TSA to Begin Testing Imaging Technology at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport

TSA to Begin Testing Imaging Technology at Cleveland Hopkins International
Airport

CLEVELAND, July 30 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Transportation Security
Administration (TSA) announced today that it will begin testing two types of
advanced imaging technology at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport.
Imaging technologies quickly and unobtrusively screen passengers for metallic
and nonmetallic threats without physical contact.

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Millimeter wave and backscatter imaging technologies provide enhanced
detection capabilities and are 100 percent optional for all passengers. Both
technologies have privacy protections in place for the traveler. The security
officer who assists the passenger through the screening process never sees the
image the technology produces. The image is viewed by a remotely located
security officer who never sees the traveler. Further, these technologies
cannot save, print, or transmit images. Once the image is deleted it cannot be
restored. To further protect passenger privacy, millimeter wave technology
blurs all facial features and backscatter has an algorithm applied to the
entire image.

"Imaging technologies are a critical layer of security that allows TSA to
screen passengers for a wide range of threats," said Michael Young, Federal
Security Director, Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, Transportation
Security Administration. "TSA is committed to implementing new technologies
that combine privacy protections with a high level of detection to ensure the
safety of the traveling public."

Millimeter wave technology uses harmless electromagnetic waves and 10,000
times less energy than a cell phone to perform a single scan. Backscatter
technology uses low-level X-ray's and a single scan is the equivalent of
flying on an airplane for approximately two minutes. These technologies
produce an image that allows TSA to remotely screen passengers for threats
without physical contact.

At Cleveland, TSA will assess the operational efficiency and public acceptance
of these technologies as the primary screening technology in lieu of the
traditional metal detector. Both technologies are 100 percent optional for all
passengers. Passengers that choose not to be screened by imaging technology
will receive a physical pat down. It is anticipated the test will last
approximately 60 days.

Imaging technology not only enhances security, it reduces the need for
pat-down searches for passengers with joint replacements and other medical
conditions.
Media Contact:
Jon Allen
TSA Public Affairs
404-694-5894

SOURCE Transportation Security Administration

Jon Allen of TSA Public Affairs, +1-404-694-5894