Smiths Detection explosives detection and chemical identifier products deployed in New York transit system

Sabre 4000 and HazMatID systems purchased by New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA)

Pine Brook, NJ, 24 May 2006 - Smiths Detection, a world leading provider of trace and X-ray detection systems, today announced the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has purchased its explosive detection and chemical identification equipment for deployment in and around the MTA commuter rail system. The MTA Police will begin using the Smiths Detection Sabre 4000 explosive trace detection system for the random screening of passengers and passenger belongings non-intrusively. The MTA Emergency Services Unit will initiate the use of the HazMatID for response to suspicious materials found in the transit system. The Sabre 4000 is a lightweight, hand-held detection system with the capability of quickly detecting and identifying explosives, chemical warfare agents and toxic industrial chemicals. The HazMatID is a portable chemical identifier used to distinguish between thousands of different materials, including white powders, weapons of mass destruction, toxic industrial chemicals, household chemicals and explosives. The purchase of the units came as a result of testing the equipment over a five-month trial period.

"Their portability, versatility and sensitivity make the Sabre 4000 and the HazMatID excellent tools to help the MTA secure their rail transit system and its access points," stated Mark Laustra, Vice President of Transportation Security Technology & Programs at Smiths Detection. "We are pleased to expand our relationship with the MTA and applaud their willingness to utilize state-of-the art technology to help keep their passengers safe."


About Smiths Detection
Smiths Detection is one of four operating divisions of Smiths Group. Smiths Detection offers technologically advanced security solutions to detect and identify explosives, chemical and biological agents, weapons, and contraband, plus specialist applications for life sciences and food manufacturing industries. Employing trace detection technology together with Smiths-Heimann x-ray imaging, Smiths Detection provides security solutions for customers in homeland security and defense markets worldwide.


Media Contacts:

David Olsen
Coltrin & Associates
212-221-1616 ext. 118
David_Olsen@Coltrin.com

Susan Cooper-Curcio
Smiths Detection
973-830-2131
susan.cooper@smithsdetection.com