Airport security

Airport Security Might Switch To CT Checkpoint Technology

Airport security first came to the public eye on September 11, 2001, when 4 airplanes were hijacked and crashed into U.S targets, killing almost 3,000 people and injuring thousands more. After the attacks, the Homeland Security Department was formed in order to answer HLS threats, and the HLS House Committee started to address the issue as well.  

At a recent Homeland Security Committee hearing, Chairman Mike McCaul suggested the Transportation Security Agency (TSA) switch as soon as possible from X-ray scanners to computed tomography (CT) technology at airport checkpoints.

The benefits of such a switch would undoubtedly allow screeners at passenger checkpoints to better scan bags and packages while moving traffic through security at a faster rate. In simple terms, it turns what was a two-dimensional X-ray image into a 3-D image for screeners, allowing a better view of everything in carry-on baggage.

The next-generation system called ConneCT is made by Analogic, and making its way through the approval process and is designed to eventually eliminate time-consuming steps of emptying carry-on bags at security checkpoints. It will also improve screeners’ abilities to better separate threats from harmless items in luggage, according to Mark Laustra, vice president for Global Business Development and Government Relations at Analogic.