The Department of Homeland Security has announced an expansion of the Domestic Nuclear Detection Office’s (DNDO) Securing the Cities (STC) program. The city of Los Angeles/Long Beach will now become a part of the program. The STC program is designed to enhance the nation’s overall abilities to detect and prevent a radiological or nuclear attack in cities facing the highest risk.

Expansion to Los Angeles/Long Beach will result in the city receiving a direct grant of $1 million in addition to $500,000 in training support. The city will also be eligible for additional funds, pending Congressional appropriations approval to build a region-wide nuclear detection capability.

Under the STC program, “DNDO will partner with the City of Los Angeles Mayor’s office to develop a regional structure of law enforcement and first responder organizations to identify, prevent and respond to potential nuclear or radiological threats. DNDO will also assist partners in conducting training and exercises to further their nuclear detection capabilities and coordinate these with federal operations.”

Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano said, “Countering chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear threats requires a coordinated, whole-of-government approach. The Securing the Cities program is a key component of the Department’s efforts to protect our nation by enhancing our ability to detect and interdict illicit radiological and nuclear weapons or materials in major metropolitan areas.”