Airport Security Checkpoints - Research Paper Example

Successful Security Checkpoint al Affiliation) Airports are some of the most likely targeted areas by terrorists and hijackers given the massive flow of passengers besides the large concentration in the airliners. In order to prevent and eliminate such potential threats and malicious harm, an installation of a comprehensive airport security screening is necessary. The paper highlights some of the technologies used in airport security checkpoints for screening both passengers and luggage.IntroductionA successful security screening plays a vital role in preventing and eliminating potential threats such as terrorism, plane hijackings besides reassuring the travelling public of their safety.

There is no single solution of SSCP design that will work for all airport terminals given the variation in designs and operational requirements. (Elias, 2009) A number of methods and technologies can be used to implement SSCP including walk through metal detectors, X-ray device for whole body scanning, carry-on baggage x-ray and explosive detection systems (EDS). Among these technologies and methods, X-ray machine for whole body scanning such as X-ray Backscatter technology proves to be efficient and convenient for passenger screening.

(Elias, 2009)X-ray Backscatter technologyX-ray Backscatter is one of the best screening technologies as far as airport SSCP is concerned given that it has the potential to accomplish what most of the other technologies have failed to accomplish in terms of passenger and language screening. Even though, the technology is considered to be the closest solution to a perfect airline travel safety, privacy issues have been brought to light on the type of imaging on the passengers. X-ray Backscatter uses x-ray beam which are capable of digitally striping a passenger and in the process reveal such contraband materials as liquid explosives, ceramic knives or drugs which are may have passed undetected by conventional x-ray machines and metal detectors.

(Hicks, 2010)X-ray Backscatter technology stores images produced when organic objects scatter x-ray photons. The lower periodic table elements have a high capability of scattering photons while those items such as metals absorb more photon. The technology uses this principle to correlate measure and produce an image of the scanned object. The technology has the ability to penetrate items such as clothing and baggage that are usually used to conceal dangerous objects such as weapons and explosives.

Unlike the convectional X- ray machines which produce blurry images, X-ray backscatter produces clear images which are easily interpreted and hence saving time and shortening the queues at the security checkpoints. Critics consider the technology invasive given that it deprives the passenger under screening the right to privacy. The images captured by the technology are not stored and deleted immediately after the passenger under screening has been given clearance to go. An evaluation of X-ray Backscatter by FDA on safety issues deemed the technology as safe being that it only utilizes a minimal amount of radiation.

(Hicks, 2010)ConclusionX-ray backscatter fits the profile of an advanced screening technology that is mandatory in detecting and thwarting threats and possible insecurity issues related to airport terminals. It maintains a high standard in screening while minimizing privacy and health issues and concerns.ReferencesAviation Security, N. R. (1996). Airline passenger security screening new technologies and implementation issues. Washington, D.C.: National Academy Press. Elias, B. (2009). Airport passenger screening background and issues for Congress.

Washington, DC: Congressional Research Service. , May 21). An overview on backscatter x-ray technology - by Donna Hicks – Helium. Helium - Where Knowledge Rules. Retrieved October 27, 2012, from http://www.helium.com/items/1839075-an-overview-on-backscatter-