Video Security Systems Technology
Surveillance to protect people, assets and systems.
Blue UAS for First Responders
UAS are used by first responders to support activities such as search and rescue, firefighting, and post incident reconstruction.
Enhanced Responder Personal Protective Equipment Transport Bags
Transport bags for PPE can mitigate the risk for spread of fireground contamination.
Maritime Surveillance Technologies
Port authorities and security agencies use maritime surveillance technologies to surveil and safeguard ports and other critical infrastructure.
Advanced Life Support Monitoring Systems
Emergency responders monitor and analyze vital signs of patients in critical care situations.
Walk-Through Screening for Mass Casualty Threats
Emergency responders and security personnel use walk-through screening systems to enhance safety and security at soft target locations.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) National Urban Security Technology Laboratory (NUSTL) manages the SAVER Program to assist emergency responders in making procurement decisions. Since its inception in 2004, the SAVER Program has produced more than 1,100 publications. These publications—which include focus group, market survey and assessment reports, as well as technotes, application notes, handbooks, guides and other documents—are described in detail on the SAVER Document Descriptions page. They provide valuable information to assist responders and purchasers with procurement decisions.
SAVER publications often contain a list and description of standards relevant to specific types of equipment. The SAVER Guidance for Use of Standards When Selecting and Purchasing Responder Equipment explains how to make practical use of this information for procurement. It covers what standards are, why they are important, how to verify that standards are met, and how to include requirements for the use of standards in procurement efforts.
Publicly releasable SAVER documents are available here in the SAVER Document Library. SAVER documents with limited distribution are available to members of the SAVER Community by contacting NUSTL@hq.dhs.gov.
Handheld Raman spectrometers are used to provide direct sampling of loose solid or liquid material or to conduct sampling on a containerized sample. These devices are rugged, field-portable units that are designed to provide responders with the ability to analyze unknown powders and liquids without destroying the sample. Included reports: highlight, summary, focus group report, market survey report, and assessment report.
Handheld metal detectors are designed to detect suspect items that contain metallic components, such as weapons or illicit contraband. Responders use these metal detectors at access control checkpoints to conduct security screening of individuals. Included reports: highlight and market survey report (2007 and 2014).
Handheld lights are compact, personal lights for use in tactical operations. Responders may use these lights for firefighting and urban search and rescue operations. Included reports: highlight, summary, focus group report, market survey report, and assessment report.
Handheld lights are compact, personal lights for use in tactical operations. Law enforcement personnel often use these lights by holding their handgun in one hand and their light in the other, allowing the user to illuminate areas that may or may not contain a target without pointing the weapon at that area. Included reports: highlight, summary, focus group report, market survey report, assessment report.
Handheld language translators take text or speech input into a device in one language, translate it, and then output speech in a second language. These devices can assist responders communicating with non-English speaking individuals. Included reports: highlight, focus group report, market survey report, and assessment report.
Handheld ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) trace explosives detectors are gas sampling and analysis instruments that can detect and identify a wide range of explosive vapor compounds. These detectors are used to screen packages, vehicles, clothing, and other items for trace residues of explosives. Included reports: highlight, technote, and market survey report.
Gunshot detection systems detect and locate firearm discharges. These systems have been adapted for law enforcement operations to provide gunshot detection over a large area to an accuracy of within a few feet. Included reports: highlight and technology guide.
Physical security is the protection of an organization's assets from threats that could cause losses or damages. Maintaining a strong physical security posture is an ongoing process that involves a continual assessment of new assets and changing threats. Included reports: highlight and guide.
Chemical agents are substances that were intended for use in military operations to kill, seriously injure, or incapacitate. This project focuses on chemical agent and toxic industrial material detection equipment, personal protection, decontamination, and communication. Included reports: highlight, summary, and selection guide.
Geographic information systems (GIS) provide users with capabilities that display, store, manage, and analyze geospatial data and information. These systems can be used by responders to plan tactical and response operations. Included reports: highlight, summary, selection guide, application note, assessment and validation report, market survey report, product and vendor catalog.
