While the rate of advancing technology has resulted in countless benefits for U.S. intelligence, it has also resulted in more sophisticated and dangerous threats to national safety. In order to keep up with these evolving threats, the U.S. Transportation Security Administration has instituted new and innovative technologies in airports across the country to combat terrorism.TSA recently released a publication explaining the newly advanced intelligence systems that are being implemented into airports across the nation. The publication described seven new intelligence systems that TSA is currently using to strengthen security efforts. While many of them have seen similar and less-sophisticated prototypes in the past, these new systems are part of TSA’s attempt to stay ahead of the technology curve.
The Advanced Imaging Technology system allows for a thorough scan of a traveler’s body with no room for mistake. The new scanner is able to see explosives or other bomb components that previous metal detector models may have missed through a new form of imaging technology. The Advanced Technology Checkpoint X-ray works in a similar manner. The system provides an HD X-ray image of the luggage that is placed through the scanner, avoiding the chances of misstep that older systems more commonly executed.
The three newest advanced technologies in explosive detection, the Explosives Trace Detection, Bottled Liquid Scanners system and the Explosive Detection System, can combat terrorism more seamlessly by detecting even the most trace amounts of explosive materials in luggage and liquids.
Common smuggling vehicles in the past were casts and prosthetics. In an effort to strengthen TSA’s scanning of these concealing methods, the agency has implemented the CastScope. Backscatter technology in this system allows security to get a better glimpse underneath these often-overlooked potential security threats.
The most appealing new technology to travelers, unless they are a threat to security, is the Paperless Boarding Pass Pilot. TSA has begun to implement this system that allows boarding passes to be downloaded to cell phones and then scanned to verify information, allowing for a more seamless boarding process while lessening the chances of a traveler losing their boarding pass.
These new systems are only part of TSA’s effort to combat advancing terrorism. New scanners for shoes and liquids are currently being developed and tested for implementation in the future.
