LOS ANGELES — The L.A. Metro recently announced it has partnered with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to deploy a new advanced portable passenger screening technology that it claims will help detect weapon and explosive device security threats on the county’s transit system.
According to a release, the security device is the first of its kind to be used by a transportation agency in the United States.
The body scanners, known as a Thruvision TAC-TS4, endured a series of TSA-vetted tests over the past year before being purchased by the Metro.
The Metro says the portable terahertz millimeter wave passenger screening devices will help keep transit riders safe from person-borne improvised explosive devices or other weapons that are intended to cause mass casualties.
The devices can be placed at locations throughout the Metro system and come equipped with software that is said to quickly and unobtrusively screen individuals for concealed threats.
They scan for metallic and non-metallic objects on a person by identifying objects that block the naturally-occurring waves produced by the person’s body.
“TSA applauds the leadership of L.A. Metro for its proactive efforts to evaluate, procure and use state-of-the-art technology designed to detect potential threats to the transit system,” said TSA Administrator David Pekoske. “TSA is pleased to have been a partner during the evaluation and testing process, which ultimately led to the purchase of a recommended system to help detect and deter potential acts of terrorism while keeping the traveling public safe.”
You can view video of the press conference below.
