News and Technology – People Screening

Passenger screening has dramatically changed in the wake of 9/11 to include such measures as removing our shoes and being forbidden from carrying a bottle of shampoo or a pair of nail clippers in our carry-on luggage.  These seemingly irrelevant measures have caused passengers frustration with aviation security.  The J.D. Power and Associates 2008 North America Airport Satisfaction Study reports that “customer satisfaction with the security check aspect of the airport experience has declined considerably since 2007”.  In particular, passengers “report lower satisfaction with the professionalism of security staff and the ability of the security check process to make them feel safe…” .

In parallel with the human factor – those security officials and individuals responsible for facilitating security at airports – it is worth examining the nature and development of passenger screening security technology.  The most notable change here has been the move from traditional metal detectors to the use of advanced, integrated x-ray and gamma-ray detection machines.  Modern image-based screening machines are superior to metal detectors in several ways.  First, they can detect traces of metal in forms such as solids and powders, as well as smaller amounts of metal.  Secondly, and most importantly, these machines can detect both organic and inorganic nonmetallic objects.  Finally, with imaging technology, the location, size and shape of the suspicious object is clearly shown.

Rapiscan Systems, a U.S. based OSI Systems Company and manufacturer/installer of screening and inspection machines, is the creator of the Rapiscan Secure 1000®, the industry’s leading hands-off screening device.  With a scan rate of less than seven seconds, the Secure 1000® produces high-resolution images with an emission per scan level of approximately 3 microREMS,  a remarkable low, equivalent to typical 5 minutes of exposure from naturally occurring environmental radioactivity.

The advantages of the Secure 1000® are significant.  First, it has a remarkable throughput rate (up to 200pph), which makes it ideal for high-thoroughfare/ high-security environments.  Secondly, screening occurs without direct contact so that the operator can monitor the individual without knowing his or her identity.  Thirdly, Rapiscan’s patented low-dose backscatter x-ray technology is passenger safe.  Fourth, and perhaps most importantly, both organic (narcotics, explosives, etc.) as well as inorganic (metal, etc.) materials are revealed in the high-quality image produced by the machine.  Finally, the system’s new Low Z Backdrop option extends detection by dually scanning front and back, thus allowing for the passenger to pose in just one position and ultimately increasing throughout.

Rapiscan’s Secure 1000® is an effective and efficient high resolution image-based people screening solution.  Its ability to detect both organic and inorganic contraband and threat materials quickly and with minimal radiation makes it one of the industry’s most popular image-based screening tools.  Rapiscan has managed to create a technology that increases security screening while simultaneously providing a passenger-friendly, non-intrusive solution possibly making travelers’ experiences just a little more enjoyable.

Company Website:  http://www.rapiscansystems.com/

Product Specifications: http://www.rapiscansystems.com/datasheets/Rapiscan_Secure1000_Screen.pdf