NCJ Number
218961
Journal
Law and Order: The Magazine for Police Management Volume: 55 Issue: 5 Dated: May 2007 Pages: 40-42,44,46
Date Published
May 2007
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This article describes the Universal Containment System (UCS), a multi-part tent and foam system designed to decrease damage caused by a detonated explosive device.
Abstract
Using State funding, the Hillsborough Country Sheriff’s Office purchased a $30,000 UCS, which consists of an enclosure tent, suppression and decontamination foam, and an air foam dolly system that is used to create the foam in the field. The tents are available in 4-panel, 6-panel, or 8-panel configurations and are made out of light-weight ballistic fabric covered with nylon fabric. The USC is put into action when bomb units respond to a possible explosive device or a chemical/biological/radiological dispersal device. First responders place the tent around the explosive device with a foam-filled disruptor inside. In the event of a detonation, the tent and the foam work together to contain the explosion: while the tent helps shield the explosion and contain it, the foam neutralizes chemical and biological agents. The authors explain that in most situations, the USC system can contain all the fragments and hazardous materials in an explosive device. Moreover, the system is easy and quick to use: once the tent is in place, the foam can be made in about 30 seconds to fill a 4-panel tent and can be made in about 2 minutes to fill an 8-panel tent. Exhibits