WASHINGTON - The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) today announced that it has deployed three explosives detection trace portals to passenger security checkpoints at Indianapolis International Airport (IND). 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.
"These sophisticated machines will further enhance our Transportation Security Officers' explosives detection capabilities while, at the same time, providing customers with an efficient and effective screening process," said Acting Federal Security Director David Kane.
Passengers identified for additional screening 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. 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 necessary and appropriate steps to resolve possible alarms.
"The deployment of these trace portals is made possible due to the excellent partnership with BAA Indianapolis LLC, the airport's private management company, and our airline partners," Kane added. "Working together we will continue to enhance security and the overall traveler experience."
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, FL.; Las Vegas; Los Angeles; Miami; Newark; New York (JFK); Palm Beach; Phoenix; Providence, R.I.; Rochester, N.Y.; San Francisco; San Diego; Tampa, F.L.; San Juan, P.R.; Pittsburgh; and Ft. Lauderdale.
Prior to the start of the holiday travel season, TSA plans to deploy this technology to five more airports in Charlotte, N.C.; Detroit, M.I.; Sacramento, C.A.; and Washington, D.C. (both Dulles and Reagan National).
TSA purchased the trace portal equipment from two vendors: GE Infrastructure, Security and Smiths Detection. Each machine costs approximately $160,000.
