Frontex - European Agency for the Management of Operational Cooperation at the External Borders

07/08/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 07/08/2024 07:29

Enhancing border security: Innovative training at Frontex

Enhancing border security: Innovative training at Frontex

2024-07-08

Standing corps officers from various operational areas and staff from HQ have received hands-on training on several cutting-edge technical devices recently integrated into our security infrastructure:

  • Carbon dioxide detectors:These devices are crucial for detecting CO2 emissions from individuals concealed within vehicles, trucks, or containersat authorised border crossings. They play a vital role in identifying clandestine travellers and preventing illegal entry.
  • Portable heartbeat detectors:Used to detect heartbeats of hidden persons, these devices can be quickly mounted on trucks or vehicles, providing a non-invasive yet effective method to ensure that these large vehicles are not being used for illicit human transport.
  • Borescopes:This equipment, featuring a remotely operated micro-camera, is essential for inspecting hard-to-access areas within containers, fuel tanks and other compartments. It allows officers to discover concealed objects or persons, ensuring thorough checks.
  • Spectrometers:By employing the spectral detection method based on the scattering of monochromatic light (Raman), these devices are crucial in detecting various substances and hazardous materials at border checkpoints, enhancing our capabilities in this regard.

Training and Certification

The training not only aimed to certify users and trainers for each type of device, but also to share the best practices with the participants. The sessions were led by expert personnel from the contracting companies ensuring a diverse and comprehensive training experience.

An average of 15 participants per day benefitted from these training sessions, gaining invaluable skills necessary for modern law enforcement and security operations. This initiative reflects our commitment to maintaining the highest standards of service and operational readiness.

A Commitment to Knowledge Sharing

This training series also stands as a testimony to our strategic focus on knowledge dissemination. By training officers, who will further instruct their peers, Frontex ensures a continuous, self-sustaining cycle of learning and expertise within the Agency.

Looking Ahead

The successful delivery of this training series at our headquarters not only reinforces our preparedness to handle the challenges at border crossing points, but also showcases our commitment to employing advanced technologies for national security. As we continue to integrate these innovative systems into our daily operations, Frontex remains steadfast in its mission to safeguard borders.