to evaluate the treatment technologies used in court diversion programs for juvenile offenders with drug abuse problems is being supported.
Supply Reduction
Coded Aperture Fast Neutron Analysis
A breadboard coded aperture array is being designed and fabricated to develop an advanced means of signal processing for neutron interrogation. Investigators are attempting to overcome some of the disadvantages of X-ray and pulsed fast neutron analysis, including the need for particle accelerators, mechanical scanning, and tight pulsing while reducing system costs.
Neutron Interrogation Probe
A transportable neutron-based probe is being developed to nonintrusively inspect commodities for illicit drugs. The system concept detects and analyzes inelastic and thermal gamma ray signatures to provide elemental images.
Detector Dog Breeding Program
A drug detection dog breeding program was established with the Customs Service. The program is based upon quantitative genetic principles proven by the Australian Customs Service.
Surface Enhanced Resonance Raman Spectroscopy
A two-year project is being conducted with the Police Scientific Development Branch of the Home Office to extend the use of current SERRS technology being used for detection of explosives to applications to detect illicit drugs.
RIONet
The RIONet system is being developed in the Rio Grande Valley area of south Texas to allow participating police departments to share information from their individual data bases and analyze that information with advanced data mining and link analysis tools. The system overcomes typical problems associated with incompatible records management systems.
Information Management and Exploitation
Technology demonstration sites have been established with participating law enforcement organizations in California, Colorado, Idaho and Iowa to provide investigators with improved software technology to assist in solving drug related cases more effectively. Case management system prototypes are being configured to develop temporal pattern detection algorithms, to evaluate prototype software tools for crime analysis, and to deploy advanced data mining tools to track offenders. Other emerging system concepts include superfast computer backup that could be deployed on-site and an integration of forensics systems utilizing digital recording advancements for the capture and analysis of fingerprints.
Inhibition of Anhydrous Ammonia for Methamphetamine Production
A feasibility study was performed to investigate the potential for altering agricultural anhydrous ammonia to make it unsuitable for methamphetamine production while retaining its agricultural benefit. Also related to clandestine laboratory operations, CTAC is sponsoring the development of an online interactive training module on clandestine laboratory seizures.
Mobile Drug Destruction Technology
Several concepts for the use of a mobile/portable incinerator to dispose of seized drugs were evaluated for the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Technology Testbeds And T&E Support
The support program provides testbeds, instrumentation and engineering support to perform testing of prototypes in operational environments. While the Federal law enforcement agencies provide the lead for much of the testing program, many prototype tests include State and local organizations. The testbed program will continue in FY2000 with a concentration on nonintrusive inspection technologies, computer science, and benchmark comparisons of similar systems under development.
CTAC sponsored the fifth ONDCP International Technology Symposium in March 1999 in Washington, DC. The program was supported by the federal drug control agencies and included the presentation of over 100 technical papers with 400 attendees. In addition, CTAC supports interagency technical working groups, such as the Scientific Working Group for the Analysis of Forensic Drug Samples (SWGDRUG). The objective of the SWGDRUG is to initiate and develop a minimum standard for the identification of controlled substances in forensic science laboratories.
Technology Transfer Program
The Technology Transfer Program provides technologies developed with federal funding directly to State and local law enforcement agencies that may otherwise be unable to benefit from the developments due to limited budgets or lack of technological expertise. This program matches existing technology systems with state or local law enforcement agencies in need of those technologies and funds the technology transfer.
Research and Development Projects – U.S. Customs Service (1999)
Non-Intrusive Inspection
Gamma Pallet Scanner
The device is intended to scan large pallets and provide imaging in a limited space. Use of a Cobalt-60 source will enable penetration of nominal 4' W x 4' L x 8' H pallets in a single pass and pallets up to 6 feet wide and any length in multiple passes. A Cesium source is included for research purposes. Footprint width of the device is expected to be less than 14 feet total.
