DETECTION OF NUCLEAR OR OTHER RADIOLOGICAL MATERIALS OUT OF REGULATORY CONTROL AS CRIMINAL/UNAUTHORIZED THREATS TO MAJOR PUBLIC EVENTS
Major Public Events (MPEs), by their nature, draw great public interest and receive intense media attention. They can be anything from sporting events (e.g., Olympics, World Cups) to political summits to large festivals. The threat of nuclear or other radiological materials out of regulatory control during these events is of particular concern. A terrorist could use this material as a dirty bomb to disperse radioactive material in a stadium, or hide dangerous radioactive sources in a garbage can to expose people to harmful radiation, leading to fear and uncertainty. The requirements for nuclear security, preparedness, and operational capabilities for nuclear/radiological detection at MPEs have steadily increased in recent years. Many countries have gained considerable experience in recent years in nuclear security operations at MPEs when hosting these events. Dozens of MPEs hosted around the world each year now provide some level of nuclear security as part of their overall security plan. Several training workshops and courses, co-sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy / National Nuclear Security Administration and the International Atomic Energy Agency, and conducted through bilateral agreements, are offered each year. These workshops and courses provide the opportunity to share best practices and lessons learned and aid countries to build capacity for nuclear security at their MPEs. Additionally, the International Atomic Energy Agency provides guidance for the detection of radiological threat materials out of regulatory control through the Nuclear Security Systems and Measures for Major Public Events, IAEA Nuclear Security Series No. 18.