Explosive detection: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 04:29, 7 July 2025

Latest revision as of 21:42, 17 July 2025

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===Colorimetrics & automated colorimetrics===

The use of [[colorimetric]] test kits for explosive detection is one of the most simple methods for officers, and widely used method for the detection of explosives. Colorimetric detection of explosives involves applying a chemical reagent to an unknown material or sample and observing a [[color reaction]]. Common color reactions are known and indicate to the user if there is an explosive material present and in many cases the group of explosives from which the material is derived. The major groups of explosives are [[Nitroaromatic compound|nitroaromatic]], [[nitrate ester]], and [[Nitroamine|nitramine]] explosives, as well as inorganic nitrate-based explosives. Other groups include [[chlorate]]s and [[peroxide]]s which are not nitro based explosives. Since explosives usually contain nitrogen, detection often is based around spotting nitrogenous compounds. As a result, traditional colorimetric tests have a disadvantage: some explosive compounds (such as [[acetone peroxide]]) do not contain nitrogen and are therefore harder to detect.<ref>{{Cite book |last1=Marshall |first1=Maurice |url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/316212529 |title=Aspects of explosives detection |last2=Oxley |first2=Jimmie |date=2009 |publisher=[[Elsevier]] |isbn=978-0-08-092314-7 |edition=1st |___location=Amsterdam |doi=10.1016/B978-0-12-374533-0.X0001-3 |oclc=316212529}}</ref>

===Dogs===

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These dogs are trained by specially trained handlers to identify the scents of several common explosive materials and notify their handler when they detect one of these scents. The dogs indicate a 'hit' by taking an action they are trained to provide ⁠— ⁠generally a passive response, such as sitting down and waiting.

The explosive detection canine was originated at the [[Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia|Metropolitan Police Department]] in Washington, D.C. in 1970, by then trainer Charles R. Kirchner.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Newlon |first=Clarke |url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/881180 |title=Police Dogs in Action |date=1974 |publisher=[[Dodd, Mead & Co.]] |isbn=9780396069126 |___location=New York |oclc=881180}}</ref>

The explosive detection canine was first used in Algeria in 1959 under the command of [[General Constantine]].<ref>{{Citation |last1=Grandjean |first1=Dominique |title=Practical Guide for Sporting and Working Dogs |date=2000 |url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/1052842687 |page=4 |publisher=[[Royal Canin]] |isbn=2-914193-02-5 |oclc=1052842687 |access-date=2022-09-20 |last2=Moquet |first2=Nathalie |last3=Pawlowiez |first3=Sandrine |last4=Tourtebatte |first4=Anne-Karen |last5=Jean |first5=Boris |last6=Bacqué |first6=Hélenè}}.</ref>

Recent studies suggest that [[Mass spectrometry|mass spectrometric]] [[Explosive vapor detector|vapor analysis techniques]], such as [[secondary electrospray ionization]] (SESI-MS), could support canine training for explosive detection.<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Ong|first1=Ta-Hsuan|last2=Mendum|first2=Ted|last3=Geurtsen|first3=Geoff|last4=Kelley|first4=Jude|last5=Ostrinskaya|first5=Alla|last6=Kunz|first6=Roderick|date=2017-06-09|title=Use of Mass Spectrometric Vapor Analysis To Improve Canine Explosive Detection Efficiency|journal=[[Analytical Chemistry (journal)|Analytical Chemistry]]|volume=89|issue=12|pages=6482–6490|doi=10.1021/acs.analchem.7b00451|pmid=28598144|issn=0003-2700}}</ref>