CTX Mobile System
This project utilizes a leased Computer Tomography X-ray (CTX) scanning system to examine suitcase-size objects, 25" W x 20" H x 39" L, with automatic detection of drugs and other contraband. The InVision CTX-2500 is mounted in a 31-foot long (24-foot box) truck. The unit provides its own power, appropriate conveyor belts, and auxiliary input and exit conveyors.
Automated Drug Recognition Software
The software developed in a previous joint Customs Service/Navy project will be attached to an AS&E 101XL x-ray and evaluated for effective operation in a field environment. A second computer will be attached for this proof-of-concept operation.
Portal Radiation Detector
This device provides final screening of commercial truck traffic leaving U.S. ports of entry. This is a passive system capable of detecting weapons of mass destruction, radioactive contamination, and marijuana. This Technical Support Working Group/Customs Service project continues with the addition of a software upgrade and repairs/modifications to improve reliability and operator interfacing.
Pulsed Fast Neutron Analysis Field Test
Customs Service will conduct a four to six month field test of a Pulsed Fast Neutron Analysis (PFNA) – based cargo inspection system at the Ysleta (El Paso) Texas port of entry. The purpose of this test is to evaluate the detection capability, throughput, and other operational characteristics of the system under sustained operational conditions and with stream-of-commerce vehicles.
Tactical Technologies
Clandestine Detection and Tracking of Maritime Vessels
Halting the transport of narcotics in commercial maritime vessels continues to present a significant challenge to Customs Service. This project will link the output of existing clandestine maritime vessel detection and tracking systems and techniques to a GIS-driven application designed to facilitate data collection, analysis and dissemination within Customs Service.
Go-Fast Interdiction Technology
This multi-agency project will develop non-lethal techniques for stopping go-fast drug smuggling boats.
Advanced 40-Foot Interceptor Boat Design
This project will develop a new catamaran hull boat which will substantially improve boat handling, speed and comfort in rough seas.
Contraband Detection
Detection of Drug Swallowers
One of the most difficult challenges facing Customs Service is the detection of smugglers who swallow sealed packets of narcotics. This study, conducted with the cooperation of the DoD, focuses on the detection of markers in breath that would indicate ingestion of drug-filled packets.
Port Operations Support
Plasma ARC Contraband Destruction System
This project involves the development and acquisition of a thermal destruction system capable of destroying seized contraband, including Freon. The system uses a Russian-designed ARC plasma torch and is expected to have a throughput of greater than 300 pounds per hour. The processed material will be completely destroyed, leaving no ash or slag.
Research and Development Projects – Department of Defense (1999)
Non-Intrusive Inspection
Maritime Container X-ray System
This system will provide for dockside inspection of large intermodal (sea/land) cargo containers. It is mounted in a modified self-propelled container transporter. It uses a two setting ( 2 MeV or 6 MeV) linear accelerator to generate transmission x-ray images. Demonstration and evaluation testing is scheduled to be completed in CY00. If successful, transition of this technology to the Customs Service is anticipated.
Large Pallet X-ray System
This system can accommodate pallets and air cargo containers up to 8 ft high and 8.5 ft wide. It has been designed to use a special 1 MeV nested high voltage x-ray source, and is capable of generating both transmission and backscatter images. It will be demonstrated and evaluated
during CY00.
Portable Inspection System
Law enforcement agencies boarding boats at sea suspected of drug trafficking require a portable inspection system that can penetrate up to 2 inches of steel to search for hidden compartments
and drug packages. This project will develop a portable backscatter imaging system for that application.
Nonintrusive Inspection (NII) Testbed
The Thunder Mountain Evaluation Center, located in Fort Huachuca, Arizona, provides a controlled operational test environment for NII systems prior to the introduction of the systems to operations at ports of entry on the border. The location provides facilities and personnel to support test, evaluation, technical analysis, and operator training and logistic support for the systems. Indoor and outdoor test space, storage space for test cargoes and vehicles, and data reduction facilities are available. The facility has been used to evaluate a small package x-ray, the mobile truck x-ray, a gamma ray detector, a hyperspectral infrared vapor detector, and a number of vapor and particle detection systems.
