U.S. Response:  Federal Law Officers Get Radiation Detectors

The United States has equipped most of its federal law enforcement officers with small radiation detection devices, United Press International reported Wednesday (see GSN, June 4).

The devices, which look like pagers, can detect radioactive material and some dangerous chemical agents within 50 feet.  U.S. Customs inspectors have worn the detection devices for three years voluntarily, but their use is being expanded to other federal agencies, including the Secret Service.

In a speech this month, President George W. Bush said the union representing Customs agents opposes mandatory use of the devices, illustrating his need to circumvent organized labor in the proposed homeland security department (see GSN, Oct. 4).  The National Treasury Employees Union which represents the Customs agents said is has never opposed mandatory use of the devices but has asked that agents receive proper training with the devices (Michael Kirkland, United Press International/Washington Times, Oct. 9).

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