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The proposed ban on all electronic items larger than smartphones is required because “the threat is real”.
That’s the view of Ian Hutcheson OBE, security advisor at airport security giant L3.
Hutcheson said these complex IEDs which can be disguised as such devices require more advanced technology than is currently available, also revealing that L3 is currently working on new computed tomography machines to tackle the threats.
However, he also claimed that simply detecting threats is not enough for the role of technology.
He said: “It is much easier to measure detection capability than deterrents, but mitigating future risks will require technologies that both deter and detect.
“Despite this technology can produce real deterrent value such as PWM scanners at Heathrow. Many people discarded drugs and other contraband because they didn’t understand the capabilities of the scanner.”
Hutcheson also noted the potentially negative impact that increased response to threats could have to the global aviation industry’s core business – getting passengers from origin to destination.
“How do we improve security while keeping business moving? That is it we need to find out.”
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Aviation laptop ban – the threat is real and requires new responseThe proposed ban on all electronic items larger than smartphones is required because “the threat is real”. That’s the view […]
Wesley Charnock
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Tom Pick
June 21, 2017 9:25 pm
The threat is real but a ban isn’t the answer; that only creates more passenger inconvenience and problems of it’s own (like laptop batteries catching fire in the cargo hold). Better screening technology of multiple types, including RF as recently covered in this American Security Today article, is a better approach: https://americansecuritytoday.com/tsa-evaluate-electronics-scanner-alternative-electronics-ban/
That’s the view of Ian Hutcheson OBE, security advisor at airport security giant L3.
The threat is real but a ban isn’t the answer; that only creates more passenger inconvenience and problems of it’s own (like laptop batteries catching fire in the cargo hold). Better screening technology of multiple types, including RF as recently covered in this American Security Today article, is a better approach: https://americansecuritytoday.com/tsa-evaluate-electronics-scanner-alternative-electronics-ban/