Chloe Zhang
On December 22, 2001, Richard Reid, also known as the shoe bomber, boarded American Airlines Flight 63 from Paris to Miami with shoes packed with plastic explosives in the hollowed-out bottoms. He unsuccessfully tried to detonate the bomb, and passengers and crew subdued him. This incident brought to light the challenge of detecting plastic explosives in shoes. While X-ray scanners can detect if a shoe has been altered to hold a bomb, they cannot detect all explosives, and a chemical test is needed to find PETN. Sniffer dogs are also effective in detecting explosives, but they have limitations and require extensive training and upkeep.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Amount of explosive material | 10 ounces (283 grams) |
| Type of explosive | Triacetone triperoxide (TATP), C-4, PETN |
| Appearance | Disheveled |
| Behaviour | Evasive |
| Smell | Smoke, burnt match |
| Security measures | X-ray, bomb-sniffing dogs, chemical tests, scanners, detection portals, handheld vacuum wand, sniffer dogs |
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What You'll Learn
X-ray scanners can identify shoe alterations
X-ray scanners can be used to identify alterations made to shoes, such as the addition of plastic explosives. Shoe-fitting fluoroscopes, also known as X-ray shoe fitters, were first introduced in the 1920s and used until the 1970s. These machines allowed customers to view the interior of their shoes using X-ray technology. While the primary purpose of these devices was to ensure a proper fit, they also provide a potential security application for detecting alterations or foreign objects concealed within shoes.
The shoe-fitting fluoroscope consisted of a wooden cabinet with an X-ray tube at its base and a slot for customers to insert their feet. The X-rays would pass through the shoe and foot, creating an image that could be viewed through a porthole or on a fluorescent screen. This technology provided a clear view of the bones of the feet and the outline of the shoe, including the stitching.
While the early use of X-ray shoe fitters was focused on shoe fitting, the same technology can be applied to security screening. By examining the X-ray image of a shoe, it is possible to identify alterations or additions that could indicate the presence of plastic explosives or other contraband. This method of inspection can help detect potential threats without relying solely on physical searches or bomb-sniffing dogs.
In the case of Richard Reid, also known as the "shoe bomber", X-ray scanners could have potentially identified alterations to his shoes. Reid boarded a flight between Paris and Miami in December 2001, wearing shoes packed with plastic explosives in the hollowed-out bottoms. The explosives failed to detonate due to damp conditions, but the incident highlighted the need for enhanced security measures, including the scanning of shoes for potential alterations or hidden explosives.
While X-ray scanners may not detect all types of explosives, they serve as a valuable tool for identifying shoe alterations and potential security risks. This non-invasive inspection method can provide a quick and effective way to screen shoes, ensuring the safety of passengers and the public.
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Chemical tests are needed to detect PETN
Pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN) is a powerful explosive used in military, industrial, and medical applications. It is also known as PENT, pentyl, PENTA, TEN, corpent, penthrite, or C5H8N4O12. PETN is resistant to many chemical reagents, and it does not hydrolyze in water at room temperature or in weaker alkaline aqueous solutions. However, water at 100 °C or above causes hydrolysis to dinitrate, and the presence of 0.1% nitric acid accelerates this reaction.
Due to its potential for misuse as an explosive, PETN is classified as a controlled substance in many countries and is regulated by the United Nations' International Atomic Energy Agency. It is also listed on the Chemical Weapons Convention Schedule 1 of controlled substances.
There are several methods available to detect PETN, including visual inspection, chemical tests, and instrumental methods. Visual inspection may be effective if PETN is present in large enough quantities, as it appears as a white, crystalline solid similar to sugar or salt.
However, chemical tests are often necessary to confirm the presence of PETN. One such test is the Griess test, which involves reacting PETN with a solution of sulfanilic acid and alpha-naphthylamine. If PETN is present, the solution will turn pink.
Other chemical detection kits, such as ChemSee's Nitro-Screen Kit and SprayView™ Explosive Detection Kit, also utilize color-based detection methods and can provide results in less than one or two minutes, respectively. These kits are designed to be simple and safe to use, even in confined spaces like airplane cabins, and can detect trace amounts of PETN on surfaces.
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Detection portals identify explosive residues
Detection portals, also known as trace portal machines or puffer machines, are security devices that detect explosives and illegal drugs at airports and other sensitive facilities. They are used as a secondary screening device, in addition to traditional X-ray machines, to detect microscopic particles of solid explosive materials that may be present on various surfaces, including shoes.
These detection portals employ a range of technologies to identify explosive residues. One such technology is mass spectrometry (MS), which can detect explosive compounds with significantly higher sensitivity than ion mobility spectrometry (IMS). The Guardian, developed by Syagen Technology, is an example of a mass spectrometer-based puffer machine that can perform shoe bomb detection without requiring the removal of shoes.
