LA Metro, TSA roll out explosive-detection devices

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has partnered with the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) to roll out a new portable passenger screening technology aimed at detecting weapons and explosive devices.

After a series of tests over the past year of TSA-vetted and approved security technologies at its stations, Metro has purchased several Thruvision TAC-TS4 portable terahertz millimeter wave passenger screening devices, which will be placed throughout the agency's system.

The screening devices' software generates a generic avatar of a rider and creates either a black spot on the area of the body where an item is concealed or overlays a color indicator, according to the TSA.

Photo – LA Metro's blog

The devices identify objects that block the naturally occurring waves produced by a person's body. The screening devices' software generates a generic avatar of the person and creates either a black spot on the area of the body where an item is concealed or overlays a color indicator.

The technology, which doesn't emit radiation, will enable law enforcement agents and Metro's security team to screen rail and bus riders without disrupting foot traffic. The devices also will enable security to take "decisive, pre-emptive action if suspicious items are found," TSA officials said.

Metro is the first U.S. surface transportation agency to purchase the explosive-detection devices, according to the TSA.

Over the past year, TSA tested the technology at Metro's 7th Street/Metro Center Station in downtown LA. And in August 2017, Metro tested a different type of explosive detection unit called Evolv at LA's Union Station.