TSA to Test Analogic’s CT Scanner at JFK Checkpoint

The Transportation Security Administration is working with American Airlines to begin demonstrating this month a computed tomography (CT)-based scanner supplied by Analogic at the Terminal 8 security checkpoint at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York. The ConneCT system will be used to screen carry-on items, providing operators a three-dimensional view of contents inside bags, improving detection of explosives and other potential threats. “Use of CT technology substantially improves TSA’s threat detection capability at a checkpoint,” says TSA Administrator David Pekoske. TSA is also evaluating CT systems supplied by Integrated Defense & Security Solutions and L3 Technologies [LLL]. An agency spokeswoman tells HSR that TSA also plans to install CT systems supplied by Smiths Detection at airport checkpoints for evaluation in the future.

CBP, Delta Begin Biometric Boarding Test at DTW

Delta Airlines says it is working with Customs and Border Protection to use facial recognition in lieu of a boarding pass on a voluntary basis for passengers departing Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW) on one international flight daily. Delta says that its customers leaving from gate A36 can choose to board the Airbus A350 aircraft using the facial recognition technology. If they choose to participate, customers approach the camera, have their image captured, receive a confirmation receipt, and then board the flight. “Expanding facial recognition boarding to this international gateway and Delta hub is a natural next step as we hone this boarding option in partnership with CBP,” says Gil West, Delta’s chief operating officer. Delta says in the coming months the biometric boarding pass will be an option on all international flights departing daily from the gate.

CBP Conducting Pilot to Scan Non-Enhanced U.S. and Canadians Drivers’ Licenses

U.S. Customs and Border Protection has begun a pilot evaluation at the Massena Port of Entry to scan the two-dimensional barcode from a non-enhanced U.S. state and Canadian provincial driver’s license. Until the pilot program, the agency lacked the ability in the vehicle primary area to automatically and quickly scan driver’s license documents that are not radio-frequency identification-enabled, or lack a machine readable zone. Under current requirements, the Akwesasne community in northern New York presents tribal identification cards that are not machine-readable.

Smiths Detection Says Its Security Products Deployed for NATO Summit

Smiths Detection says several of its products were used to help provide security at the recent NATO Summit in Brussels. The company’s TRACE-PRO, which detects traces of explosives on people, vehicles and surfaces, LCD personal chemical detectors, and the desktop IONSCAN 600, which detects and identifies trace amounts of explosives and narcotics, were all deployed by the European Commission Counter-Terrorism Unit and Belgian Federal Police at Brussels airport and other locations around the city. Smiths also says that handheld RadSeeker and HazMatID Elite systems were also deployed to detect and identify any nuclear threat materials as well as liquid and solid chemicals. “We have been working with the European Commission for several years, providing equipment to help ensure the security of highly sensitive events,” Richard Thompson, head of Market for  Smiths Detection, said in a statement. “As part of the commission’s threat detection trial program, our solutions are regularly used in several law enforcement and rail security projects and at top level conferences.”