Radiological and Nuclear Smuggling and Detection: Session 6

On August 15-19, 2022, ILEA Bangkok, and the Department of Energy (DOE) hosted the Radiological and Nuclear Smuggling and Detection course. This comprehensive training provided an introduction and awareness about the threat of radiological and nuclear smuggling. Furthermore, the training highlighted the critical role law enforcement plays in combating international radiological and nuclear smuggling and its involvement in terrorism. Law enforcement professionals were trained on how to incorporate these methods and concepts into the broader national-level security initiatives. In attendance were 23 participants from Indonesia and Thailand who learned about the various types of nuclear and other radioactive materials. Additionally, participants learned about the dangers posed by radiological and nuclear materials, the associated weapons, how they may be smuggled, and how they can be detected by front line officers using both technical and non-technical detection techniques. The course consisted of classroom and practical exercise applications. The morning sessions focused on classroom activities and lectures to introduce important topics, while the afternoon sessions provided opportunities for instructors to reinforce the classroom sessions through tabletop and practical hands-on activities. Lastly, participants learned how to use radiation detection equipment to effectively search for, and detect radioactive materials.