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National Urban Security Technology Laboratory (NUSTL)

Last Updated: August 15, 2023 | Publication

Obtaining Models and Simulations for Radiological/Nuclear Trainings and Exercises Summary

It is critical for first responders and emergency planners to have access to realistic plume models and simulations when conducting radiological emergency preparedness activities. The Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate funded the development of three new tools, available through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Interagency Modeling and Atmospheric Assessment Center (IMAAC), that offer emergency managers, first responders, and exercise coordinators several options to access plume models and interactive simulations for exercises, trainings, and emergency planning activities.

Last Updated: August 15, 2023 | Publication

Using Your Radiation Detectors For Interdiction and Response Fact Sheet

The majority of radiation detection instruments are purchased for interdiction and prevention missions, so emergency responders may not realize that some of them can also be used for response and recovery missions. For radiological and nuclear incident preparedness, it is essential for first responders to know which of their instruments are suitable for use in response and recovery operations, how to use them safely and appropriately, and how the data they collect may inform critical health and safety decisions.

Last Updated: August 10, 2023 | Publication

Gunshot Detection System OFA Report

Responders need a portable, intuitive technology that can be set up quickly and alert them of shooting incidents instantaneously and provide them critical information ahead of their on-scene arrival.  DHS Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) funded the research and development of a portable outdoor Gunshot Detection System (GDS) with the intention of improving emergency response time and identifying shooter locations. The GDS consists of Guardian outdoor gunshot detection sensors and Guardian Gateway (GW) and situational awareness (SA) applications.

 

Last Updated: August 10, 2023 | Publication

DePLife OFA Report

A technology that detects the presence of life (people) through building walls and displays their location and movement would be a game-changing tool for SWAT teams, giving them valuable situational awareness before breaching a room. Similarly, this technology would be invaluable to law enforcement officers searching for kidnapping or human trafficking victims. DHS S&T awarded a contract to MaXentric Technologies, LLC (MaXentric) to develop three radar sensor Detection of the Presence of Life (DePLife) prototypes.

Last Updated: June 26, 2023 | Publication

Remote Alarm Accessory for Radioactive Contamination Screening

Following a radiological release, whether from an accident or a terrorist act, local response agencies can set up community reception centers (CRCs) to screen the public for radioactive contamination. Before people enter a CRC for final screening, they would be prescreened using personal radiation detectors (PRDs) while they stand on a small platform with another PRD under it to detect radioactivity on their shoes. Because the shoe-screening PRD is hidden beneath the platform, that PRD’s alarm light cannot be seen and CRC personnel must rely on its audible alarm. Unfortunately, the platform muffles the alarm sound, making it hard to hear in a noisy environment.

Last Updated: May 1, 2023 | Site Page

NUSTL’s Bread and Butter

Host Deepak Saini is joined by Orly Amir, program manager for Radiological/Nuclear Response and Recovery (RNRR) at S&T’s National Urban Security Technology Laboratory (NUSTL). Orly, a proud New Yorker, explains how this research and development program boosts preparedness for communities of all sizes across our nation and reveals why she finds planning for disasters to be fulfilling rather than stressful. You’ll appreciate the importance of NUSTL’s role in enhancing first responder capabilities and learn about the successful tools, models, and guidance the RNRR program provides. 

Last Updated: January 24, 2023 | Site Page

Urban OpEx 2022 Reports

DHS S&T OpEx Program and the National Urban Security Technology Laboratory (NUSTL) hosted a weeklong Urban OpEx where first responders evaluated new and emerging technology solutions in realistic, urban settings throughout the New York Metropolitan area.

Last Updated: January 24, 2023 | Site Page

One Step Ahead of the Bad Guys

This Tech Speak mini episode takes you inside the recent National Urban Security Technology Laboratory (NUSTL) Urban Operational Experimentation (OpEx) event held in New York City in July 2022. Hear from NUSTL Director Alice Hong and Test Lead Bhargav Patel about why S&T hosts the event and why it is so critical to engage industry in first responder R&D. You’ll also hear from two responders directly: Chief Kevin McNamara of the New York City Fire Department shares how drones help him and his fellow firefighters tackle challenges they face in the field, and Officer Jason Rubenstein of the New York City Police Department discusses the importance of hands-on vetting of new technologies.

Last Updated: January 23, 2023 | Publication

DeepZero Gun Detection Platform Technology Report

DHS S&T) and NUSTL hosted Urban OpEx 2022, a weeklong Operational Experimentation (OpEx) where first responders evaluated new and emerging technology solutions in realistic, urban settings throughout the New York Metropolitan area.

Last Updated: January 23, 2023 | Publication

CENTAUR Hybrid Network in a Box Technology Report

DHS S&T and NUSTL hosted Urban OpEx 2022, a weeklong Operational Experimentation (OpEx) where first responders evaluated new and emerging technology solutions in realistic, urban settings throughout the New York Metropolitan area.