The Nuclear Trafficking Response Group (NTRG) was established in 1995 to coordinate U.S. government responses to incidents of illicit trafficking in nuclear and radioactive materials overseas, including radiation alarms. The goals of the NTRG are to work with foreign governments to secure smuggled nuclear material -- including facilities where diversions occurred, prosecute those involved and develop information on smuggling-related threats, e.g. potential links between smugglers and terrorists. The NTRG is chaired by the Department of State and includes representatives from the nonproliferation, law enforcement, and intelligence communities.
Preventing Nuclear Smuggling Program
The Preventing Nuclear Smuggling Program (PNSP) was established in 2007 to help countries counter nuclear smuggling by increasing capabilities in prevention, detection, and response. PNSP supports projects developed by Nuclear Smuggling Outreach Initiative (NSOI) where no other donor can be found or where there are opportunities to leverage foreign funding. To date, these projects have focused on securing radiological sources, monitoring open borders between fixed crossing points, and identifying legal gaps in national laws for prosecuting smugglers. PNSP also focuses on increasing foreign governments' response capabilities by ensuring the entire spectrum of ministries follow a single set of well exercised national operating procedures. PNSP is also dedicated to promoting nuclear forensics which plays a critical role in promoting nuclear material security and investigating illicit uses of nuclear or radioactive material. PNSP is working to promote international nuclear forensics cooperation through National Nuclear Forensics Libraries and by promulgating nuclear forensic best practices for technical and law enforcement personnel.
Forensics Engagement Working Group
The Forensics Engagement Working Group (FEWG) is an interagency working group that coordinates and facilitates U.S. government outreach, engagement and policy development on nuclear forensics. The group is chaired by the Department of State and includes participants from the nonproliferation and law enforcement communities.
