Radiological and Nuclear Smuggling and Detection: Session 7

Published August 18, 2023

From August 14 to 18, 2023, the Law Enforcement Tactical Training Center (LETTC) in Cha-Am, Thailand, hosted the Radiological and Nuclear Smuggling and Detection (RNSD): Session 7. This collaborative course between the International Law Enforcement Academy (ILEA) Bangkok and the Department of Energy (DOE) aimed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the threat posed by radiological and nuclear smuggling and terrorism. It emphasized the vital role of law enforcement in integrating these concepts into broader national-level security strategies.

The course welcomed participants from various subscribing countries, including 32 participants from Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Philippines, and Thailand. It offered an extensive introduction to the topic, providing participants with in-depth training on different types of nuclear and radioactive materials, the associated risks and dangers, methods of smuggling these materials, and strategies for detecting them. The training covered both technical and non-technical detection techniques to enable front-line officers to identify and locate these hazardous materials effectively.

The course structure comprised morning sessions dedicated to classroom activities and lectures, providing a solid foundation on essential subjects. In the afternoon, participants engaged in tabletop exercises and practical hands-on activities. These interactive sessions allowed for the reinforcement of knowledge gained in the classroom, including the use of radiation detection equipment to conduct efficient searches for and detection of radioactive materials.