Call: 510-864-8010 | Email: info@cseco.com

How Campbell Security Became CSECO

How Campbell Security Became CSECO


How Campbell Security Became CSECO

Campbell Security, currently known as Campbell/Harris Security Equipment Company (CSECO), is the leading name when it comes to contraband detection tools. It is principally renowned as the creator of the Buster density meter and contraband detector, although the company has a stellar number of other contraband detection tools as well.

The company’s founder is Patrick J. Campbell. He has over 35 years of experience developing, designing and manufacturing equipment, tools, and devices which utilize radioactive elements.

It was in 1984 when he established Campbell Security (which later became Campbell/Harris Security Equipment Company). There, he applied his knowledge and experience in developing security tools for law enforcement officers. He designed such tools in a way that are easy enough to use by a person who has little technical knowledge or little technical training.

Because of that experience, he was approached by the federal government who asked him to develop and design a density meter and contraband detector that would be able to detect and locate hidden contraband, such as narcotics and cash, using radioactive isotopes. Campbell responded by saying that he could develop and design such a product. However, he requested that he be allowed to work with the end-users – the law enforcement officers that is – while the work for the new device was underway. That led him to collaborate with the agents from Customs and Border Protection in developing and designing the product that would become the now-famous Buster density meter.

CSECO has developed and manufactured over 10,000 units of the Buster density meter which were sold to law enforcement agencies in the United States and many parts of the world. Since its launch, the Buster has been the top choice of many drug interdiction officers and border patrol agents in the US and elsewhere in the world. It is responsible for the seizure of billions of dollars’ worth of contraband, such as narcotics and cash, and the arrests of the smugglers and other perpetrators. Because of the unrivaled quality and performance of the Buster, it has become the “gold standard” for density meters and contraband detection equipment.

The first version of the Buster is the Buster K910B. However, improvements were made that led to the introduction of the update of the Buster, the K910G, which includes newer and faster electronics, a radiation source that is 25% smaller than those of its closest competitors. All of the lead-based components are also removed, and these attributes make the Buster K910G the fastest and also the safest density meter and contraband detector for human use and the environment.

Like the K910B, the K910G is also equipped with the RAD-Aware which is a radiation detecting feature, which allows first responders to set up safety parameters in the event of a dirty bomb detonation or any other dangerous radioactive release.

CSECO started with only the Buster. But because of the positive feedback of the officers and agents in the field, the company has expanded its product line. The company eventually launched its first full contraband detection kit, the CT-30 Contraband Team Kit, which includes the Buster K910B, the FV Series Fiberscope, the Inspection Probe Kit, the Leica Laser Range Meter, the Extension Mirror with High-Intensity Flashlight, all of which are stored and carried in a durable case with wheels.

Safety is one of the major concerns of the law enforcement agents, as they face several challenges especially when they are in the field. Not only do they have to keep the borders and the community safe and abide by all the rules and regulations that govern their actions, but they also have to mind their own safety as well while on the beat.

CSECO has responded to these concerns. Aside from launching the much safer and more reliable Buster K910G, the company released the Perfect Vision V20 Videoscope Inspection System. Not only does this videoscope have a large monitor that offers clearer views, but it is also certified safe by the Underwriters Laboratory (UL), the leading name in product safety. This safety certification enables the officers to use the videoscope to inspect even in hazardous areas such as gas and fuel tanks.

CSECO has also improved the CT-30 kit by adding the Perfect Vision V20 Videoscope, updating it to CT-40 Contraband Team Kit.

Patrick J. Campbell continued to own Campbell Security until 2005; it was also the same year when business executive Tony Harris began working for the company. He became CSECO’s President and CEO, and he has held these positions since. While Mr. Campbell himself is no longer acting in any official capacity, he is always available for advice.

For over three decades, CSECO has built a strong and solid reputation as the leader in handheld contraband detection equipment, providing the best solutions for law enforcement in the United States and all over the world. And it will continue to maintain this status in the future.

Tony Harris, President and CEO, and Pat Campbell, founder, of CSECO explain about the Buster density meter and other contraband detectors.

Relevant Articles