Not good and definitely not what the founders intended: DHS invested millions in “secret body scanners” that could scan your body without your knowledge.
While the USAToday article claims these were “disreguarded” and not used..these are some THEY ARE USING!
Body Orifice Security Scanner
The Body Orifice Security Scanner is a fast, non-intrusive, reliable, inexpensive, and simple to use scanning system. It enables non-intrusive scanning of anal, vaginal, nasal and oral cavities.
It is used by Prison Authorities and Military Personnel to screen inmates and visitors for small weapons and contraband metal objects.
The Body Orifice Security Scanner is an effective deterrent that makes the unpleasant task of searching body cavities safer and easier.
It detects single-sided razor blades, knives, hacksaw blades, shanks, nails, drill bits, tools, bullets, etc.
Possible Stabbings and slashings are reduced because fewer weapons enter and circulate within the inmate population.
Prior to transportation inmates can be scanned for handcuff keys and paper clips.
A handcuff key is detectable at a distance of 6 inches (150mm) from the sensor.
If drugs are concealed in metal containers or foil they will be detected.
Because the inspection is non-contact, officers and institutions are protected from the liability issues that can arise from unnecessary invasive cavity searches. This is particularly important in juvenile facilities.
WG Body Passive Terahertz Scanner
The WG Body Passive Terahertz Scanner (WGBPTS) is a passive security body screener that scans individuals covertly without the use of x-rays for concealed contraband and threat objects.
The imaging technology is entirely passive; the images of objects concealed under clothing are formed by detecting terahertz waves naturally emitted by all objects on individuals.
The individuals being scanned anatomical details are not revealed within the mages produced.
Applications
- Airport security;
- Border control;
- Corporate security;
- Customs agencies;
- Government security agencies;
- Military establishments;
- Police authorities;
- Seaport security;
- Special event security.
Operating Technology
Terahertz waves occupy part of the electromagnetic spectrum between radio waves and infra-red (heat). We are all surrounded by terahertz waves; they are naturally emitted by all objects and people.
Similar to infra-red waves, terahertz waves can be used to form images of objects and people.
But like radio waves and unlike infra-red waves, terahertz waves pass through opaque materials such as clothing, packaging and even certain building materials.
The WGBPTS utilises a new terahertz imaging technology using sensitive terahertz wave detectors and compact optics.
This system uses the natural terahertz waves produced by individuals and objects to form images of concealed contraband and threat items without revealing anatomical details of the subject being imaged.
http://www.wi-ltd.com/security/Scanning_and_Screening/X_Ray_and_Screening_Systems/Mobile_Scanners
Mobile Scanners
 WG Mobile X-Ray Screening Vehicle The WG Mobile X-Ray Screening system is a rapidly deployable mobile X-Ray vehicle that uses a special version of the WG IS100X X-Ray Baggage Scanner with fold up conveyors, and is capable of detecting organic and inorganic items such as weapons, explosives and narcotics.Make an Enquiry View Details |
 WG IS Mobile X-Ray Mini Van Screening system The WG IS Mobile X-Ray Mini Van Baggage Screening System with a special version of the WG IS100XD advanced X-Ray Baggage Scanner that is capable of detecting organic and inorganic items such as weapons, explosives and narcotics using unique 6 colour software which significantly enhances the operator’s ability to identify suspicious items.Make an Enquiry View Details |
http://dseinternational.com/content/products/Product.aspx?Id=216
EOD305 Handheld Passive Millimeter Wave Scanner
The lightweight Handheld Millimetre Wave Scanner provides instant passive millimetre-wave images of weapons, improvised explosives, containers with liquids and other suspicious objects concealed under clothing. The system is technician-friendly, with easily identifiable images displayed on the unit’s integral screen
A vertical sweep of the target creates 2D images from the natural millimetre-wave radiation emitted from the human body. The Handheld Millimetre Wave Scanner allows security personnel to scan in real time areas that are difficult to reach without embarrassing passengers or customers. It is therefore an excellent non-invasive method of checking individuals, especially those with cultural traditions where physical checks are considered invasive.
Furthermore, the rapid ability to detect a threat allows check through lines to move rapidly.
