TSA introduces privacy-enhanced body scanner technology at Newport News airport

Feb. 07--NEWPORT NEWS -- Controversial airport body scanning technology has made its way to Hampton Roads. But the TSA is anticipating less public backlash now that images some passengers complained were too intrusive have been replaced by generic representations.

The Transportation Security Administration recently installed the "ProVision" scanning booth at Newport News-Williamsburg International Airport. The TSA calls it "Advanced Imaging Technology" and says it is completely harmless to people.

The equipment is the first of its kind at a Hampton Roads airport, although an identical device is used at Richmond International Airport, said Kawika Riley, a TSA spokesman.

Nationwide, more than 570 of the devices using "millimeter wave" technology -- that involves electromagnetic waves that emit no radiation -- have been installed at more than 130 airports, he said.

"From every scientific study and standard looked at, the technology is completely safe and, in addition, provides for more security," Riley said.

The scanners improve airline security because they detect non-metallic objects designed to evade metal detectors, Riley said. He added that new software includes a "privacy upgrade" that addresses concerns over the explicitness of images taken in an earlier version.

For a demonstration Monday, two TSA employees dressed in street clothes went through the device that resembles a large glass booth. Once inside, the person being screened stands with legs slightly spread and arms held overhead.

When the scan is completed, a generic body image is displayed on a monitor that can be viewed by the TSA officer and traveler. If an unknown object is present, it is marked on the image with a yellow box so a more thorough examination can be conducted.

The whole process took less than 10 seconds.

Riley said the new technology will speed-up the flow of travelers through security checkpoints and cut down on costs by eliminating the need for a TSA officer assigned to a remote viewing station.

"From what we've heard, people are happy with it," he said. "It's quicker, privacy is protected and security is enhanced. It's a positive thing all around."

For fliers not comfortable with the scanning technology, Riley said it is completely optional and they may be screened by different methods. Although the equipment is considered safe for children and pregnant women, infants aren't screened because they are physically unable to stand and hold the position for five seconds as required by the detection software, he said.

Jessica Wharton, a Newport News airport spokeswoman, said the scanner has been running smoothly since its installation two weeks ago.

"We haven't heard one concern, one complaint from passengers," she said. "Our concern first and foremost is passenger safety."

On Monday, security lines in the airport's main concourse moved briskly as passengers filed through the device. Several travelers who were queried at random in the terminal cited no concerns.

Paul and Lani Hergenrother, of York County, described themselves as frequent leisure travelers. They said they had no health or other concerns with the equipment, although Paul Hergenrother said he felt in general that searches of young children and elderly travelers by TSA agents "seem to be extreme."

"I just want to get there safe," Lani Hergenrother said, of her experiences at airport checkpoints. "I've never been bothered by it."

Meg Souder, of Newport News also described herself as a frequent leisure traveler. She had just returned from a trip where she experienced the body scanner for the first time.

"I think everyone should do it -- just to make sure," she said. "It feels more secure. I travel a lot and never had a problem. Everyone is polite."

Copyright 2012 - Daily Press, Newport News, Va.