17 October 2001
Exploring the Future Role of Technology in Airport Security
(PPI forum hosts a tech demonstration on Capitol Hill) (430)
By Eric Bartholomay
Washington File Staff Writer
Washington -- The Progressive Policy Institute (PPI) hosted a forum
October 17 to discuss future applications and possibilities of many
cutting-edge technologies as they pertain to use in strengthening U.S.
airport security measures.
The PPI forum was held in the Cannon House Office Building on Capitol
Hill.
PPI is a research and education institute dedicated to integrating
21st century technology with government policy in the pursuit of
modernization and political change. It recognizes the importance of
developing technologies that are supportive of homeland defense.
U.S. Congressmen Mike Honda (Democrat-California) and Jim Matheson
(Democrat- Utah) hosted the PPI forum and are major supporters of the
integration of advanced technology and aviation security.
Honda and Matheson are currently leading the debate in the House of
Representatives on legislation aimed at trial testing of developed
technologies in U.S. airports. The $50 million legislation (HR 3101)
would allow for testing of new technologies in multiple U.S. airports
in addition to facilitating implementation of new technology into
airport security after a trial period has been completed.
Companies at the October 17 forum gave small demonstrations of their
products to those present to show the capabilities and usefulness of
their designs. Some of the proposed security measures included
voice-recognition devices, facial recognition systems, and smart-cards
that utilize microchip technology.
Advanced security proposals used fingerprint-analyzing machines that
compare a person's print with a databank, while other proposals
involved biometric devices that utilize unique physical
characteristics to identify a person. Some units took 90 different
physical measurements within a matter of seconds and compiled these
measurements into a "forgery-proof identification card."
One unique machine registered brain activity resulting from various
visual displays. The unit measured brain activity in association to
images and concepts displayed before the subject on a screen. The hope
is to display terrorist training specific material and monitor the
brain responses to these images to determine if a subject has had
terrorist training. This technique is currently undergoing further
development.
The forum was successful in representing highly technical and
diversified technologies capable of revolutionizing airport security.
In the words of the Vice President of PPI, Robert Atkinson, "these
machines are not James Bond technologies anymore" and should be
implemented to increase security in U.S. airports.
(The Washington File is a product of the Office of International
Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site:
http://usinfo.state.gov)
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