Walk Through Metal Detectors and Hand Held Screening for Modern Security Environments

Walk Through Metal Detectors and Hand Held Screening for Modern Security Environments

Metal detection remains a core component of physical security across government, corrections, courts, transport and critical infrastructure environments. While threats have evolved over time, the fundamentals remain the same. Screening must be reliable, repeatable and proportionate to the risk profile of the site.

CEIA metal detection systems are designed around this principle. Rather than a single device attempting to suit every scenario, CEIA offers a structured range of walk through metal detectors and hand held detectors that scale from entry level screening through to high discrimination and electronic device detection. This approach allows organisations to align capability with real operational requirements.

Entry Level Walk Through Screening with HiPE Plus

The HiPE Plus is widely used as an entry level walk through metal detector for environments where no specific regulatory standard is mandated. It provides consistent metal detection performance with high throughput and low operational complexity.

This makes the HiPE Plus well suited to public venues, corporate buildings, schools and events where screening is required but where advanced discrimination or contraband detection is not the primary concern. Operators benefit from simple configuration, reliable alarm signalling and minimal training overhead. In these environments, the priority is flow, visibility and deterrence rather than forensic detection.

PMD2 Walk Through Metal Detectors as a Longstanding Government Standard

For many years, the PMD2 series has served as a government minimum standard across multiple jurisdictions. Available in both panel and elliptical configurations, the PMD2 delivers proven detection performance with uniform coverage across the full body profile.

The elliptical variant improves ergonomics and throughput by guiding people naturally through the detection field, while the panel configuration suits fixed installations where space and control are priorities. These systems have been trusted across courts, custodial facilities and government buildings due to their consistency, durability and predictable alarm behaviour.

The PMD2 remains an effective solution where the focus is on detecting metallic weapons and prohibited items without the need for advanced discrimination between benign and harmful objects.

Emerging Threats and the Shift Toward the SMD600

As threat profiles change, screening requirements are becoming more nuanced. Modern environments increasingly demand the ability to discriminate between everyday metal items and objects that pose genuine risk. This is where the SMD600 series is becoming the new reference standard.

The SMD600 is a high sensitivity, multi zone walk through metal detector that combines advanced detection with high discrimination. It is fully compliant with the NIJ-0601.02 law enforcement standard, which sets defined requirements for sensitivity, discrimination and immunity in correctional and law enforcement environments.

Unlike basic detectors, the SMD600 allows personal items such as belts, keys, watches and coins to pass without generating nuisance alarms, while still reliably detecting metallic weapons. This significantly improves throughput while reducing secondary screening workload.

MI2 Detection for Electronic Devices and Contraband Control

In environments where controlling electronics is as important as detecting weapons, the SMD600 can be upgraded with the MI2 sensor. The MI2 function enables the detection of even the smallest electronic devices, including miniaturised mobile phones and low metal content electronics.

This capability is particularly valuable in correctional facilities, data sensitive environments, secure meeting spaces and locations where unauthorised electronics present safety or security risks. The system differentiates between metal threats and electronic devices using distinct optical and acoustic signalling, which simplifies operator response during secondary screening

The result is a screening process that remains efficient while extending detection capability beyond traditional metal objects.

Hand Held Metal Detectors for Secondary Screening

Hand held metal detectors are a natural and essential pairing with walk through metal detectors. When an individual triggers an alarm, secondary screening must be fast, accurate and respectful.

CEIA hand held detectors such as the PD140 series are designed for this purpose. They provide uniform detection of magnetic and non-magnetic metals, high immunity to external interference and ergonomic designs that reduce operator fatigue. Models such as the PD140N and PD140E comply with NIJ-0602.02 standards, ensuring consistent performance across security environments

For environments requiring minimal divestiture, variants like the PD140ND are optimised to detect threats and miniaturised electronics while discriminating against metal elements found in clothing, including bras. This supports dignified screening without compromising security outcomes.

A Layered Screening Approach That Scales

Effective screening is rarely achieved through a single device. CEIA systems are designed to operate as part of a layered security model. Walk through detectors provide primary screening, while hand held detectors support precise secondary checks when required.

This layered approach reduces bottlenecks, improves detection confidence and allows security teams to adapt screening posture based on threat level, environment and operational tempo. From entry level screening through to advanced contraband control, CEIA systems provide a scalable path rather than a one size fits all solution.

CEIA Metal Detection Solutions Supported by Tactical Solutions

Tactical Solutions supplies and supports CEIA metal detection systems across New Zealand. This includes assistance with system selection, deployment, operator training and lifecycle support. Choosing the correct detector is not just about specifications. It is about matching capability to environment, threat profile and operational reality.

From HiPE Plus through PMD2 to SMD600 with MI2 capability, CEIA offers a clear progression that allows organisations to invest with confidence as requirements evolve.