Features:
• Maintains privacy
• Maintains dignity
• Affordable
• Portable/Easy to use
• 1/4º C, 1/8” Pixels
• 600 x 400 full color display
• 64 x1024 pixel images
• All images stored, viewable from any browser
• Wireless network enabled, battery operated
DHS Signs Contracts for Covert Mobile Body Scanners
Wednesday, March 2, 2011 at 2:24PM
An image created by a Z Backscatter Van scanThe Electronic Privacy Information Center obtained documents Tuesday that suggest the Department of Homeland Security is seeking mobile and static scanning technology that will be used on people without their knowledge or consent.
InHardFocus reported in August 2010 that companies like American Science & Engineering were already taking advanced scanning technology mobile. But the EPIC news indicates that DHS will soon make use of these mobile, covert scanners.
DHS states that the technology will help officials quickly detect concealed explosives, which will ensure the safety of individuals in urban and transportation hubs.
One contract calls for AS&E’s Z Backscatter Van to be used as part of an Intelligent Pedestrian Surveillance platform, which can be used anywhere.
Another requests a walk-through x-ray device that could be used at the entrance to special events and other points of interest.
The technology used in these types of mobile and static screening systems is similar (and, in some case, may be identical) to that used at airport security checkpoints, which includes backscatter and millimeter-wave technology.
Of course, EPIC is already warming up for war over these contracts. Computer World reported that an EPIC spokeswomen said using these technologies to scan people without their consent is an invasion of privacy and a violation of Fourth Amendment rights. Not to mention the possible safety risks that come from repeated exposure to these advanced scanning technologies (a subject on which TSA is still mum).
So far, it’s unclear whether the DHS contracts have been completed.
Homeland Security looked into covert body scans
http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2011-03-04-bodyscans04_ST_N.htm
The Homeland Security Department paid contractors millions of dollars to develop and study surveillance systems that could covertly track pedestrians and check under people’s clothing with airport-style body scanners as they enter train stations, bus depots or major events, newly released documents show.
Two contracts the department signed in 2005 and 2006 were part of its effort to acquire technology to find suicide bombers in a crowd of moving people, according to documents given to the Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC), a privacy-rights group that is suing Homeland Security.
The department dropped the projects in a “very early” phase after testing showed flaws, Homeland Security spokesman Bobby Whithorne says.
EPIC lawyer Ginger McCall says the project is disturbing nonetheless because it shows the department “obviously believed that this level of surveillance is acceptable when in fact it is not at all acceptable.”
A $1.9 million contract with Rapiscan Systems, which makes airport body scanners, asked the company to develop similar machines for “covert inspection of moving subjects” and to find explosives on suicide bombers “through clothing, backpacks and other packages.” The contract was signed in 2005.
Rapiscan’s airport body scanners require subjects to stand still while the machines create an image of passengers underneath their clothing to reveal hidden weapons. EPIC has sued the department to stop their use, saying the machines violate privacy.
Rapiscan Vice President Peter Kant says the company gave Homeland Security a prototype machine designed “primarily for non-aviation settings” because it could scan people while they were moving.
Lab tests of the prototype resulted in the project being dropped, Whithorne says.
In 2006, the department signed a $1.3 million contract with Northeastern University in Boston to test systems that could potentially “monitor and track individuals in a crowd.”
Northeastern studied video cameras, imaging equipment similar to body scanners and radar, which can spot people at a distance.
After receiving Northeastern’s reports, Homeland Security decided against trying to develop a prototype machine, Whithorne says.
Using systems to covertly scan pedestrians “would be a clear violation” of laws against unreasonable searches, McCall says. “If you are walking down the street, this allows them to digitally strip-search you and rifle through your belongings without any sort of justification,” she says.
Homeland Security studies privacy implications of technologies before they are used on the public. The department dropped the two projects “before we even got to the privacy assessment phase,” Whithorne says.
Homeland Security has sought for several years to develop technology that can scan moving people, and has publicly tested equipment at a New Jersey rail station and at airports in Denver and Minneapolis.
Body scanners typically require a controlled environment that eliminates outside light, security consultant Rich Roth says.
Homeland Security has spent billions of dollars to develop systems that detect everything from airborne pathogens to people illegally crossing into the U.S. from Mexico.
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