Observation by General Staff as a Nuclear Material Loss Detection Element: Its Utilization and Evaluation in Insider Vulnerability Assessment

The observation of abnormal events by the facility staff is a valuable asset for detecting the loss of special nuclear material by insider theft. Vulnerability assessments have demonstrated the importance of this element but have also pointed to the difficulties inherent in the determination of the detection probability. If observation by the staff is to be relied upon for loss detection, a set of abnormal, reportable activities, events, and conditions must be defined, a program must exist for the training of facility staff in reporting abnormal events, and the effectiveness with which such events are detected must be tested, evaluated, and monitored. This will provide valid detection probabilities for vulnerability assessments. Events with loss detection value include material and equipment status, evidence of tampering, and unusual behavior of personnel. In the reporting of abnormal events human factors will be important; a security awareness program in which personnel acquire a clear understanding of the types of events to be reported is essential. The principal means for determining the effectiveness of the observation detection element will be a carefully designed set of performance tests. These must provide the required information while placing the minimum demand on resources and cause the least possible interference with normal activities.