The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recently began testing technology that can detect weapon and explosive device security threats, including suicide vests.
The portable technology, called a stand-off explosive detection unit, connects to a laptop and works by identifying objects that block the naturally occurring emissions emitted by a person’s body. If an object is detected, it triggers an alarm.
The technology is being installed at the Port Authority Bus Terminal in New York and Los Angeles Union Station in partnership with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority.
LA Metro has purchased several portable terahertz millimeter wave passenger screening devices. For a year, the technology has been in testing at the 7th Street/Metro Center Station.
“Metro has been an industry leader in testing new technologies to meet evolving threats to our public transportation infrastructure,” Sheila Kuehl, L.A. County supervisor and Metro board chairwoman, said. “This new technology will augment our already aggressive safety and security measures and help us proactively deter potential attacks to our system.”
Other transportation agencies testing the technology include the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department, the San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District, New Jersey Transit, and Amtrak.