Latest Headlines
TSA Imaging Technology
By Transportation Security Administration
Jul 2, 2009 - 4:32:03 PM

The Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) mission at screening checkpoints is to prevent items that pose a catastrophic risk to the traveling public and crew from entering sterile areas of airports and, ultimately, onto an aircraft. TSA’s job is to keep the traveling public safe and using advanced imaging technology is critical to mitigate the known threats. Since 9/11, Congress has mandated and invested in technologies to strengthen the efficiency and security of aviation.  Imaging technology is an integral part of that effort. 

Millimeter Wave is a form of walk-through imaging technology.  It is a highly effective security device that safely screens passengers for metallic and nonmetallic threats including weapons, explosives and other objects concealed under layers of clothing which cannot be detected by walk-through metal detectors at airports—without physical contact.  This imaging technology helps TSA keep the traveling public safe.  Using imaging technology not only enhances security, it reduces the need for pat-down searches for passengers with joint replacements and other medical implants.

Millimeter Wave imaging technology, currently in pilot phase, is used for a primary screening pilot at 6 airports, and for secondary or random continuous screening protocol (as an alternative to a pat-down) at 13 airports. This technology is always 100 percent optional to all passengers.  Passengers who do not wish to receive walk-through imagining technology screening will use the walk-through metal detector and undergo a pat-down procedure to ensure they receive an equal level of screening. Multiple signs informing passengers about the technology including sample images are provided in plain sight at the security checkpoints, in front of the machine, and on the plane itself.  Results from pilot testing has shown that over 99% of passengers in the pilots choose this technology over other screening alternatives.   

Millimeter Wave imaging technology uses harmless electromagnetic waves to generate a black and white image (not a photograph) that shows a black and white form of a person’s body based on the energy reflected from the body. The image looks like a photo negative and can identify threat items strapped or taped to the body.  The facial image is blocked to ensure passenger privacy and anonymity.

Two security officers are involved in the screening process: one who assists the passenger through the scanner and never sees the image, and one who is at a walled-off location where the image is sent and never sees the passenger. After review by the screening officer and resolution of any anomalies, the image is immediately deleted.  Millimeter Wave imaging technology does not store, print, transmit or save the image.  All machines have zero storage capability and all images are automatically deleted from the system after they are reviewed by the remotely located operator.  The entire process typically takes less than one minute. 

TSA is committed to our security mission and is and will always be committed to respecting passenger privacy and the partnership between technology, privacy and security.  Additional information on this technology is provided on the TSA website at: http://www.tsa.gov/approach/tech/imaging_technology.shtm .