TSA starts new screening procedure today

Beginning today, the Transportation Security Administration will implement new passenger checkpoint screening procedures that include increased use of explosives trace detectors and manual pat-down searches.

The new procedures come in addition to existing policy requiring all passengers to go through metal detectors and put their carry-on items through X-ray machines. Extra measures will be applied to passengers referred for secondary screening.

“This move is in line with our commitment to constantly review screening procedures to ensure our measures are targeted to counter potential threats,” according to a TSA statement. “The enhancements are designed to strengthen checkpoint screening of passengers and carry-on baggage and are in line with a recent recommendation of the 9/11 Commission Report that all passengers selected for secondary screening be checked for explosives.”

Under the new policy, all passengers will be required to remove outer coats and jackets for X-ray before proceeding through the metal detectors. Included are suit and sport coats, athletic warm-up jackets, and blazers.

Passengers need not remove the coat or jacket if it is used as the innermost layer of clothing.

“To help speed the security process, remove all coats prior to reaching the checkpoint. You will save time by consolidating your belongings; divested clothing can now be placed on top of laptops, shoes, or other articles in bins submitted for X-ray,” TSA said.

The new measures authorize pat-down searches of passengers if warranted, based on visual observations. These limited searches will be conducted as part of the secondary screening process.

A more extensive pat down will be conducted if a passenger alarms the metal detector or is referred for additional screening. Screeners will verbalize the process as they conduct the inspection. Passengers may also request a private screening.

“These procedures are consistent with TSA efforts to improve and expand the use of technology to screen passengers for explosives at airport checkpoints across the country,” TSA administrator David M. Stone said in the statement.

TSA noted that since Dec. 31, 2002, 100 percent of baggage checked at the nation’s 450 commercial airports has been screened for explosives and other harmful materials before being loaded onto a plane.

Working with airlines and aviation authorities, TSA is testing and evaluating new technologies, including portals and document scanners that will detect traces of explosive particles on passengers.

Currently, five airports are testing the portals at passenger security checkpoints. This technology subjects passengers to puffs of air, which are collected and analyzed to determine if explosives residues are present. The pilot programs will help determine whether the trace detection technology is appropriate for use within an airport environment.