Wide Area Surveillance
Relocatable Over-The-Horizon Radar (ROTHR) Technology Enhancements
The Department of Defense operates the relocatable OTH radar systems to detect and track aircraft engaged in illicit drug trafficking. Enhancements currently under development or being installed in the operational system include 1) improved tracker for airfield surveillance, 2) tracker improvements to decrease false alarm rate, 3) elevation nulling to reduce effects of equatorial clutter, and 4) automated ray tracing to support target altitude estimation. Particular attention is being paid to enhancements for the Puerto Rico relocatable OTH radar in the areas of equatorial clutter rejection and airfield monitoring.
Advanced Jungle Laboratory Detection System Evaluations
Studies and evaluations are being performed with a variety of sensors to determine their ability to detect and identify drug laboratory activities hidden in jungles. These include hyperspectral imaging systems, magnetic detection sensors, advanced radar systems, passive microwave and radio frequency detection systems. If successful, these evaluations could lead to the development of enhanced sensors to be installed in the Advanced Sensor Platform aircraft.
Autonomous Acoustic Sensor System
An underwater acoustic sensor system is being developed to detect, classify, and report the presence of small boats in shallow water. The system, currently under development, consists of a buoy that contains a power source, GPS receiver, acoustic sensor, processor, and satellite data link transceiver. Once a target is detected, its location is sent via the satellite data link to a central control center.
Advanced Sensor Platform
This project provides for the development of a multi-sensor airborne platform to detect drug processing laboratories hidden in the Colombian jungles. A complete system with a foliage
penetration radar, and electro-optical and infrared imaging sensors will be completed and transitioned to USSOUTHCOM in year 2000.
Detection and Monitoring Studies
This project is an in-depth analysis addressing the detection, monitoring, and interdiction process for the counterdrug transit and source zones (i.e., Central America, South America, and the Caribbean). This analysis provides an assessment of air and maritime detection and monitoring operations in the transit zone with particular emphasis on improved surveillance. The results of the analysis are provided to the DoD Coordinator for Drug Enforcement Policy and Support, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the United States Interdiction Coordinator. The results are used to assess and, as required, improve the effectiveness of detection, monitoring, and interdiction operations. In addition, studies and analyses are performed on existing and newly emerging sensors for use in the counterdrug mission area.
Tactical Technologies
Tagging and Tracking Systems
This project provides support to the military, and as appropriate, the law enforcement agencies in the application of new global tagging technology. A family of electronic tags is under development that can be used for tracking airborne platforms, land vehicles, and maritime vessels. The tags use GPS satellites or other means to self locate, and satellite communication systems (such as INMARSAT) to report data to a central control center. They all feature small, lightweight packages with low power consumption and long battery life. A geographic information system is also under development that enables a command center operator to display the location of each tag on a map display.
Clandestine Airfield Monitor
Commercial off the shelf unattended ground sensors are being investigated and evaluated to provide an airfield monitoring capability.
Emergency Locator Beacon
A small, lightweight emergency locator beacon has been developed and demonstrated. Two versions have been developed – a vehicle mounted unit, and a small person carried unit. They interface with the existing satellite systems, using the GPS system for self-location and the SARSAT (search and rescue satellite) system to generate and transmit the emergency data. Demonstration of a prototype unit has been conducted with the U.S. Border Patrol at Marfa, Texas.
Remote Ranging and Location System
The Remote Ranging and Location System consists of a pair of high quality binoculars integrated with a built-in GPS receiver, magnetic compass, and laser rangefinder. The system
has numerous applications. Working with the National Guard, the system was successfully evaluated for use by aerial observers searching for marijuana crops. The airborne observer locates the crop using the binoculars, presses a button on the system, and the system automatically computes the geographic coordinates of the crop's location.
Fast Boat Interdiction
A variety of non-lethal means to stop go-fast boats have been developed and evaluated. Prototype surface-to-surface and air-to-surface capabilities have been developed. Current efforts are concentrating on air delivered means although surface delivery also is being evaluated. Possible users are the interdiction forces of the USCS and USCG.
