Smiths Detection Security Systems for NYC’s MTA

Smiths Detection is a developer of intelligent surveillance solutions for security applications, who develops and manufactures sensors that detect and identify explosives, chemical and biological agents, weapons, and contraband. The developer has been awarded the contract to engineer and deploy a security system for the State of New York’s Metro Transportation Authority, involving integrated security camera and chemical sensor systems in the area transit stations.

Smiths plans to subcontract Argonne National Laboratory to implement their PROJECT, Program for Response Options and Technology Enhancements for Chemical and Biological Terrorism. Boy am I glad they came up with a good acronym, that’s a mouthfull. PROJECT was installed in some areas in 2004 and will now be extended to other parts of the system. PROJECT is a “warning and response systems capable of safeguarding public locations from possible chemical terrorist attacks. Employing chemical sensors and intelligent camera networks, PROTECT provides first responders with accurate information about airborne chemical attacks in large public interior spaces. PROTECT significantly reduces response time to an incident, potentially saving hundreds to thousands of lives in the event of a chemical attack.”

The two systems offer real-time access to cameras, sensors, tracking systems and maps, using any networked computer. The information is distributed securely via IP networks in a standard web browser with encryption.