The JRC’s laboratories in Geel, Belgium carry out research into the main detection technologies used in different security fields, mainly in aviation, but also in the protection of public spaces, custom and border control, and law enforcement and first responders. The Aviation Security Laboratory and the Explosive Trace Detection Laboratory use state-of-the-art equipment in their research. The work of these two laboratories is complemented by another analytical laboratory performing tasks on the synthesis of energetic materials and the handling of chemicals. These activities help Member States to implement EU policies by enhancing testing capabilities, promoting best practices and facilitating the testing and verification of security-threat detection equipment. The Explosive Trace Detection Laboratory carries out research into a selection of equipment currently used in EU airports. This equipment has become a key technology in civil aviation security screening processes in Europe, playing a front-line role in the detection of explosives at passenger checkpoints, and for the screening of staff, supplies, hold baggage and cargo. Moreover, in this laboratory, there is also a selection of handheld detection equipment, which is used for both explosives and narcotics trace detection in other fields than aviation by security officers, first responder, law enforcement and custom officers.