New Technology Implemented At McAllen International Airport

The McAllen International Airport and 7 other south Texas airports are now utilizing full body imaging equipment, aimed at increasing security on airplanes.

TSA Federal Security Director Leo Vasquez demonstrated the new technology to a MCN camera crew, recently.

“The technology that we’re employing here in South Texas is called Backscatter technology," Vasquez said. "What that is in summary format is a very low form x-ray beam that’s rapidly scanned over the surface of your body. The reflection of that is captured and digitized and that’s what appears on the monitor. That shows anomalies, any objects that would be hidden underneath the clothing or inside the clothing would be very obvioius."

The new security equipment is a step up from only using walk-through metal detectors because it allows security officers to detect metal and non-metal objects.

Vasquez said several steps are taken to ensure that the full body scanning procedures protect the traveling public's privacy.

“Well that’s a huge concern for us and always has been and we’ve had a lot of thoughtful people looking at that to make sure that we’re doing it right," said Vasquez. "There are a number of things that are inherent with the technology here that will go a long way to protect privacy of individuals. First of all the machines cannot store or any way transmit the picture. Every time a person goes through, the picture is taken and is visible, the person is there. When the next person comes through that previous picture disappears.”

Officers are also briefed and cautioned not to take any cell phones or cameras inside the screening room.

“The other part that we do is also very important. The person who is looking at the image at the monitor is apart, is away from the checkpoint itself, so that person can never see who’s going through. On the other hand, the officer who is looking at the passenger and dealing with the passenger cannot see the monitor. That information is communicated by radio.”

For now, Vasquez said travelers who don't want their full body image scanned can request alternative means of being screened.

“We have it as a primary device okay. We will encourage people to go through this device because it gives us greater capability as I mentioned but someone who doesn’t want to go through it for whatever reason will go through the regular walk-through metal detector and we’ll do appropriate security protocols to ensure that there’s no prohibited items that are going to be carried aboard that airport.”

TSA said it welcomes feedback from travelers.

“There’s a huge research and development program that’s ongoing all the time trying to stay one step ahead of the threat. This represents the culmination of some of that. It’s a work in progress, it never stops.”

To view video of this story, click here:

TSA Demonstrates Full Body Scanners