Abstract
Following assessments that attacks with radiological and nuclear weapons are possible or even likely, detection system deployments are being supported at National and local levels. Detection systems include highly sensitive but non-discriminating detectors, as well as detectors and algorithms capable of distinguishing and identifying gamma rays by energy. The latter systems, usually handheld systems based on sodium iodide detectors, also provide analysis of the specific radionuclides present, and are referred to as radioisotope identifiers (RIIDs).
Studies have shown that sodium iodide based RIIDs fall far short of 100% accurate identifications. The US Department of Homeland Security initiated the Regional Reachback (RRB) Program in 2006 to provide rapid expert interpretation of gamma spectroscopic data from radiation alarms from detection systems deployed by State and Local authorities. With expert specialists on call 24/7, RRB provides an avenue for Local and state Authorities to verify routine results, interpret unknown identifications, and notify national response assets if needed.
Contact with RRB is through the DHS Joint Analysis Center (JAC), which functions as a fusion node for data correlation, transmittal, and analysis. After initial phone contacts, State/Local authorities transmit spectral data and incident information via e-mail or secure website. The JAC alerts the on-call RRB specialists, who are expected to provide an analysis within 30 minutes.
This paper will provide details of the RRB program, an outline of the analysis process, a description of the drills and training systems used to maintain specialists� response performance, and examples of drills and incidents from the first full year of operation.
