A TSA officer positions a piece of checked luggage that will be screened through the CT scanner at SLE.
SALEM, Oregon - The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has installed a new, high-tech security screening unit at Salem Municipal Airport (SLE). This unit will screen the checked baggage of travelers departing SLE.
“We are pleased that installation of a state-of-the-art X-ray scanner is complete at SLE. The use of this new piece of technology will streamline the security screening process for travelers while adding efficiency, convenience and enhanced security for the TSA operation,” said TSA Federal Security Director for Oregon Kathleen McDonald. “With the addition of this X-ray unit, TSA officers will conduct a physical inspection of a traveler’s checked bag only if it triggers an alarm for a potential security threat.”
The new scanner uses computed tomography (CT) technology to generate a 3-D image of the contents of the checked bag, further enhancing TSA’s threat detection capabilities in checked baggage. It is similar to CT technology commonly used in the medical field.
The CT unit is programed to apply a sophisticated algorithm for the detection of explosives, including liquid explosives, and other security threats. If the bag requires additional screening, a TSA officer will conduct a bag check. If the CT scanner clears the bag, it will be turned over the airline to be loaded onto the aircraft.
The screening of checked baggage at SLE had previously been conducted manually by TSA officers using explosive trace detection equipment. TSA officers had been opening each checked bag and swabbing it for traces of explosives before allowing the bag to be cleared to travel. The new CT system will screen baggage automatically and will alert TSA officials if something inside needs a closer inspection by a TSA officer. The CT unit makes the process faster and more efficient.
Travelers flying out of SLE with checked luggage will still need to go to the ticket counter to get their baggage tagged by the airline. They will then take their tagged bag to the new checked baggage scanner where TSA officers will place the bag on the belt to be screened through the CT scanner while the passenger proceeds to the security checkpoint.
The CT scanner is capable of screening suitcases, wheeled luggage, duffel bags, backpacks, golf bags and other items commonly brought by travelers to the airport.