Global Security Newswire reports that the Washington DC metro is going to get updated chemical and biological sensors in addition to video links - because although it's been eight years since 9/11, 14 years since Aum Shinrikyo, and there are no terrorists known to have developed CB warfare agents, it's still a question of when, not if, to too many people in charge.
The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority has signed a new contract with Smiths Detection for development, installation and continued support for the enhanced PROTECT early detection system. Upgrades to the Program for Response Options and Technology Enhancements for Chemical and Biological Terrorism system are set to include the latest detection technology and software and upgraded video monitoring capabilities.
What a tremendous waste of time, money, and personnel, continuing the paranoia that the only thing that will stop CBRN terrorism is constant surveillance on every corner. We don't have sensors that are reliable enough for subway use, so they have to be supplemented by cameras. Well, maybe the cameras will at the least be an aid for crime-fighting - they won't be used for much else.
Quite possibly we might get some updated pics of people writhing in agony from a Sarin attack rather than those outdated 1950s era Dugway goats, rabbits, and cow videos, which while funny, are old. That's a great acronym.
You know J., Metro killed 11 people last year all by their lonesomes, I'm guessing this is the knee jerk to cover the other bases as the heads roll on high. At least they won't "Get Aumshinrykyo'ed"
Did I spell that right?
Posted by: NVH | 14 December 2009 at 09:53 PM