Portable generators can be used to replace damaged electrical power infrastructure or provide deployable electric power for remote response operations. Permanently installed generators also provide backup power for emergency response infrastructure. Included reports: highlight, technote, application note, and market survey report.
General purpose outer work gloves provide basic protection from cuts, stabs, punctures, impacts, pathogens, flame, water, heat, and cold, while providing dexterity, tactility, and durability. Responders consider work gloves an important piece of personal protective equipment (PPE) and most find it necessary to carry more than one pair to meet their needs. Included report: highlight, focus group report, and market survey report.
Gasoline-powered rotary rescue saws are widely used in the construction industry; however, there are a growing number of manufacturers who have marketed rotary saws specifically for firefighting and rescue operations. Rotary rescue saws for firefighting and rescue operations are designed to be lightweight to aid in deployment, include operating controls designed for use with gloved hands, and are capable of using many types of blades for cutting through different materials. Included reports: highlight, summary, focus group report, market survey report, and assessment report.
Flame resistant undergarments assist in preventing injuries from flames or radiant heat sources, as well as inhibiting the potential hazards of polyester or poly-blend uniforms could cause by melting and dripping on, sticking to, or burning skin. Responders use these undergarments to enhance their safety in operational environments. Included report: highlight, focus group report, and market survey report.
Fingerprint processing and identification equipment is used to capture fingerprints, identify minute details unique to an individual, and convert those minutiae into a system of numerical values that can be searched using recognition software. This equipment is used to verify identities. Included reports: highlight, technote, and market survey report.
Fiber optic kits use bundles of glass stands (fibers) to transmit images through a scope to an eyepiece. Responders use these kits for remote surveillance and visual inspection operations. Included reports: highlight, summary focus group report, market survey report, and assessment report.
Facial recognition technology is a contemporary security solution that automatically identifies and verifies the identity of an individual from a digital image or video frame. This technology can be compared to other biometric technologies, and used for a number of activities. Included reports: highlight, application note.
Eye protection may include tactical goggles, sunglasses, and safety glasses. Responders use eye protection during operations to prevent injuries to the eye. Included reports: highlight, summary, focus group report, market survey report, and assessment report.
Extrication devices are commonly used in the emergency response community for removing victims with limited mobility. Included reports: highlight, market survey report; technote, summary, focus group report, and assessment report.
Federal agencies, private research facilities, and commercial entities have partnered to find technical solutions for explosives detection. The complexity of this effort is compounded by the wide array of commercially available explosives, military-grade explosives, and commercially available chemicals that can be used to manufacture explosives. Included report: highlight and market survey report.
Explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) tactical communication devices are low-power transceivers that allow users to send and receive information instantly through secured and encrypted networks. Included reports: highlight, focus group report, and market survey report.
Explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) personal protective equipment (PPE) may consist of traditional full coverage or "heavy protective" bomb suits, as well as lighter weight and less protective "search" or demining suits. These suits provide responders with primary blast, fragmentation, impact, and thermal protection. Included reports: highlight, technote, market survey report, and literature survey.
Laser aiming devices for explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) disrupters are sighting mechanisms used by bomb technicians to quickly and accurately aim a disrupter at a target. These devices may be used with either a standalone disrupter or with a disrupter on a robot. Included reports: highlight, summary, focus group report, market survey report, and assessment report.
Explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) search mirrors are remote examination tools. These mirrors are used by responders to locate and identify potential explosive devices. Included reports: highlight, summary, focus group report, market survey report, and assessment report.
Explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) hook and line kits are remote opening tools comprised of rigging kits, pulleys, clamps, poles, probes, mirrors, tools, etc. These kits are used by specially trained hazardous device technicians to remotely access and/or open suspect items, vehicles, or building doors, and to perform render-safe procedures. Included reports: highlight, summary,focus group report, market survey report, and assessment report.