"Trace portals are an additional layer to TSA's already sophisticated system of security," said Paul Wisniewski, TSA's Federal Security Director at CVG. "Hardened cockpit doors, armed pilots, federal air marshals and numerous other security measures have greatly enhanced security since 9/11. The trace portals are an additional tool that detect for explosives in a more efficient and convenient way."
Passengers identified for additional screening will walk through the trace portal for explosives detection screening. As they enter the trace portal, they will be asked to stand still for a few seconds while several "bursts" of air are released, dislodging microscopic particles from passengers that are then collected and analyzed for traces of explosives. A computerized voice indicates when a passenger may exit the portal. Security officers will take necessary and appropriate steps to resolve any alarms.
TSA has already advanced its explosives detection capabilities at the passenger security checkpoint by deploying trace portals at airports in the Washington, D.C area (Baltimore-Washington International, Dulles International and Ronald Reagan Washington National); New York state (John F. Kennedy, Rochester, Albany); Newark, N.J.; Florida (Fort Lauderdale, Palm Beach, Jacksonville, Tampa, Miami); California (Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, Sacramento); Phoenix; Boston; Las Vegas; Dallas-Ft. Worth; Pittsburgh; San Juan, P.R.; Providence, R.I.; Gulfport-Biloxi; Indianapolis; Charlotte; Salt Lake City; Detroit; Portland; Houston; and Albuquerque, N.M., and continues to deploy this technology to airports throughout the nation.
TSA purchases trace portal equipment from two vendors: GE Infrastructure Security, and Smiths Detection. Each machine costs approximately $160,000.
