By Calvin Biesecker
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) last week said it has begun a three-week pilot test of backscatter imaging technology to screen vehicles boarding at the Port Jefferson Ferry Terminal in New York.
TSA is testing the Z Backscatter Van (ZBV) made by American Science and Engineering [ASEI]. The ZBV was used in a pilot test by TSA in 2004 at the Lewes, Del., terminal of the Cape May-Lewes Ferry. In the Port Jefferson-Bridgeport, Conn., Ferry pilot, the agency is testing new operational procedures, a TSA spokeswoman told Defense Daily.
In the Port Jefferson Pilot, TSA says it plans to screen all vehicles as the arrive at the terminal and before entering the staging area. Drivers proceed slowly past the ZBV and then stop for about 10 to 15 seconds while Transportation Security Officers analyze the X-Ray images. Explosive detection canine teams are used to inspect a vehicle that is sent for secondary screening.
In the test five years ago, the ZBV was driven alongside passenger vehicles as they waited in the queue before boarding the ferry (Defense Daily, Oct. 22, 2004).
The pilot test is part of an ongoing series of testing by TSA at ferry terminals around the country to evaluate technology and procedures.
TSA is leasing the ZBV from AS&E.