Airline passengers should expect an increase in random tests for traces of explosives on hands or luggage at airport checkpoints, officials with the Transportation Security Administration announced Feb. 17.
According to a press release, TSA is expanding the use of Explosives Trace Detection technology at airports nationwide in an effort to add an additional layer of security following the attempted terrorist attack on Christmas Day. TSA officers can conduct random ETD technology screenings at security checkpoints, checkpoint queues and boarding areas.
TSA on Feb. 17 was awarded $15 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 funding for 400 fixed ETD units. In addition, President Barack Obama’s proposed fiscal year 2011 budget would allocate $39 million for the purchase of approximately 800 portable ETD machines.
