Smiths Detection Helps Protect Schools Across America with X-Ray Screening

Smiths Detection today announces that U.S. schools have bought more than $1.1 million worth of its security systems over the last year to add an important layer of protection for students and staff alike.

Either as part of a regular screening routine at school entrances or at random checkpoints, the advanced X-ray systems are used to scan personal belongings for dangerous items such as weapons, homemade explosives or contraband.

Mark Laustra, Vice President of Homeland Security, Smiths Detection, said: “We share the same concerns of teachers, administrators and parents across the country on how to keep our kids and colleges secure. Communities can feel safer knowing that the same technology the federal government trusts for screening bags at airports is also being used for school security.”

Smiths Detection’s portable HI-SCAN 5030si and HI-SCAN 6040ds systems produce detailed images of scanned items through high-resolution sensor technology, enabling school safety agents to quickly evaluate bags, backpacks and other personal items.

Laustra added: “These installations highlight the broad application of our advanced X-ray systems which are used in a range of critical infrastructures from aviation security to schools, courts and prisons. The systems are also ideal for use in mailrooms and many other sensitive areas.”

Smiths Detection (www.smithsdetection.com) 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 plants in eight 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 (www.smiths.com), a global leader in the practical application of advanced technologies. Smiths Group employs around 22,000 people, including more than 9,000 in the U.S. where it operates around 100 sites in 40 states. For more information on its U.S. operations: U.S. Fact Book.