Controversial airport scanners to be made compulsory

[eeyoreguy]

FULL-BODY scanners being trialled at Manchester Airport are to be made compulsory at all British airports in a crackdown on security following the Christmas day bomb plot.

More than 500 people have used the full body scanner at Manchester – which shows the passengers 'naked' – nstead of the traditional pat down since the machines were introduced six weeks ago.

Government officials will take the first step towards changing EU policy to make the scanners compulsory at a meeting this week.

They will also look at introducing two separate body searches for all passengers, with the second check taking place at the gate just before boarding.

Controversial airport scanners to be made compulsory - News - Manchester Evening News (http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/s/1187943_controversial_airport_scanners_to_be_made_ compulsory)

[uscwest]

I wonder how this will affect people with pacemakers.

[Tink]

I've also read that the full body scanners are being sent to/installed at Heathrow too. :sigh:

Wish I were convinced it would make a true difference instead of being another major loss of privacy.

I guess we'll need to redefine privacy, eh? None expected apparently when traveling or moving about in public...

[Slowhand]

It`s sad when one idiot causes so much Worldwide hysteria.

[Tink]

Isn't it? Especially since (according to a bit that I've read, not saying it was gospel :) ) the scanners wouldn't have caught the stuff taped to his leg! Now, I'm not sure how that could be, but it's what I've read...

Taking shoes off is another thing that does little but hold up a line, again from what I've read.

I will say it's hard to determine what is truthful/factual and what isn't in some of the articles, but it's still interesting to read about some of this stuff.

I fly today. I've checked TSA regulations and they are saying that nothing (domestic) has changed, just allow extra time, so that's what I'm going to do.

[Ursula]

Well this is NO surprise now is it. Still I will go along with whatever it takes to fly safely. But I still don't think it's totally foolproof, where there's a will there's a way I'm sure.

[Tink]

Well... not to sound nasty, but the scanners are not going to be able to detect what might be IN the body...

[Ursula]

They're not?!!!!!!!! Then what's the point of them then?

[Ursula]

Gaah! I'm NOT bending over for ANYONE! Don't care who they are!

[Tink]

The reasoning, such as it is, goes that anything hidden under the clothing against the body, that wouldn't set off a detector, would be found this way.

However, a trained K-9 can smell hidden items (follow me?) so are more effective than the scanners...

Again, that's some of what I've been reading. Take it with a grain of salt... it's mostly food for thought, and information for questions to ask the next time you are bored in an airport.

"Oh excuse me there Mr. Security Guard. Yes, you. The one with the big gun? Is it true that those scanners don't work as well as a trained dog?" :D

OKAY I'M KIDDING! (But I'll bet it'd be a heck of a conversation)! :laugh: :embarassed:

[Britchick]

i guess i'll have to take my piercings out then :tongue:




just kidding! i am considering it though just for kicks LOL

[Dawn]

Would it be wrong of me to write something sarcastic across my back before going to the airport? :evil:

[Claire]

Will children go through the scanner or will they still be patted down?

[Keith]

Will children go through the scanner or will they still be patted down?

Well in the trial, they didn't have to go through but if this is to be more than just a sham, then EVERYONE should have to go through really shouldn't they unless there's a proper medical reason why not and then they'd have to have a very extensive pat down.

It's all kinda crazy and accomplishes the terrorists goals for them IMHO but sigh