Diffusing Portable Radiation Detectors Among First Responders: Device Acceptance and Implications for Community Resilience

In the past decade, the US government has employed new national security technologies to meet rising security threats, technologies such as explosive, firearm, and chemical and biological weapons detectors (e.g. Hofer & Wetter, 2012, p. 278). Despite past tragedies such as the September 11 terrorist attacks and the important role police play in our society, there remains a gap in understanding how effective communication along with other motivators can enhance police technology adoption. In turn, effective technology adoption can enhance community safety and resilience (Anderson, Knutson, Giles, & Arroyo, 2002), though research on first responders’ role in community resilience remains understudied (Wyche et al., 2011).