Applications of Theories

Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has been under scrutiny following complaints that the federal government has taken airport security too far, from new intrusive body scans to intensified pat-downs. Even pilot unions have protested against airport security body-scanner it is said to be intrusive with radiation-based health concerns and called the alternative pat-down method too invasive. The issue also made headlines recently when 31-year-old passenger John Tyner posted a video on the internet that he captured with his cell phone recording an argument with a TSA screener. Since September, 11, 2001 Air travel around the world has gone thru many changes to prevent terrorist from causing mass destruction like 9 years before. Since then Air passengers have had to adapt with increased security measures for several years now. First it was taking shoes off at the security line. Next was the removal of liquids from bags, followed by the removal of laptops for scanning and now with body imaging and pat-downs.

Many passengers have the wrong perception about the pat-down and body imaging first here are the some concerns that passengers have; 1) TSA forces you to go thru the Body Scanner; 2) The body scanner causes cancer; 3) The operators of the scanner can see you naked; Now TSA says began deploying state-of-the-art advanced imaging technology in 2007. This technology can detect a wide range of threats to transportation security in a matter of seconds to protect passengers and crews. Imaging technology is an integral part of TSA's effort to continually look for new technologies that help ensure travel remains safe and secure by staying ahead of evolving threats.

TSA uses two types of imaging technology, millimeter wave and backscatter. Currently, there are 385 imaging technology units at 68 airports. In March 2010, TSA began deploying 450 advanced imaging technology units, which were purchased with American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funds. Advanced imaging technology screening is safe for all passengers, and the technology meets national health and safety standards. TSA has implemented strict measures to protect passenger privacy, which is ensured through the anonymity of the image. Additionally, advanced imaging technology screening is optional to all passengers. Since imaging technology has been deployed at airports, over 99 percent of passengers choose to be screened by this technology over alternative screening procedures. According to a new CBS poll, 4 out of 5 Americans support the use of advanced imaging technology at airports nationwide.

Additionally, passengers with joint replacements or other medical devices that would regularly alarm a metal detector often prefer this technology because it is quicker and less invasive than a pat down.

I personally don't like the Pat-down or the Body Imaging but the alternative of a plane going down because of improper security