Timeline Analysis System (TAS)
This project developed a series of automated graphical aids and visual analytical tools for analysts. It provided an easy to use interface that allowed the analyst to graphically track events on a map, on a timeline, or as a process display. It has been introduced at both SOUTHCOM and at Joint Interagency Task Force – East. Enhancements developed under this project allow the system to operate on a variety of platforms operating with different operating systems and allow greater flexibility and utility for the operational commands.
Biometric Integration
The objective of this project is to conduct integrated demonstrations of automated biometric recognition systems (facial, fingerprint, and voice) to positively identify suspects in a booking station and other applications. To achieve this objective, the program supports research in facial recognition algorithms; the collection of a large database of facial images; the integration of algorithms into a test bed independent testing and evaluation of facial recognition algorithms; and demonstration of the fusion of biometrics in real-world situations. Excellent results have been achieved to date. Working with several law enforcement agencies system it is planned to demonstrate and evaluate system performance in real world applications.
HAMMER
This is a multi-year development project to investigate advanced state-of-the-art training and simulation technology for use in counterdrug applications. It will utilize remote learning to effectively reach many users at low cost.
Demand Reduction
Specimen Cup Automated Pouring (SCAP)
Optimized urinalysis testing methods, equipment, and procedures, and improved specimen sampling process are being developed. The Specimen Cup Automated Pouring consists of a new bottle concept that will greatly improve the integrity and efficiency of the urine sampling process. In addition, the system will provide an automated specimen bottle handling system to
identify/read the redesigned specimen bottle using bar code technology and automatically extract urine samples from the container for testing. Demonstration and evaluation of the system will begin in early CY00 at the beta test site.
Research and Development Projects – U.S. Department of Agriculture / Agricultural Research Service (1999)
Chemical and Biocontrol of Illicit Narcotic Crops
Agricultural Research Service (ARS) has screened various herbicides and evaluated their environmental impacts in support of the Department of State illicit narcotics control program since 1987. Their most current program is monitoring field applications of glyphosate for the eradication of coca and opium in Colombia. Recent accomplishments include the development of a glyphosate-adjuvant mixture for application in high-rainfall environments; this development has substantially increased the efficacy of the eradication program in Colombia. The program also supports Operation Breakthrough, an interagency effort to more accurately measure the increase in illicit narcotics cultivation in Colombia. ARS continues to work with the Department of State, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the U.S. Embassy, Bogota, in an effort to convince Colombian authorities to expand the number of herbicides (most particularly drug formulations) that are more appropriate to the extremely varied ecosystems of that country.
Alternative Crop Research
The rehabilitation and expansion of traditional tropical tree crop industries, which can be managed within forest ecosystems in narcotics-impacted areas, is the primary emphasis of the program. To date, research goals have focused upon limiting the impact of tropical pests specific to the coffee and cacao industry through biological control of diseases and insects, improved cultural practices and proper field management techniques for small-scale farmers. More recently, a long-term program to improve the genetic structure of cacao in terms of quality, productivity and disease tolerance has been initiated. The latter emphasis represents a long-term commitment to tropical agroforestry. The general philosophy has been to emphasize organic production, since this most probably represents a major growth market and a higher value-added component to small-scale growers in the Andean Region. This year, at the request of the Department of State, ARS will initiate an organic banana program for the Caribbean with emphasis upon Jamaica and the Windward Islands.
Accomplishments to date include the establishment of field stations in Peru, Costa Rica and Brazil. The Agency currently supports two post-doctoral candidates from Colombia and one candidate from Peru; their research emphasis has been upon coffee and cacao respectively. ARS has also supported small-farmer field training programs in Peru, a Costa Rican regional workshop, and a national cacao/agroforestry conference in Lima.
Crop Estimation and Identification
This program has two components: the detection of illicit drug plants (primarily cannabis from aerial platforms) and the development of models for the estimation of illicit narcotics production overseas.
