Will Remain During Entire 90-Day Pilot Program

The TSA Monday said it has deployed an explosives detection trace portal from Smiths Detection of Pine Brook (NJ). This is TSA’s first deployment of a Smiths Detection trace portal, and it will remain at JFK for at least 90 days during the trace portal pilot program. It will be placed in Terminal One of New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport.

"TSA is committed to using cutting-edge technology in the defense of the nation," said Rear Adm. David M. Stone, USN (Ret.), Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security for TSA. "The deployment of this device marks one more successful step toward achieving our goals of safety and security for America's travelers."

In the trace portal pilot program, passengers walk through portals similar to the walk-through metal detectors. Puffs of air are blown at passengers, and samples are then collected and analyzed for explosives. If the portal's alarm sounds, the passenger and his/her property are subject to additional screening. Once cleared, the passenger is free to continue boarding.

TSA recently announced the purchase of five trace portals from Smiths for $731,500. Explosives detection trace portals have already been deployed in five airports: T.F. Green State Airport, Providence (RI), Greater Rochester International Airport (NY), San Diego International Airport (CA), Tampa International Airport (FL), and Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport (MS).

FMI: www.tsa.gov