DON'T STAND TOO CLOSE!!!
This is a familiar warning phrase all IABTI members and associates have heard, are fully aware of, and respectfully understand.
When dealing with vehicle IEDs and/or explosives, detection safety is a top priority and promptly makes its way to the forefront in all situations. In today’s market place, the number of technologies that create a safe stand-off positioning are quickly growing and expanding in new and interesting ways.
Straightforward tools such as pole-mounted mirrors to the more sophisticated robotics are all finding their way into the daily routines of bomb squads and security personnel across the nation. The industry is seeing this equipment evolve from a luxury to a necessity. Departments across the nation are turning to one of the most dynamic and cost-effective pieces of equipment know as under vehicle inspection systems, or more commonly known by the acronyms UVIS or UVSS (surveillance) to provide their workforce with safe stand-off positioning. Under Vehicle Inspection Systems (UVIS) have been a staple in efforts overseas for many years. Tough to spot and easy to adhere, small bombs tucked under vehicles have become the weapon of choice by militant groups in many Middle Eastern countries. |
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The UVIS has served as a proven visual deterrent and a valuable tool used against such acts of violence in these regions. The amount of success found in global areas has opened the doors for domestic markets to begin safe guarding against similar threats. It is not uncommon to find UVIS at international airports, sporting arenas, dignitary events, court/state buildings, energy and nuclear sites, parking lots and garages.
Many of these facilities have acquired this equipment by taking advantage of the “fusion” concept, which is defined as federal, state, and local public safety agencies working together to share cost, technologies and information, which allows the equipment to travel as needed.
Although under vehicle inspection systems take on many forms, all serve as a viable method of detecting and deterring unwanted infiltrations or attacks by vehicle bombs at high risk locations. These systems add an extra layer of protection by allowing an inspection of all incoming vehicles’ undercarriages for discrepancies or signs of tampering as they approach a secure access control checkpoint. The UVIS allows authorized security officials to review in real-time, a high quality digital video image of the full undercarriage of the vehicle as it drives over the machine.
Benefits of a well designed system include not only keeping the end user safe, but also providing clear, crisp video that can be stored, archived and recalled for future training, proof of diligence, insurance or litigation purposes.
UVIS are available in both portable, rapid deployable systems and fixed, permanent, in-ground units. As the technology continues to progress, industry leaders have introduced accessories including built in License Plate Recognition and Automatic Comparison software.
The popularity of the UVIS is escalating due to the high satisfaction rate of end users and their influential word-of-mouth among their peers. Under Vehicle Inspection System manufacturers are honored to help ensure the safety of those who have dedicated their lives to protect and serve.
Written By: Candace Baucom, Global Marketing Director
