Security and Prosperity Partnership of North America
www.spp-psp.gc.ca
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Science for Security
We have all seen the swabs and devices that airport security staff use to check for explosive substances in carry-on items at security check-points. And we are familiar with the sight of police officers wearing slim bullet-proof vests in their day-to-day work, a stark contrast to the heavier, bulky versions they required in the past. But few of us give much thought to where such tools and equipment come from, or to the technologies behind them.
The Canadian Forces have long benefited from a strong defence research capacity to address issues such as detecting and dealing with hazardous threats and protecting soldiers from weapons and dangerous substances while on military operations. Today, with the increasing firepower of ever-more sophisticated criminal and terrorist organizations ─ such as those attempting to smuggle illegal weapons or contraband through the border at ports, airports and by land ─ Canada's law enforcement officers have also had to adapt to protect themselves and keep Canadians out of harm's way.
The Centre for Security Science is a new research facility dedicated to meeting the needs of civilian peace officers as well as the military. The Centre, a joint initiative of Defence Research and Development Canada, Public Safety Canada and 19 other Canadian government departments and agencies, is developing cutting-edge solutions to address major hazardous substance accidents, natural disasters and terrorism risks.
The Centre manages two major programs, the Public Security Technical Program and the Chemical, Biological, Radiological/Nuclear and Explosives Research and Technology Initiative. These programs bring together the best research and scientists from across government, industry and leading academic institutions to help peace officers and the military stay ahead of the capabilities of criminals and terrorists.
Through the Security and Prosperity Partnership of North America (SPP), Canada is collaborating on research done by its partners and other countries that face similar challenges and as they collectively advance the ability to ensure border integrity and deal with criminal activities.
Through the SPP, the Centre and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security brought together experts at a bi-national workshop to discuss the equipment needed to protect first responders from radiological hazards, as well as ways to reduce the degree of damage or injury associated with mass casualty events. Such collaboration will ensure that police forces, the military and emergency managers in North America are better prepared, trained, equipped and protected.
"Through the Centre for Security Science, we will work to develop scientific solutions that provide civilian authorities and Canadian Forces personnel with the tools they need to more effectively perform their work of ensuring the safety and security of Canadians," says Public Safety Minister Stockwell Day.
In partnership with federal government departments, the private sector and academia, the centre will coordinate and administer science and technology projects focused on four main areas of work:
- Preventing, preparing for and responding to chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive threats.
- Building a reliable protection system for critical infrastructure (both cyber and physical).
- Identifying and stopping terrorists and other criminals.
- Enhancing the performance, integration and interoperability of national and international emergency management and public security systems.
Among current research, the Chemical, Biological, Radiological/Nuclear and Explosives Research and Technology Initiative is supporting the first-ever study to determine the economic risk and impact of a radiological dispersal device, better known as a "dirty bomb," going off. The findings of the project will improve the effectiveness of Canada's emergency response plans for such an event. Those working with Defence Research and Development Canada on the project include Battelle Pacific Northwest Division, the Canadian Security Intelligence Service, and Atomic Energy of Canada Limited.
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