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CT X-Ray Machines

 2022 was a record breaking year for the TSA. In total, 6,301 firearms were intercepted by the TSA through their various airport security checkpoints. This is almost a 10% increase from 2021 where they found the previous record of 5,972 firearms nationwide. Firearms are never allowed in carry-on bags, and the TSA has increased the maximum civilian penalty for those who attempt to. Based on the circumstances, the TSA can fine up to $14,950, will continue to revoke TSA PreCheck up to five years, and may do more enhanced screenings to make sure no other threats are present. (TSA breaks record, 2022)

 

In 2021, TSA awarded the order of new mid-sized Computed Tomography (CT) x-ray machines to Analogic Corporation for $198 million. The award establishes a contract for the purchase of more than 300 of the mid-sized units to be deployed to airport checkpoints. (TSA awards, 2021) CT is the latest in x-ray equipment to detect potential threats easier by creating a 3-d image of the items being checked and can be rotated 360 degrees for a more thorough inspection. (Computed Tomography, n.d.)

 

With each year surpassing the last with firearm detection, I believe it’s a great thing we have these machines being deployed. After the reported firearm that went through undetected at Raleigh-Durham International Airport, the only thing I believe would make it better is if we could get all airports equipped with them quicker, and the TSA agents trained as soon as possible to utilize them.

 

References

Boyle, M., Thomas, A., Browder, C., Terhune, R., Munden, J., Bergin, M., & Glusco, J. L. (2023, January 28). Travelers stunned, TSA stumped how man’s gun made it onto plane from RDU to Nashville. WRAL.com. https://www.wral.com/travelers-stunned-tsa-stumped-how-man-s-gun-made-it-onto-plane-from-rdu-to-nashville/20691206/

Computed Tomography | Transportation Security Administration. (n.d.). https://www.tsa.gov/computed-tomography

TSA awards $198 million to procure additional CT X-Ray scanners for airport checkpoints | Transportation Security Administration. (2021, September 2). https://www.tsa.gov/news/press/releases/2021/09/02/tsa-awards-198-million-procure-additional-ct-x-ray-scanners-airport

TSA breaks record for number of firearms at security checkpoints, announces new measures to mitigate threat | Transportation Security Administration. (2022, December 16). https://www.tsa.gov/news/press/releases/2022/12/16/tsa-breaks-record-number-firearms-security-checkpoints-announces-new

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