MONTEREY, Calif.- Central Coast News has new information on the controversial airport body scanners, they may be getting an upgrade. TSA is looking to streamline airport security. We decided to find out about the changes and when you can expect to see them.
The Transportation Safety Agency said it's ready to re-vamp those controversial full-body scanners you see at airports all over the country. TSA plans to spend $2 million dollars for nine new proto-types, then they'll be evaluated at a testing location in Washington DC. Central Coast passengers we talked with said new technology sounds like a wise investment as long as they're as accurate as the current ones.
"If it appears to a little intrusive to people, I would rather be safer and go through it and have others go through it," said frequent flier Nancy Putz.
Some people on the central coast say they understand TSA uses them to keep passengers safe.
"I go through the scanners. The inspectors have their job," said frequent flier Ed Melvin.
TSA said San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose, Sacramento, Fresno, Bakersfield, Redding, San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara already have the technology. Monterey and Salinas Regional Airports don't, but they may soon.
TSA said it's looking for the newest innovations in advanced imaging technology. The plan is to get passengers through airport security faster. TSA wants its new scanners to meet the same radiation level standards and possibly even a smaller unit, taking up less space in the security area. It's not clear where new scanners would be installed first. TSA spokesperson Mico Melendez said they could go in at any airport. But not everyone is a fan of them, old or new.
"It's a little bit if of you know a hassle. You've gotta stand there and then you gotta put your hands over your head. I don't think its really catching who they really want to catch," said frequent flier Betty Harris.
TSA said it's also looking for a body scanner with better software to make things move more quickly at security checkpoints.