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Detection: The detection of cannabis from aerial platforms remains a problem due to difficulty in developing spectral signatures unique to cannabis. This is primarily due to the high degree of genetic heterogenity of illicit cannabis, as well as the general practice of concealing small plots within agricultural plantings, e.g., corn, or on public lands within state lands or the U.S. National Forests. Due to small plot size, satellite imagery is not an option within the United States. Despite these difficulties, ARS, in cooperation with NASA and the Naval Systems Weapons Laboratory, has made some progress in developing hand held sensors for deployment from helicopters. Unfortunately, some visual corroboration remains necessary. During the last year, ARS, in cooperation with DEA has conducted two workshops for State Police, National Guard and federal land management agencies; the Maryland State Police and Florida Department of Law Enforcement have provided logistical and classroom support for these workshops.
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Crop Estimation: Public Law 481, as amended, mandates that the Secretary of State produce an annual report to Congress with estimates of the magnitude of the illicit narcotic crop overseas by country. ARS scientists collaborate closely with host country governments, the intelligence community, the Department of State and Drug Enforcement Administration in developing models of narcotic alkaloid yield which are then matched with spectral imagery produced by both the U.S. intelligence community and the United Nations. Current programs include support for Operation Breakthrough in Colombia and development of diversion estimates from the licit poppy crop in India. In recent years, the program has moved from applied research to the development of predictive mathematical plant growth models based upon known parameters including weather, rainfall, soil type and genetic characteristics of the target narcotic plant species. The ultimate goal will be to develop a predictive model of production which can be driven by spectral imagery with a more limited requirement for the collection of ground truth data, which involves expensive, relatively high-risk activities in narcotics producing areas.
Illicit Crop Chemistry
This program effectively supports the other three by mapping the biochemical pathways of narcotic plant chemistry and mapping the genome and taxonomy of illicit narcotic species. It is an essential element of both in developing a narcotic crop eradication strategy, as well as, developing predictive models of illicit (and licit) narcotic alkaloid production.
Recently, the program has become more aligned with mapping narcotic plant genetics. Two related current initiatives, at the request of Department of State, involve the improvement of the Turkish and India licit poppy industries to meet expanding needs of the U.S. pharmaceutical industry. An additional similar initiative has been the characterization of the cacao genome collections worldwide with emphasis upon identifying genetic markers for the isolation of both alkaloids and flavanoids of high commercial value, which if introduced by breeding into traditional cacao culture in Latin America can provide significant value-added profits for small-
scale farmers. Similar technologies can be applied to other alternative crops, including bananas, mangosteens and plantain.
Development of Mycoherbicides
Drug research funds in the amount of $23 million were appropriated to the Department of State under the Western Hemisphere Drug Trafficking Emergency Supplemental in 1999. Of these funds, $13 million were earmarked for the development of mycoherbicides for narcotic crop control. These funds have been provided by the Department of State to the United Nations Drug Control Program to further the research and development of mycoherbicides.
Research and Development Projects – Immigration and Naturalization Service (1999)
Long Line Sensor Technology
BLUE ROSE – The INS is exploring the merits of a new approach to long line fiber optic intrusion detection being developed by the Naval Undersea Warfare Center, Newport, Rhode Island for use along the Southwest Border. Development of a proof-of-concept demonstration sensor was initiated and completed with a successful demonstration of the concept on December 9, 1999. Continued development funding is to be determined.
Research and Development Projects – U.S. Coast Guard (1999)
Improve Surveillance Technology
Technical Evaluation of Acoustic Detection Systems for Go Fast Boats – A project to design, fabricate and test a prototype of an unattended underwater acoustic sensor capable of detecting and classifying small boats and communicating this information to operational forces in a timely manner.
Sensor Fusion – A project to enhance target detection, classification and tracking in support of tactical analysis and intercept decisions through an analysis of both imaging correlators and fusion algorithms as well as complete flight demonstration of the Sensor Integrated Tactical Workstation.
Digital Nighttime Investigation of Telephoto Equipment for Identification System – A digital airborne image acquisition and target alignment/illumination system is being developed to facilitate positive, in-flight nighttime identification of target vessels.
