The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) today announced the start of TSA Pre✓™ operations at LaGuardia Airport (LGA). TSA Pre✓™ is a passenger pre-screening initiative that allows qualified passengers to go through an expedited security process, which among other benefits, allows them to keep their shoes and light-weight jackets on while going through the checkpoint. At LGA, select Delta Air Lines frequent flyers are now eligible to participate and may receive expedited screening benefits when traveling domestically.
TSA Pre✓™ is part of the agency’s larger effort to implement risk-based security concepts that enhance security by focusing efforts on travelers about whom the agency knows less. To date, more than 640,000 passengers have experienced TSA Pre✓™. TSA Pre✓™ is now available in 12 airports for both American Airlines’ and Delta Air Lines’ frequent flyers.
“It is important to understand that TSA Pre✓™, and risk-based security in general, does not mean less security – it means more focused security,” said TSA Deputy Administrator Gale Rossides. “Every passenger will still be screened, and TSA officers will still be looking for prohibited items, including in the TSA Pre✓™ lane. With risk-based security initiatives, we’re adjusting the screening procedures for those passengers that we know more about so that we can focus on finding that small fraction who may pose a threat. By doing so, we hope that everyone will have a better security experience.”
Eligible passengers include U.S. citizens who are flying on participating airlines as well as members of U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) Trusted Traveler programs, including Global Entry, SENTRI and NEXUS. TSA recently expanded the initiative to include active duty U.S. Armed Forces service members flying out of Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA).
If TSA determines a passenger is eligible for expedited screening through TSA Pre✓™, information is imbedded in the barcode of the individual’s boarding pass. TSA reads the barcode at the designated checkpoint and passengers may be referred to the TSA Pre✓™ lane to undergo expedited screening, which could include being able to leave their shoes, light outerwear and belt on, allowing them to keep their laptop in its case and their 3-1-1 compliant liquids/gels bag in their carry-on bag.
TSA will always incorporate random and unpredictable security measures throughout the airport and no individual is guaranteed expedited screening. TSA’s multi-layered approach to security also includes behavior detection officers, explosives-detection systems, canine teams, and federal air marshals, among other measures both seen and unseen. http://www.tsa.gov/press/releases/2012/0404.shtm As part of TSA’s ongoing efforts to move towards a more intelligence-driven security system, enhance aviation security and improve passenger experiences at security checkpoints, the agency is testing modified screening procedures for passengers 75 and older.
These modified procedures are similar to those tested and implemented in the fall of 2011 for passengers age 12 and under. They include no longer removing shoes and light outerwear, permitting a second scan through advanced imaging technology to clear any anomalies, as well as a greater use of explosives trace detection.
Beginning March 19, TSA will test these measures at select security lanes at four airports:
• Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD): Security Checkpoint 3
• Denver International Airport (DEN): South Checkpoint/USA Flag Checkpoint
• Orlando International Airport (MCO): West Checkpoint
• Portland International Airport (PDX): ABC Checkpoint
These changes in protocol for passengers 75 and older could ultimately reduce – though not eliminate – pat-downs that would have otherwise been conducted to resolve anomalies. If anomalies are detected during security screening that cannot be resolved through other procedures, passengers may be required to remove their shoes to complete the screening process.
The procedures allow officers to better focus their efforts on passengers who may be more likely to pose a risk to transportation while expediting the screening process. http://www.tsa.gov/press/releases/2012/0404.shtm TSA understands that threats to aviation security continue to evolve. They are more sophisticated and more complex than ever before. TSA must use every tool at our disposal to address those threats and develop methods of combating them. The use of new and innovative technology helps us stay ahead of those intent on harming our nation.
TSA is constantly moving forward its technology usage, staying ahead emerging threats. We know there's no silver bullet technology, no cure all, no end-all-be-all; but when used by our highly trained workforce and combined with the other layers of security, technology helps close down vulnerabilities.
Our strategy involves more than just screening of all carry-on and checked baggage. We use careful analysis of intelligence to determine where best to deploy our technology resources at airports, in subways, at ports and on rail. Daily vetting of passengers and airport employees against watch lists let us protect the airports. And biometrics help us prevent unauthorized access at our nations' ports. That is only the beginning.
The suite of technology has grown considerably in the years since TSA took over airport security. Everyone remembers the walk through metal detector, which still serves an important function at the checkpoint. You may notice some new and unfamiliar machines at your local airports. This page is your first stop to learning about emerging screening technologies.
TSA began deploying state-of-the-art advanced imaging technology in 2007. This technology can detect a wide range of threats to transportation security in a matter of seconds to protect passengers and crews. Imaging technology is an integral part of TSA's effort to continually look for new technologies that help ensure travel remains safe and secure by staying ahead of evolving threats.
TSA uses two types of imaging technology, millimeter wave and backscatter. Currently, there are more than 640 imaging technology units at approximately 165 airports.
Advanced imaging technology screening is safe for all passengers and the technology meets national health and safety standards. Learn more about the safety of AIT here.
TSA implemented strict measures to protect passenger privacy which is ensured through the anonymity of the image. Additionally, advanced imaging technology screening is optional for all passengers. Learn more about the privacy measures TSA has taken here.
TSA Installs New AIT Software Any potential threat items that are detected are indicated on a generic outline of a person.
If no potential threat items are detected, an "OK" appears on the monitor with no outline.
TSA installed new software on all millimeter wave Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) machines designed to enhance privacy by eliminating passenger specific images. Click here to learn more about this new software.

