Through the Wall Standoff Detection and Tracking of Individuals

• NCJ Number: 240231
• Date Published: April 2012
• Length: 70 pages
• Grant Number(s): 2009-SQ-B9-K113
• Agencies: NIJ-Sponsored
• Publication Type: Research (Applied/Empirical)

Annotation

This final report presents the results of a study to develop a through the wall detection and tracking system for use in detecting and tracking stationary or moving individuals within a building structure.

Abstract

This report presents the results of research to develop a through the wall detection and tracking system for use in detecting and tracking stationary or moving individuals within a building structure. The research builds on previous work that developed a baseline laboratory prototype system that operated between 500 MHz and 2000 MHz. The current work had four objectives that included using National Institute of Justice (NIJ) and Department of Defense (DOD) investments to produce a standoff radar sensor system; development of a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) compliant standoff radar system to provide situational awareness for law enforcement that focused on size, weight, cost, power, and performance; and development of law enforcement user evaluation methods and programs. The use of a through the wall detection system for detecting and tracking individuals is an important tool for use by law enforcement when conducting operations for hostage rescue, building surveillance, building clearance, and building search. This report describes in detail the radar sensor hardware and signal processing software used in the detection and tracking system, as well as the results of the laboratory and site tests of the system. The results of the tests indicate that the system is effective for detecting stationary individuals from standoff ranges in excess of 25 meters through 10.5 inch thick steel reinforced concrete walls. Recommendations for use of the system are discussed. Tables and figures