UAVs as Over-the-Horizon Sensors – Demonstration of how unmanned aerial vehicles can provide an Over-the-Horizon sensor platform for deployed Coast Guard cutters to detect, classify and identify maritime targets.
Improve Vessel Search Capabilities
Boarding and Search Equipment – Analyzing new technology applications, methods and procedures in support of improved vessel searches. Specific areas of investigation include: (1) countermeasures against obscurants used in attempts to foil detection by ion mobility spectroscopy equipment and technology, and (2) the potential of adapting existing technologies to collect, analyze and accurately report the presence of cocaine vapor directly or via one of its vapor by-products.
Vessel Search via Low Energy Imaging Techniques – Ultrasonic – Using low energy interrogation technologies and techniques such as ultrasonics, the Coast Guard is developing a prototype imaging device and evaluating its potential as a tool for searching vessel tanks for contraband and locating hidden compartments.
Support Narcotic Detection Technology Assessment Team Activities – The USCG R&D Center participates in and supports the CTAC NDTA test and evaluation studies of illicit substance detection devices in laboratory, simulated field and real field operational conditions.
Compliance Technology
Vessel Interception, Disabling and Marking – Development and assessment of new technologies, including non-lethal, that support Coast Guard interdiction of suspect vessels. They are demonstrating different technological approaches which can be used at standoff distances to apply markers to suspect vessels; or to disable or inhibit them from evading the pursuit assets.
Technology Investment
Maritime Operations Simulation Upgrade – Provide the Coast Guard with the ability to sustain a flexible, low-cost and powerful maritime law enforcement operations modeling, simulation and analysis capability.
Fuel Cell Propulsion for a WMEC – Demonstrate the benefits of fuel cell propulsion and ship's service on board Coast Guard cutters performing counterdrug interdiction patrols. Provide technical and cost data necessary to evaluate future applications of marine fuel cells.
Mobile Communications Infrastructure – Evaluate new and emerging commercial systems to meet Coast Guard mobile communications requirements, including secure communications for counterdrug interdiction operations. Develop an architecture for wide area network connectivity between mobile platforms and shore units. Test and recommend alternatives that can be used to implement this architecture.
Completed Counterdrug R&D Initiatives (FY99)
Operational Information Integration Technology – Develop an information model for operational information, including law enforcement, and analyzing this model for data integration requirements along the following dimensions: data discovery, data fusion, data conversion, and
data display. Investigate innovative systems and methodological technologies for data integration.
Operational Information System Plus – Demonstrate how new state-of-the-market communications and information systems can greatly improve support for operations, including law enforcement, resulting in increased mission efficiency and effective use of Coast Guard resources.
Research and Development Projects – National Institute of Justice, Office of Science and Technology (1999)
Tactical Technology Development
Body Cavity Screening: Supplemental Proposal for System Calibration and Procurement of Long-Term Lead Items for Phase II
A portion of this funding supplement proposal is for additional calibration work necessary to complete the optimization or parameters and demonstrate the effectiveness of the systems for detecting foreign objects in body cavities. Preliminary tests have shown the Body Cavity Screening System to be a non-invasive scanner for very small steel objects smuggled in body cavities. Calibration with human volunteers was not intended to be part of the system development effort and not included in the Phase II Statement of Work. However, the program has progressed to the point that realistic imaging targets must be used to more fully optimize the imaging parameters.
COPLINK Database Integration and Access for a Law Enforcement
The Tucson Police Department (TPD) and the University of Arizona Artificial Intelligence Group have partnered to research the application of state-of-the-art and cost effective database, Intranet, and multimedia technologies to computer justice information database integration, management, and access. The partnership blends two area of expertise: law enforcement and information technologies.
Detection of Date Rape Drugs in Hair and Urine
This project will develop a methodology to detect flunitrazepam (rohphon) in the hair of suspected date rape victims. Detection time in other biological fluids is limited because of the relative short half-life of the drug and its metabolite, 7-amino flunitrazepam. The extremely sensitive confirmatory assay was initially applied to the detection of the flunitrazepam and its metabolite in hair but will be expanded to include other benzodiazepines such as diazepam, clonazepam, trizolam and alprazolam. The project will be expanded to examine the detection feasibility of other date rape drugs in specimen samples. These include gamma hydroxy butyrate (GHB), ketamine and scopolamine. The information would be valuable in helping to get an overall picture of the role various drugs might play in criminal sexual assault.
