The Newest Airport Security Pat Down Procedure

The Newest Airport Security Pat Down Procedure

It seems that security has become the number one problem that all countries are presently facing.

Whether you travel in the United States, Europe or anywhere in the world, there will be strict security measures taken. Travelers in an airport are essentially a captured audience. They can be prime targets for terrorism due to the many passengers in a relatively small area that they are confined in.

Airport security involves the procedures and regulations taken in protecting persons from crime in airports and aircrafts. Countries such as Australia, use the Australian Federal Police to secure its passengers. The United States uses protection at the local level. Travelers are usually screened through security into areas that are considered secure.

It used to be in the United States that if you were meeting a friend or family it was permitted to go onto the concourse. This has changed. A pass must be obtained to go into the secured area and there has to be a good reason. Usually it is allowed if you are helping an elderly person or a child.

Up to now travelers usually only had to pass a metal detector. There are variable detection machines for explosives for the luggage that the passenger takes with them and also for the luggage checked. Full body scanners have now come into the pictures for an even more thorough search.

The device uses Compton scattering. There is a lot of controversy over this as it may emit radiation. The radiation is very low, but for a frequent flyer it may become an issue. It would also affect the employees working in the airlines. The newest airport security pat down procedure is made with or without the controversial full body scanner.

The reason the newest airport security screening has created so much backlash is that it allows the screener to see the naked surface of the skin without the clothing. This will include any prosthetic device, colostomy bags and catheter that the traveler may have.

Some state that this is the same as a strip search which is being done without probable cause. If the passenger opts for the newest airport security pat down procedure, he may be in for a surprise. Invasive areas will be touched including the breasts, stomach and groin area.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in the U.S. stated that if a passenger does not want to have the advanced imaging they will then be subject to the newest airport security pat down procedure which can be a very thorough and potentially embarrassing pat-down.