Security Shortlines

Air Safety Week,  May 5, 2008  

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It's in the Bag

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has approved the use of 'security tamper-evident' bags for the transport of duty-free liquid items (such as alcoholic beverages and perfume) purchased beyond TSA security checkpoints, but only for flights departing the United States. International travelers arriving in the United States claim their checked bags and have the opportunity to store liquid duty-free items before their next flight. But travelers exiting the United States, arriving at a non-U.S. international airport, and continuing on to a final international destination may not be provided this same opportunity as their bags go directly to their final destination. The use of such bags on U.S.-departing flights is an additional security measure that aligns with European Union security protocols and reduces the number of passengers who must surrender duty-free liquids when transferring to European or other international airports. Vendors of duty free liquids will now begin using these bags much to the relief of bargain-hunting international passengers..

Advanced X-Ray Checkpoint Deployed for First Time in United States

Working closely with the TSA, Smiths Detection has installed eight of its Advanced Threat Identification X-rays (aTiX) machines at Albuquerque's commercial passenger airport, the first deployment of the high-tech security device in the United States. The system was field-tested by the TSA alongside several competing systems at the Sunport Airport. Smiths Detection's Stephen Phipson says "aTiX is a giant step forward in checkpoint screening, increasing the ability to detect potential threats. With its multiple views generating clear images, it provides a revolutionary advance in threat detection and is already widely used in the U.K." Unlike current X-ray systems, aTiX captures multiple views of carry-on bags in a single sweep in the normal throughput time. Additionally, the system includes powerful software algorithms, which help the operator detect potentially harmful items.

AS&E Receives $14.3M Order for ZBVs from the U.S. Government

American Science and Engineering, a leader in X-ray detection technology, has won a $14.3 million order from the U.S. Government for service, support, and spare parts for Z Backscatter Vans (ZBV). AS&E was awarded the initial base year of the contract in September of 2006 valued at $11.0 million and was awarded option year one of the contract in March 2007, valued at $17.5 million. This latest award brings the total funded amount to $42.8 million with a potential value of up to $46.2 million. ZBV is a low-cost, highly mobile screening system built into a commercially available delivery van. The ZBV allows for immediate deployment in response to security threats, and its high throughput capability facilitates rapid inspections. The system's unique "drive-by" capability allows one or two operators to conduct X-ray imaging while the ZBV drives past suspect vehicles and objects.

Testing and Certification of M-22 Non-Lethal Weapon Begins

Safer Shot will begin independent testing of the M-22 Non-Lethal Weapon in May. The independent field trials, which is expected to last 30 days, is designed to measure product durability, safety and non-lethal cartridge velocity. In conjunction with the phase two testing program, the safety training and certification courses designed for law enforcement agencies are scheduled for completion. Safer Shot expects to complete testing and begin production of the M-22 in early July. The proprietary Safer Shot Non-Lethal Weapon and cartridge system, developed in Israel, use kinetic energy to incapacitate a target at a range of up to 22 ft. The Safer Shot ammunition breaks into a putty- like substance on impact, preventing it from breaking the skin, entering the body or causing long term injury. The M-22 is designed to rest comfortably in the palm of your hand. The duel shot M-22 gives the shooter the opportunity to fire, switch barrels and fire again almost instantaneously. Carried in a purse or pocket, it and can be pulled out and used quickly. The dual shot M-11 is designed to be mounted on a handgun, allowing a law enforcement officer lethal or non-lethal options.

TSA Expands Paperless Boarding Pass Program

TSA and Continental Airlines have expanded the Paperless Boarding Pass pilot program to Washington National Airport, Newark International and Boston Logan, allowing passengers to receive boarding passes electronically on their cell phones or PDAs, which will then be scanned by TSA security officers at the checkpoint, eliminating the need for a paper boarding pass. Continental is the first U.S. carrier to test paperless boarding passes. Each paperless boarding pass displays an encrypted two-dimensional bar code along with passenger and flight information that will identify the traveler. TSA travel document checkers will use hand-held scanners to validate the authenticity of the paperless boarding pass sent to Continental passengers. The new technology is able to detect fraudulent boarding passes while improving customer service and reducing paper use. The paperless boarding pass pilot is consistent with the global standard in the International Air Transport Association for bar coding of passenger boarding passes. This joint effort will enable the airline industry to look forward to a paperless check-in process. Paperless boarding passes have been tested in Houston pilot since December 2007. Enhancements have been made to the paperless boarding pass to improve the readability of the bar code on a wider variety of mobile devices.