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From: "Donna J. Logan" 
Subject: High-tech terror outpaces the FAA
Message-ID: 
Date: Sun, 15 Oct 1995 10:38:33 -0400 (EDT)

The television show 48 Hours this past week was about bombs and
explosives... according to the show, the tests of the scanners
currently installed in airports are rigged so that they will pass
inspection.  Turns out the test device is a crude representation of a
clock/dynamite device, which the reporter described as looking like
something out of a cartoon.  The scanners are not able to detect the
more modern devices utilizing plastic explosives.

Even with the crude test device, the reporter was able to get thru
"security" at two different airports with the device in her
luggage...proving that current security is a joke.  The explanation
given when confronted with their faux pas?  Well, the reporter didn't
"look" like a terrorist, so her luggage wasn't subjected to more
intense scrutiny!

Also, it was pointed out that only baggage going into the baggage hold
is put thru the scanner....carry on luggage is not (so they
claim...altho the last time I was on a plane - a couple of years ago -
my carryon plus my purse WAS scanned, plus me personally...so I don't
know what airports are not scanning carryon).

Anyways, they showed a new, highly technological scanner which CAN
detect plastic explosives, etc....but it was claimed the machine costs
over a million dollars, which is why airlines won't buy it.

So...why doesn't the government require the device be installed by the
airport, the cost to be shared amongst all the airlines utilizing that
airport?  And all flyers, regardless of carrier, would be required to
have all luggage scanned tru?  Seems to me the savings in reduced
security personnel and reduced wait times would be made back in short
time.

Or is there ANOTHER reason to stop travelers and demand they show ID?

;->

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