TSA says the move further enhances airport security
FLINT --
A new piece of equipment at Flint's Bishop International Airport is expected to improve security by detecting dangerous items that are non-metallic. The new machine will detect items that were not previously detectable that could be used to make or hide explosives.
"So your liquids, gels, plastics, things that can be used as explosive components so it greatly improves our officers detection tools at the check point and gives them another tool to keep the traveling public safe," says T.S.A spokesperson Jim Fotenos
Fotenos also says the new device addresses privacy concerns by showing only a generic outline of the passenger and eliminating the office watching from a remote location. This is intended to address privacy concerns that stemmed from the more aggressive approach the TSA adopted in 2010.
Fotenos says the biggest change for passengers will be that they will now be asked to remove all items from their pockets instead of just the metallic ones. There are around 500 of these devices currently deployed at 80 airports nationwide with 300 more expected in the coming months.
