leaflet about security body scanners - Gatwick Airport

The use of advanced imagingtechnology (body scanners)at Gatwick AirportAs part of our drive towards providing the bestpassenger experience, Gatwick uses the latestadvanced imaging technology (body scanners).Body scanners provide an additional layer of security.They are a completely safe and extremely capablemethod of screening passengers.How do body scanners work?The body scanning system uses millimetrewaveimaging to locate objects on a personthat are concealed under clothing. Millimetrewaveimaging offers a superior approach forscreening people compared to existingmethods such as metal detectors with handsearch. It works by bouncing millimetre wavesoff an individual’s skin to produce an outlineimage of the person’s body, showing anyconcealed, potentially dangerous objects.The image is not reviewed by an operatorreviewing an image, as the system providesan Automatic Threat Recognition andDetection functionality. The Scanner displaysan indication of possible threat areas on a`gingerbread man’ image. The security officeruses this information to determine if a physicalsearch is required.This functionality does away with the need forany person to view any images which eliminatesany concerns people may have about privacyissues. The images are analysed within theequipment, so the millimetre wave image of thepassenger is never seen, stored, printed ortransmitted. The scanner is deliberatelyprogrammed so that no image can be retained,printed or transmitted.Selected passengers are asked to standin a particular position by the machine

The use of advanced imaging technology(body scanners) at Gatwick AirportWhat happens when I am scanned?Body scanners are a much less intrusiveprocess than a hand search. Selectedpassengers are asked to stand in aparticular position in the equipment. Theremay be a requirement to rotate to asecondary position. The whole process onlytakes a matter of seconds.Who has to go through thebody scanners?Passengers are not selected on ethnicity,origin, gender or destination of travel.However, for security reasons, we cannotprovide specific detail on the selectioncriteria.How will my privacy be protected?Privacy is of paramount concern. Extensivesafeguards have been built into the bodyscanner machines and the processesthemselves. No images can be saved orretrieved at a later date. A code of practicehas been produced by the Department forTransport to ensure that the implementationand application of body scanners will beproportionate to individuals’ privacy rights.Are body scanners safe?Yes. A number of different body scannertechnologies have been assessed bygovernment health and safety regulatorsand the tests have concluded that the dosereceived is much less than using a mobilephone or being in the sun. It is completelysafe for pregnant women, children andanyone with medical implants.Are children exempt?No. The Government directive authorisingthe use of body scanners by airports doesnot exempt children because this wouldundermine the effectiveness of these newsecurity measures.What if I am chosen and refuse to gothrough the body scanner?Under Government rules, you will not beoffered an alternative method of screening.Therefore, a passenger who refuses to bescreened will not be allowed to travel.Unfortunately, this tough stance is neededto maintain the high levels of security in theaviation industry. When passengers book anairline ticket, they do agree to be subjectedto the security measures that are in place.For more information please visitwww.gatwickairport.com andwww.sds.l-3com.com/products/checkpoint.htm