Changes in Airport Passenger Screening Technologies and Procedures: Frequently Asked Questions (English Edition) [Kindle-editie] beoordelingen het boek quotes

In the autumn of 2010, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) began deploying new technologies and procedures for screening passengers at airport checkpoints. Reports of negative public reaction to some of these changes have prompted intense congressional interest in TSA passenger screening. This report addresses some of these concerns.What Changes Have Been Made?During 2010, TSA introduced whole body imaging (WBI) systems at airport checkpoints around the United States. Previously, the systems were used only on a trial basis at a small number of airports. They are now in use as a primary screening method at most busy passenger airports.These systems, which TSA refers to as advanced imaging technology (AIT) systems, capture an image of what lies underneath an individual’s clothing. Critics have referred to this as a “virtual strip search.”1 If an individual considers this screening method too invasive or revealing or prefers not to undergo AIT imaging for any other reason, TSA provides the option of submitting to a pat-down search instead.In response to aircraft bombing attempts and intelligence regarding terrorist explosives concealment methods, TSA also has changed pat-down procedures to more thoroughly inspect individuals for concealed items. The use of pat-down procedures has also become more frequent, including searches conducted at gates immediately prior to boarding.What Prompted These Changes?Because of improvements to prevent airline hijackings made since 9/11, TSA now regards explosives as the main threat to passenger airliners. The inability of walk-through metal detectors to screen for explosives has been seen as a critical weakness in aviation security.In 2004, the 9/11 Commission recommended that TSA give priority attention to implementing technologies and procedures for screening passengers for explosives.2 The bombing of two Russian airliners in August 2004, shortly after the release of the commission’s report, focused considerable attention on this issue. Based on the 9/11 Commission’s recommendation, Congress included provisions in the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 (P.L. 108- 458) directing TSA to improve checkpoint screening technologies capable of detecting explosives. TSA initially tested walkthrough portals that analyze samples of air passed over individuals for traces of explosives. However, TSA considered these systems to be unreliable in the airport environment and has more recently focused on WBI technologies.