AUSTIN — The Texas Department of Public Safety is highlighting a new airborne radiation detection capability that allows the agency to survey large areas for potential radiological and nuclear threats using specialized equipment mounted on helicopters.
The technology combines radiation-detection sensors with real-time data transmission, allowing DPS aircrews to quickly survey large areas and provide information to personnel on the ground, according to the agency.
DPS said the capability has already supported security operations at FIFA-related venues in Houston and Dallas and will be used in planning for other large-scale events in Texas.
The equipment was acquired through the City of Houston’s Securing the Cities federal grant program and is managed by the Houston Office of Homeland Security. DPS personnel developed a plan to install the equipment on the department’s Bell 412 helicopter, including specialized mounting equipment and satellite connectivity for real-time transmission of sensor data.
The system allows personnel to establish radiation baselines around stadiums, transportation corridors and other critical infrastructure. During testing, the equipment detected expected radiation readings near hospitals and other facilities that legally use radioactive materials, according to DPS.
The department said the technology remains in its operational onboarding phase but has already been used to conduct baseline surveys around FIFA venues.
DPS plans to expand the capability to both its Bell 412 and Bell 407 helicopters.
The airborne detection program is a partnership between DPS’ Aircraft Operations Division and the Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division’s Radiation/Nuclear Team. The agency said the expanded capability allows the department to identify potential anomalies over larger areas while supporting homeland security operations and major public events.
DPS’ Aircraft Operations Division is one of the largest airborne law enforcement units in the country, according to the department. The division operates from 13 duty stations and has 28 aircraft and more than 100 personnel, including 50 police pilots and 35 tactical flight officers.
The division also oversees licensing, training and regulation for more than 400 remote pilots in command and operates more than 420 unmanned aircraft systems, or drones, used for missions including border and Capitol security, traffic accident reconstruction and crime scene investigations.
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