Interdiction & Security Subcommittee

Terrorist organizations may attempt to smuggle or otherwise obtain nuclear or radioactive materials through illicit means. Materials that are moving in the transportation system may be detected and confiscated by administrative and engineered systems designed to detect the presence of radiation or by using gamma or x rays or other inspection devices to examine shipment vehicles and containers for telltale signs of nuclear devices or concealed/shielded items. This process is called "interdiction."

In addition, tighter controls of radioactive materials makes it more difficult for the material to be stolen or diverted into terrorist uses. This is referred to as "source control" and is an element in the interdiction process.

Interdiction also relies heavily on intelligence gathering and other methods of determining the intent, tactics, and behaviors of terrorist groups attempting to utilize radiological or nuclear weapons.

The chairperson of the Interdiction & Security Subcommittee is:

Mr. Richard Whitman
U.S. Customs and Border Patrol
richard.t.whitman@us.army.mil
317-298-1139

Individual members of the Society have suggested these Web sites as useful references for additional information on the subject of interdiction of radiological and nuclear materials:

The International Atomic Energy Agency published a manual to aid officials worldwide who have a role in detecting or responding to nuclear terror-related incidents. (2.43 MB PDF)

The Nuclear Threat Initiative is working to reduce the global threats from nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons and is cochaired by Ted Turner and Sam Nunn.

The International Crisis Group (ICG) is an independent, nonprofit, multinational organization, with over 100 staff members on five continents, working through field-based analysis and high-level advocacy to prevent and resolve deadly conflict. 

The Centre for Counterintelligence and Security Studies (called the "CI Centre") and the Centre for Counterterrorism Studies ("CT Studies") of Alexandria, Virginia, are nongovernmental centers providing expert counterintelligence, counterterrorism, and security training, education, analysis, and consulting.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has prepared a number of documents on nuclear security and safety (IAEA on Nuclear Safety and Security). Categorization is used to ensure that the most hazardous sources are used and stored under appropriate levels of security (IAEA Categorization of Radioactive Sources). This IAEA document discusses a code of conduct for security of radioactive sources (IAEA Code of Conduct on Safety and Security of Radioactive Sources [Jan. 2004]).

"Orphan Sources" refer to sources that have been lost, stolen, or abandoned. Such sources could be diverted into terrorist or other inappropriate uses. The Society has published a position paper on the subject (State and Federal Action Is Needed for Better Control of Orphan Sources and Background Information).

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission discusses nuclear security enhancements that have been implemented as a result of the 9/11 attacks (Nuclear Security Enhancements Since September 11, 2001 and Note to Editors: NRC Progress in Supporting Homeland Protection and Preparedness).

Society member Ed Leidholdt prepared this brief summary of security issues and recommendations involving radioactive materials (Security of Radioactive Materials).