Development of a Guideline for Explosives/ Drug Detectors for Law Enforcement Applications
The main objective of this project is to provide information about the capabilities of drug detection systems to local law enforcement agencies, and to provide a technical basis for the procurement of such equipment based on the development of an appropriate guideline on
commercially available systems, standard test protocols, and testing results. Emphasis will be placed on systems that are small and lightweight enough to be transported in a standard police car, and on units that are low cost.
Facial Recognition Technology (Phase II)
Locating missing and exploited children, tracking known sex offenders, attempting to identify individuals in video surveillance are difficult, time consuming tasks that suffer from inadequate personnel support. Modern computer technology can substantially enhance these investigative efforts. Evolving technologies, such as automated still photo and video facial recognition and expert system analysis, already exist but must be integrated with advanced search methods to provide solutions that are useful in this context. This project will develop and integrate specialized software search agents with biometric identification "modules" that can be used as a system to find missing children and fugitives on the Internet, in video surveillance, or other large facial databases. These specialized software search agents can be used in a variety of combinations depending upon the specific type of search required.
Interlaboratory Studies on the Analysis of Hair for Drugs-of-Abuse
In recent years, there has been considerable interest in the use of hair analysis for detecting drug use. However, there are many analytical aspects of this procedure that have not been thoroughly investigated and resolved. The objective of this project is to conclude work on a quality assurance program for laboratories that use or are investigating using hair analysis for drugs of abuse. The results of this project have indicated the need for standard reference materials for the analysis of drugs of abuse in hair.
NIJ Standard 0604.00/0605.00, Chemical Spot Tests for Preliminary Identification of Drugs of Abuse
The objective of this project is to complete the revalidation of the chemical spot test for sensitivity, specificity, and color reaction, and to prepare a revised document that is a single comprehensive standard for the use of chemical spot tests. A report will update and issue one revised NIJ Standard for both of the two current standards for the Chemical Spot Tests and for Color test.
Non-Intrusive Detection and Determination of Drugs in the Human Body: Evaluation of Saliva as an Alternate Drug Testing Specimen
The objective of this project is to focus on the development of rapid non-intrusive methods for the detection and determination of drugs of abuse in the human body. It explores: (1) the use of saliva as a diagnostic sample medium, (2) correlation of the drugs concentration in the saliva with that in the blood for estimation of circulating concentration of drugs, and (3) electrophoresis, both in a capillary and on a microchip for the rapid separation and determination of the drugs concentration.
A Portable Voice-Command Translation System (IWT)
The Voice Response Translator (VRT) is an officer-portable device enabling law enforcement officers to communicate with persons having difficulty speaking or understanding English. The Voice-activated VRT device emits pre-recorded spoken phrases in either Vietnamese, Chinese (Cantonese) or Spanish, in response to an officer's prompting. The phrases are intended to elicit
gestures and body language, in the form of head nods or hand motions, from persons the officer is addressing.
Real-Time Computer Surveillance for Crime Detection
The American Probation and Parole Association and the National Institute of Justice will work with a group of 25 manufactures, service providers, and product and service users from throughout the country to develop and deliver information on electronic monitoring tools, develop and implement procedures for testing equipment abilities and specifications, develop a list of equipment capabilities and specifications for users, report on potential applications of current technology, and develop data elements for future evaluation or equipment uses.
Technology Thrust Areas and Technical Solutions to Law Enforcement
Texas Instruments will deploy low-cost, uncooled thermal imaging systems for law enforcement in cities and countries in the corridor along Highway 75 between Dallas and Grayson Counties in Texas.
Voice Command Mobile Phone Technology for Community Policing
A technology matrix of the most promising counter terrorism technologies will be developed along with a prioritized listing of needs. A Final Report will provide the results of the seminar war game.