The TSA Mission is to protect the nation’s transportation systems to ensure freedom of movement for people and commerce. The APM office’s mission states: “We deliver innovative, mission-driven capabilities required by the frontline to safeguard America’s transportation system”.
APM achieves this mission by managing the full life-cycle of screening equipment acquisition activities, including requirements identification, testing, procurement, deployment and sustainment.
Within APM, DLD ensures that the most efficient and effective capabilities and technologies are deployed for checkpoint screening operations. DLD develops and implements field communication strategies prior to deploying equipment, and ensures regional consistency in all deployment activities/standards for checkpoint deployment. DLD coordinates and prioritizes deployment efforts with partners to ensure appropriate timelines and support are in place to effectively deploy qualified screening equipment. DLD deploys and maintains operational efficacy of screening technology that ensures operating conditions continue to meet or exceed procurement expectations and criteria during equipment life cycles. DLD develops and maintains a Security Capabilities Deployment Plan that is sustainable for the field.
TSA currently uses a number of technologies to conduct passenger screening at the security checkpoint including:
- Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT), which uses millimeter wave advanced imaging technology to safely screen passengers for metallic and nonmetallic threats, including weapons and explosives, which may be concealed under clothing without physical contact.
- Walk Through Metal Detectors (WTMD): The current WTMD fielded uses dielectric scans to detect magnetic and mixed alloy (non-magnetic) materials threats on passengers’ bodies. These systems are equipped with a Random Alarm Generator (RAG), which facilitates random additional screening without profiling. The WTMD units have a high Operational Availability resulting in low maintenance cost per unit.
- Advanced technology (AT) X-ray is used to screen carry-on baggage for explosives and prohibited items at checkpoints.
- Explosives Trace Detection (ETD) technology to screen passengers and their belongings for trace amounts of explosive residue. Officers may swab a piece of carry-on or checked baggage or a passenger’s hands and then place the swab inside the detection unit to analyze it for the presence of potential explosive residue.
- Bottled liquid scanners (BLS) are used at airport checkpoints to differentiate liquid explosives from common, benign liquids and are used primarily to screen medically necessary liquids in quantities larger than 3.4 ounces.
- Computed Tomography (CT). CT X-ray systems contain detection algorithm software to identify potential bulk organic threats, primary viewing monitors that provide a three dimensional (3-D) view for each image, either a Manual Diverter Roller (MDR), an Automatic Diverter Roller (ADR), or an Automatic Conveyor System (ACS) to queue items identified for secondary search, and an Alternative Viewing Station (AVS) used to conduct secondary searches. The CT X-ray uses state-of-the-art computed tomography to detect potential explosive materials. Advanced computer technologies within the unit allow for real-time analysis to maintain checkpoint passenger flow with a reduced rate of false alarms.
- Credential Authorization Technology (CAT) enhances the passenger screening process at the checkpoint by serving as a technological solution to improve the inspection of identification documentation and confirm passengers’ Secure Flight status. Through the integration of various technologies, CAT machines can inspect identity documentation, i.e. driver’s licenses and passports, for legitimacy. Analysis of particular security features and barcodes allows for the detection of fraudulent documents. Transportation Security Officers (TSO) benefit from the system’s simple interface and reliability. CAT provides an automated process for screening passenger identification and travel documents by ensuring that the documents have not been altered or counterfeited. This unit not only verifies the passenger’s identification, but also confirms the passenger’s risk status and displays the passenger’s flight information. The TSO stands or sits at the CAT podium and verifies that all the necessary documents are in order and authenticated.
- Chemical Analysis Device (CAD) units identify threats concealed on people and their carry-on items entering the sterile area of an airport terminal through the passenger screening checkpoint. CAD systems are designed to screen liquid and solid materials (including powders, explosives, precursors, and other materials).
