Through-the-Wall Sensors (TTWS) for Law Enforcement: Use Case Scenarios (Version 1.3)

• NCJ Number: 246706
• Author(s): Lars Ericson Ph.D.; Jon Hayes; Chad Huffman Ph.D.; Jack Fuller Ph.D.; Vince Libonati
• Date Published: April 2014
• Length: 24 pages
• Grant Number(s): 2010-IJ-CX-K024
• Agencies: NIJ-Sponsored
• Publication Type: Technical Assistance; Research (Applied/Empirical); Report (Grant Sponsored)
• Award: Sensor, Surveillance, and Biometric Technologies Center of Excellence

Annotation

This report summarizes scenarios for the use of Through-The-Wall Sensors (TTWS) by law enforcement and emergency response practitioners.

Abstract

TTWS enable first responders to sense the presence of persons through visually obscure barriers. This capability can be useful during rescue operations, law enforcement operations, and other tactical scenarios. Firefighters may be able to use such equipment to detect individuals more quickly in clearing dangerous areas. The scenarios for possible uses of TTWS are presented within a defined framework and consistent structure, so as to aid in application and requirements analysis, as well as provide a foundation for laboratory and field tests and evaluations. The scenario parameters pertain to environment; location; structure type;, whether targets are hostile; whether there are multiple targets; whether there are collateral targets; the nature of any interference; device operation (sensor range, device placement, and possession); and the importance of the level of performance of the TTWS. The scenarios involve the following types of operations: surveillance, tactical breach and clear, search and rescue, area search, and checkpoint vehicle search. The report advises that before practitioners can benefit from the capabilities of TTWS, it is important to understand their use in the context of specific types of operations with a range of parameters and variables that determine how the equipment will be used to improve outcomes for officer safety and protection of the public. 1 table, 20 references, and 2 appendixes