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Airport Security Screens Passengers Using New Technology
Checking baggage for explosives hasn't been a problem. Airport security can put bags in
x-ray machines, open them up to look inside, or use advanced machinery that that check
traces of chemicals often used in explosives.
But checking people's bodies isn't so easy. A TSA initiative that began last September to
rigorously frisk more people led to dozens of sexual harassment complaints. So the TSA
turned to technology installing what looks like a longer, more complex walk-through metal
detectors in nine airports around the country.
Jose Ralls is the TSA director from McCarran International in Las Vegas.
Jose Ralls: The machine actually will talk to the individual, telling them to stand inside and
wait, and as soon as they are cleared, it will tell them to proceed.
From a distance, Mr. Ralls watches one airport passenger go through the process.
Jose Ralls: Now he knows to go on through, and he just waits, and as soon as the air is
analyzed he will be allowed to proceed forward.
The machine blasts air downward and across whoever inside the portal. Mr. Ralls says
that often startles people.
Jose Ralls: That's why our focus out there is to explain to them what will be taking
place,the noise that they will be hearing.
The way it's supposed to work is that suspicious particles on clothing and exposed skin
are blasted towards the floor -- where, within seven seconds, the machine can detect 40
types of explosives. If any are found, security is alerted.
According to the manufacturer, Smith Detection, the portals also have less than 1% error
rate. Company vice president Mark Lastra says this technology is commonly used
elsewhere.
Smith Detection: Mostly highly controlled facilities, sensitive security, such as nuclear
power plants and government buildings with high security needs.
Along with increasing security, the TSA hopes to cut down on passenger wait times. It is
collecting data from the airports in this test base to see if the machines are faster and
more efficient than human inspectors.
The Transportation Security Administration plans to deploy five more of these portals
elsewhere in the nation by late spring. Eventually it would like the explosive detectors to
be as common as metal detectors.
I am Ky Plaskon in Las Vegas.