In the wake of heightened airport security around the globe, more and more airports are taking every possible precaution to ensure the safety of all airline travelers and employees. In addition to traditional walk-through metal detectors, hand held metal detecting scanners, and manual screening procedures, numerous major airports are now installing full body scanners. These scanners are designed to allow security officers to literally see what passengers may be hiding beneath their clothing.
Airport full body scanners use either a type of x-ray technology or millimeter wave technology that is capable of detecting weapons, explosives, or other items that are not allowed on airplanes quickly and efficiently. Both methods have been extensively tested and are equally effective. Unlike metal detectors, fully body scanners are capable of detecting plastic and ceramic explosives hidden underneath or inside a passenger's clothing. The scanners are also sensitive enough to detect even small explosive manufacturing parts that are difficult to detect when using only traditional search methods.
The scanners work by bouncing harmless waves off a passenger's fully clothed body. Passengers are instructed to stand in a chamber that looks similar to a telephone booth with their arms lifted above their head. The machine takes images of the entire body in just roughly 15 to 30 seconds. The images are then transmitted to a screen in a nearby room. The images are then viewed by a security officer who can easily detect any objects that seem out of place. In the event that the security officer detects something unusual, the screener alerts security officers on the floor and the passenger becomes subject to further searching.
While some people may be hesitant to accept such security devices, there are numerous measures in place to safeguard passengers' privacy. One of the most important of these is that the system requires two security officers. One officer remains at the machine while the other remains with the screen in a remote location. This means that the officer operating the machine does not see the images, and the person screening the images does not see the actual person. The screen that displays the images is located in a locked, secure room away from the eyes of others. In addition, the officer reviewing the images is prohibited from bringing cameras, cell phones, or any recording devices into the room. Though the images produced are very detailed, passengers' faces are blurred, and the images are deleted immediately after being screened because the computer used to display the image does not have the capability to store any information.
Full body scanners are currently in use at only a few airports. However, there is much speculation that the Transportation Security Administration will be putting the machines in many more locations. Such measures could help ensure the safety of countless airline passengers worldwide.
