Explosives Trace Detection Portal Machines Deployed to Detroit Metropolitan Airport

Jan. 11, 2006
In the coming weeks, TSA plans to deploy this technology to two more airports in Charlotte, N.C. and Sacramento, C.A.

WASHINGTON, Jan. 10 /PRNewswire/ -- The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) today announced that it has deployed three explosives detection trace portals to passenger security checkpoints at Detroit Metro Airport (DTW). TSA continues to deploy state-of-the-art technology to our nation's airports in an ongoing effort to prevent weapons and explosives from getting on aircraft.

"TSA and the Metropolitan Airport Authority together made the installation and operation of this latest technology possible," said Federal Security Director Robert Ball. "The trace portals provide an effective addition to the layered security system aimed at focusing our resources on the threat of explosives."

Passengers identified for additional screening will pass through the trace portals 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. That air is then analyzed for traces of explosives and a computerized voice indicates when a passenger may exit the portal. Transportation security officers will take the appropriate steps to resolve any alarms.

TSA has already advanced its explosives detection capabilities at the passenger security checkpoint by deploying trace portals at airports in Baltimore; Boston; Dallas (DFW); Gulfport, Miss.; Jacksonville, Fla.; Las Vegas; Los Angeles; Miami; Newark; New York (JFK); Palm Beach; Phoenix; Providence, R.I.; Rochester, N.Y.; San Francisco; San Diego; Tampa, Fla.; San Juan, P.R.; Pittsburgh; Ft. Lauderdale; Indianapolis, Ind. and Washington, D.C. (Reagan National and Dulles).

In the coming weeks, TSA plans to deploy this technology to two more airports in Charlotte, N.C. and Sacramento, C.A., bringing the total to approximately 26 airports across the country.

TSA purchased the trace portal equipment from two vendors: GE Infrastructure, Security and Smiths Detection. Each machine costs approximately $160,000.

For more information regarding TSA, see the Web site at http://www.tsa.gov.

Media Contact: Lara Uselding

(773) 573-8168

SOURCE Transportation Security Administration

CONTACT: Lara Uselding of the Transportation Security Administration, +1-773-573-8168