The Transportation Security Administration recently installed new checkpoint screening equipment at the Brainerd Lakes Regional Airport.
Starting Thursday, a new body scanner, also referred to as advanced imaging technology, is being used to screen passengers departing the airport. The scanner is used to detect metallic and nonmetallic items including weapons, explosives and other objects that can be concealed in layers of clothing.
The new scanner has a smaller footprint than earlier versions of the same machine used at other U.S. airports.
"This equipment will provide enhanced security and efficiency for passengers departing Brainerd and surrounding communities during the summer travel season and beyond," said Cliff Van Leuven, TSA federal security director for Minnesota, in a news release.
Every scanner unit operated by TSA is equipped with automated target recognition software, which is designed to enhance passenger privacy by creating a generic, computer generated outline that is identical for all travelers.
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The scanner is equipped with millimeter wave technology, which uses harmless electromagnetic waves to perform a single scan of the passenger. The technology meets all known national and international health and safety standards; the energy emitted by millimeter wave technology is 1,000 times less than the international limits and guidelines. The scanner does not use X-ray technology and it does not generate X-ray specific images of any traveler.
Below are some tips to help travelers prepare for screening through the body scanner:
• Remove all items - metallic and nonmetallic - from pockets.
• TSA recommends securing these items in carry-on luggage prior to entering the body scanner.
• When being screened by the body scanner, place both hands in the air, over the head. Stand as still as possible during the scan, which takes two to three seconds.
In the past two months, TSA has installed these scanners at Bemidji Regional Airport; Duluth International Airport; Range Regional Airport in Hibbing; St. Cloud Regional Airport; and Thief River Falls Airport. A new scanner will be installed at Falls International Airport in International Falls this summer. TSA has utilized these scanners in the security checkpoints at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport and Rochester International Airport for the past few years.
