Salt Lake City Int'l Airport Unveils Explosives Detection Trace Portal Machines

SALT LAKE CITY, April 25 /PRNewswire/ -- With a sharp eye focused on the threat of explosives, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) today announced that it has deployed explosives detection trace portal machines to Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC).

"The trace portal is an important tool in our explosives detection effort at the security checkpoint," said Earl Morris, TSA's Federal Security Director at SLC. "With an increased presence of technology and additional training for our screening workforce, we continue to build upon the security foundation and address increased threats to our nation's airports."

Five trace portals machines are operational at SLC; one is at the International Terminal checkpoint, with two each at the Terminal One and Terminal Two security checkpoints.

Passengers identified as needing additional screening, as well as passengers selected at random, will pass through the trace portal for explosives detection screening. As passengers enter the trace portal, they are asked to stand still for a few seconds while several "bursts" of air are released, dislodging microscopic particles from passengers that are then collected and analyzed for traces of explosives. A computerized voice indicates when a passenger may exit the portal. TSA officers will take necessary and appropriate steps to resolve alarms.

"We welcome another layer of security screening and are pleased to incorporate the technology now available to enhance the safety of the flying public," commented Russell Pack, Interim Executive Director of the Salt Lake City Department of Airports.

TSA purchased the trace portal equipment from GE Infrastructure, Security and from Smiths Detection.

For more information regarding TSA, visit www.tsa.gov. Media Contact: Jennifer Peppin (877) 642-6794

SOURCE Transportation Security Administration

CONTACT: Jennifer Peppin of the Transportation Security Administration, +1-877-642-6794

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