As part of its ongoing commitment to take smart steps to maintain high level security standards while also improving the passenger experience at checkpoints, Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Administrator John S. Pistole today announced that TSA will begin installing new software on TSA’s millimeter wave Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) machines—making upgrades designed to enhance privacy by eliminating passenger-specific images. This new software, also referred to as Automated Target Recognition (ATR), will auto-detect items that could pose a potential threat using a generic outline of a person for all passengers. In the coming months, TSA will install the software upgrade on all currently deployed millimeter wave imaging technology units at U.S. airports nationwide.
By eliminating the image of an actual passenger and replacing it with a generic outline of a person, passengers are able to view the same outline that the TSA officer sees. Further, a separate TSA officer will no longer be required to view the image in a remotely located viewing room. In addition to further enhancing privacy protections, this new software will increase the efficiency of the screening process and expand the throughput capability of AIT.
“Our top priority is the safety of the traveling public, and TSA constantly strives to explore and implement new technologies that enhance security and strengthen privacy protections for the traveling public,” TSA Administrator John Pistole said. “This software upgrade enables us to continue providing a high level of security through advanced imaging technology screening, while improving the passenger experience at checkpoints.”
The new software automatically detects potential threats and indicates their location on a generic, computer-generated outline of a person that appears on a monitor attached to the AIT unit. As with the current version of AIT, if a potential threat is detected, the area will require additional screening. If no potential threats are detected, an “OK” appears on the monitor with no outline, and the passenger is cleared.
TSA worked with the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Science & Technology Directorate (S&T) and private industry to develop the new software. In February 2011, TSA successfully tested the new software at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International, Las Vegas McCarran International and Ronald Reagan Washington National airports.
The new software will be installed on all millimeter wave AIT units currently in airports, with plans to test similar software for backscatter units in the fall. AIT safely screens passengers without physical contact for both metallic and non-metallic threats, including weapons and explosives. Currently, there are nearly 500 imaging technology units at 78 airports nationwide, including millimeter wave and backscatter units, with additional units planned for deployment this year.

Full body scanning makes it difficult for terrorist to conceal weapons or bombs. People believe it is an invasion of privacy. The images are mine like a ghost-like outline. The other concern is the radiation is dangerous for the body. Full body scans are well within radiation standards. These scanners keep us safe from future terrorist trying to bring weapons and bombs on to the airplane that could harm passengers. Millimeter wave technology is what produces the whole body images under clothes. It reveals metallic and non-metallic objects under the cloths of people. Examples of some of these items are ceramic knives, bomb, firearms, and also explosive devices. Body scanning makes it a lot more difficult for the terrorist to conceal weapons and bombs. People believe it is invasion of privacy. Scanned body images are only silhouettes of peoples bodies they are not naked images. The images are viewed in a separate room and the security personnel viewing the images cannot see who is entering the scanner. This protects the privacy rights. The images are not stored; they are erased after security had viewed the image. People have the choice, if they do not want to go through he full-body scanner they can go through the traditional pat-down procedure with a transportation security officer, which takes more time. A body scan takes between 15 and 30 seconds, and a pat down can take up to four minutes. People are concerned with the health of the full-body scanning. Body scans pose less risk than most natural radiation exposure. The doses of radiation made by the scanners are minuscule; it would be less than a single dental x-ray. You would have to go through the scanner more than 1,000 times in a year to meet the maximum recommended level that your body can receive.

Overall, Southwest Florida is a comparatively young area with a very neat and historical background with a great opportunity for future growth. The economic indicators for Southwest Florida are very promising as well as enticing when compared to the state of Florida. Also, Southwest Florida is becoming more attractive to outside businesses with all of the numerous business incentives offered. Even though we are still in challenging economic times I was pleasantly surprised, after doing this report, on the current and future progress of Southwest Florida.