Doug Mayer has been engaged in workplace solutions and training for Environmental, Health, Safety and Emergency Response his entire career, spanning 30+ years. His experience extends across various market segments, from industrial, to chemical, to the public sector (including all levels of government). Doug has provided comprehensive solutions for gas detection and both personal and area monitoring, to address workplace hazards and enhance worker protection. He has trained hundreds of teams including FDs, CSTs, FEMA and the EPA, providing them with the latest technologies that improve both their response capabilities and first responder safety.
A layered safety approach—with gamma radiation detection
Across the globe, major public events—like concerts, festivals, leadership summits, sporting competitions—are vibrant celebrations of culture, connection, and community. But their visibility and scale also make them potential targets—bringing a range of safety and security risks.
Recent events, such as the tragic vehicle attacks at the Lapu Lapu Day festival in Vancouver and New Year’s Day celebration in New Orleans, serve as sobering reminders of the vulnerabilities that exist at large public gatherings.
While those incidents did not involve radiological materials, they underscore the need for comprehensive, layered security strategies to address both familiar and evolving threats.
One ongoing concern is the potential use of radioactive materials in attacks, such as Radiological Dispersal Devices (RDDs), or “dirty bombs.” These materials are invisible to the naked eye, can cause widespread harm, and require specialized technology to detect.
Today, radioactive materials are used widely in industries ranging from healthcare to energy—raising the possibility that, if not properly secured, they could be misused by malicious actors. Staying ahead of this risk means expanding the tools and technologies used to safeguard public spaces.
This article discusses why gamma radiation detection is a critical component of modern event security, exploring the technology’s role within a layered security strategy, its advantages over traditional methods, and how emerging technologies are reshaping public safety planning for large-scale events.
147: The number of radioactive misuse incidents that were reported in 2024.
(Source: IAEA Incident and Traffic Database, 2024)
The Challenge of Securing Major Events
Major events present unique safety challenges due to their scale and complexity:
- Crowd management: ensuring the smooth flow of people requires careful planning and real-time monitoring.
- Access control: multiple entry and exit points necessitate consistent screening protocols without causing delays.
- Discretion: security measures must be effective yet unobtrusive to avoid causing alarm or disrupting the event experience.
- Aging infrastructure: many venues were not originally designed with high-level security in mind, making the integration of new security measures challenging.
These complexities highlight the importance of smart, layered security solutions that can adapt to both conventional—and unconventional—threats.
A radiological attack targeting large events could be catastrophic, ranging from immediate casualties and panic to long-term physical and mental health impacts and environmental contamination—and loss of public confidence.
3 Critical Reasons Gamma Detection Takes Priority in Major Event Security
Radioactive threats arise from ionizing radiation—high-energy emissions that include alpha particles, beta particles, and gamma rays. While detecting all types of radiation is ideal, gamma detection is critical in large-scale security operations for the following reasons:
- Detectable at distance
Gamma rays can pass through clothing and luggage, making them detectable from a distance or through barriers. This allows security teams to strategically place detectors to scan wide areas quickly and non-invasively, without interrupting the flow of people or drawing attention. - Common in weaponized sources
Gamma-emitting isotopes are commonly used in radiological dispersal devices (RDDs), also known as “dirty bombs.” Because of their potential for harm and relative accessibility, gamma sources are a primary concern in security screening. - Supported by proven technology
Connected portable gamma detectors are widely available, field-tested tools designed specifically for specialized detection. These technologies offer rapid alerts, high sensitivity, and can be deployed across wide areas—making them the most practical option for real-time situational awareness in large-scale public events
Shortcomings of Traditional Gamma Detection Methods
Not all gamma detectors are created equal. The two most common types—proportional counters and scintillation detectors—each have their place but come with trade-offs.
Proportional counters (e.g., Geiger counters):
- Measure ionization in gas to detect gamma radiation
- Are portable and reliable for source localization
- Often emit an audible "clicking" that can unintentionally draw attention
- Require responders to be close to the potential source, increasing exposure time
Radiation safety is guided by three principles: time, distance, and shielding. The longer someone is near a source, the higher their exposure. Tools that allow detection from a greater distance help reduce risk significantly.
While Geiger counters offer reliable sensitivity, especially in close-range detection, they are best complemented by tools that support quicker area assessment and reduced responder risk.
Scintillation detectors (e.g., Blackline EXO 8)
Scintillation detectors work differently—they convert gamma radiation into visible light, which is then measured. This offers:
- Faster detection times
- Higher sensitivity
- Quieter, more discreet operation
- Improved safety for first responders through early warning and action-at-a-distance
Proportional vs. Scintillation Detectors
| Proportional | Scintillation | |
|---|---|---|
| Detection Method | Measures ionization from radiation directly | Converts gamma rays into light, then measures the energy from the light |
| Sensitivity | Moderate – good for source localization | High – detects lower levels of radiation more quickly |
| Response Time | Slower | Faster |
| Discretion | Audible clicking may attract attention | Operates more discreetly |
A Layered Security Approach
The gamma detector, however, is just one piece of the puzzle. A layered security strategy for major events combines multiple detection and prevention measures to address a range of threats, including conventional explosives, radiological hazards, and unauthorized access. Smarter gamma radiation detection serves as a critical component in this framework, complementing visual surveillance, crowd monitoring, explosive trace detection, and K9 units.
Keep these key considerations in mind:
- Detector selection: should be guided by criteria such as sensitivity to gamma radiation, portability, ease of setup, detection range, power requirements, and environmental durability. The specific context of the event—venue size, crowd density, and entry/exit points—also plays a key role.
- Strategic placement: situate detectors at entrances, exits, choke points, high-traffic zones, and backstage areas. Optimization includes mobile units for roaming scans and fixed monitors at key access areas to maximize coverage without disrupting flow.
- Stealth: alerting only security personnel (discreetly) when there is a threat as opposed to alarming the whole crowd.
- Integration with existing security systems: such as video surveillance, access control, and command centers—ensures alerts are centralized and actionable in real time, allowing for rapid incident response and coordinated communication.
- Staff training and protocols: ensure operators can interpret detector readings, respond to alarms appropriately, and escalate threats efficiently. Drills and simulation exercises should be routine, especially ahead of large-scale events.
- Interoperability: how easy it is to share information with other security agencies.
The Role of Emerging Technologies
Emerging technologies, like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT), are further revolutionizing event security:
- AI-powered surveillance: Analyzes vast amounts of real-time data from multiple sources (like cameras, sensors at access points, speakers) to detect unusual activity or predict potential threats with unprecedented speed and accuracy.
- IoT-enabled devices: Allow seamless communication between security systems, ensuring faster and more informed decision-making during critical moments.
As these technologies become more sophisticated, integrating them into existing venue infrastructure without compromising operations or aesthetics will be crucial. There is a subtle art in assuring attendees they are in a safe place without overtly having all the security apparatus on display, which only serves to trigger fear and anxiety.
Conclusion: Building Resilience Through Smarter Detection
Protecting public gatherings in today’s world requires more than metal detectors and perimeter checks. It calls for a layered, adaptive approach that integrates advanced detection technologies. Gamma radiation detection, with its ability to identify threats from a distance and through barriers, plays a vital role in this modern security framework.
As events become more complex, venue managers, emergency responders, and security professionals must evolve too. Investing in smarter, more robust protection is essential to safeguard lives and maintain public trust.
Is your event security plan gamma-ready?