Another technology used in detection portals is ion mobility spectrometry (IMS). This technology is employed in devices such as Entry Scan by General Electric and Ionscan Sentinel II by Smiths Detection. These machines can detect explosives like RDX, PETN, TNT, and nitroglycerin.
Additionally, the AirBrush project has developed a shoe scanner that can detect explosive traces down to a picogram (one trillionth of a gram) level. This technology utilizes an ion mobility spectrometer to detect explosive traces and vapours, allowing for direct measurements with high specificity and sensitivity.
The development and improvement of detection portals and technologies are ongoing to stay ahead of evolving security threats and ensure the safety of the public.
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Sniffer dogs are the best detectors
Sniffer dogs are highly effective at detecting plastic explosives hidden in shoes. Their keen sense of smell allows them to identify even trace amounts of explosive materials, making them invaluable in ensuring security and public safety.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) employs explosives detection canines that undergo a rigorous 10-week training program. These dogs are conditioned to detect explosives, explosive residues, and post-blast evidence. ATF's training methodology exposes canines to five basic explosive groups, encompassing an estimated 19,000 explosive formulas. This comprehensive training equips them with the ability to detect a wide range of commercial or improvised explosives.
Successful detection earns the canine a food and praise reward, reinforcing their skills. To attain ATF certification, dogs must pass a stringent test, successfully identifying 20 different explosive odors, including two novel scents not encountered during training. This certification process ensures that only the most capable canines are deployed in the field.
The value of sniffer dogs as detectors is further highlighted by their ability to work in diverse environments. They can detect explosives hidden in containers, vehicles, on persons, or even buried underground. This versatility makes them indispensable to law enforcement agencies and their success in preventing terrorist attacks and ensuring public safety.
While technological advancements have led to the development of explosives-detecting instruments, the unique capabilities of sniffer dogs remain unmatched. Their early socialization, specialized training, and innate olfactory sensitivity make them the best detectors for plastic explosives, playing a crucial role in safeguarding communities worldwide.
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Physical inspection of shoes and behaviour
Behavioural Analysis:
- Observe the individual's behaviour during security screening: Evasive behaviour, nervousness, or unusual body language can be indicators for further inspection. For example, Richard Reid, also known as the "shoe bomber," exhibited suspicious behaviour, including a dishevelled appearance, that initially aroused the concerns of airline passenger screeners.
- Assess the individual's travel itinerary: Look for potential red flags such as last-minute bookings, one-way travel, or unusual patterns that may warrant further scrutiny.
- Evaluate the individual's interaction with security personnel: Watch for signs of anxiety, impatience, or aggression during questioning or court appearances.
Physical Inspection of Shoes:
- Visual Inspection: Conduct a thorough visual examination of the shoes, looking for any unusual alterations, bulges, or signs of tampering. Pay close attention to the soles, insoles, and any hollowed-out areas where explosives may be concealed.
- Weight and Balance: Feel the weight of each shoe and assess if they feel unbalanced or heavier than expected. Plastic explosives, such as those used by Reid, can add significant weight to the shoes.
- Sole Inspection: Inspect the soles of the shoes for any unusual cuts, marks, or signs of modification. Some explosive devices may be attached to or hidden within the sole itself.
- Chemical Testing: In some cases, chemical tests may be employed to detect the presence of explosive residues or traces. These tests can identify explosives that may not be visible during a standard physical inspection.
- X-Ray Screening: While X-ray scanners cannot detect all types of explosives, they can be useful in identifying alterations to the shoes' structure, such as cavities or hidden compartments.
- Advanced Shoe Scanners: Utilise advanced shoe scanner technology, such as the GE Shoe Scanner, which uses quadrupole resonance (QR) technology. This allows for the detection of explosive devices without requiring passengers to remove their shoes, expediting the security process.
It is important to note that physical inspection of shoes and behavioural analysis are just two aspects of a comprehensive security strategy. Combining these techniques with other screening methods, such as metal detection and explosive trace detection, helps enhance the overall effectiveness of aviation security measures.
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Frequently asked questions
You may be able to smell it. Triacetone triperoxide (TATP) has been used in shoe bombs and can be detected by its odour.
Plastic explosives are a type of explosive that is malleable and stable over a large temperature range. They have a long shelf life and are virtually undetectable.
Plastic explosives can be made from common household substances. Triacetone triperoxide (TATP) is made from hydrogen peroxide, acetone, and an acid.
Behaviour can be an indicator, as can the appearance of the shoes. Shoe bombs are often concealed in casual footwear that has been adapted. Scanners can also be used to detect bombs, and some airports use bomb-sniffing dogs.
