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New Technology and Uniforms Deployed in Time for Conventions in Denver and Minneapolis

Travelers Assistant

August 30, 2008

With the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Denver behind us, TSA Minneapolis-St. Paul is gearing up for the Republican National Convention (RNC) Sept. 1-4.

More than 60,000 travelers were expected to depart Denver International Airport (DEN) on Friday, August 29, the day after the close of the DNC. That same day, as convention attendees began to stream into Minneapolis, TSA deployed the new passive millimeter wave technology at that airport, providing yet another layer of security on top of the many measures already in place.

"Security operations at the airport and in other modes of transportation went extremely well," said Denver International Airport Federal Security Director David Bassett. "As we wind down here, we're looking forward to passing the torch to our colleagues in Minneapolis."

Approximately 100 TSOs assisted the U.S. Secret Service in Denver with screening throughout the convention, including on the final night, when more than 80,000 people were admitted into Invesco Field.

Last week, Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport TSOs began wearing their new uniforms, and more than 50 officers are ready to assist the U.S. Secret Service with screening at the RNC.

"Our officers are honored to be able to provide support to the Secret Service and stand ready to assist in any way possible," said Ken Kasprisin, Minneapolis-St. Paul federal security director. "Security is a team effort, and we're prepared to do our part."

As part of that team effort, TSA Minneapolis-St. Paul began deploying Visible Intermodal Prevention and Response teams at the airport and in other modes of transportation several weeks ago. These operations will continue throughout the convention.

As in Denver, TSA Minneapolis-St. Paul is also deploying additional BDOs and bomb appraisal officers – increasing random and unpredictable screening efforts at the airport. There are also additional TSA employee-led canine teams from around the country to enhance explosive detection ability.

Additional screening by passive millimeter wave, also known as standoff detection technology, will be in place throughout the convention and for an additional 60-90 days as part of a pilot program rolled out at Denver. This flexible, mobile and safe technology, enables officers to detect explosives or improvised explosive devices by measuring the energy generated by the human body. TSA previously tested it in mass transit and seaport environments. The political conventions mark the first time the technology is being used in airports.

Passive millimeter detects explosives or improvised explosive devices by analyzing energy generated by the human body. It is completely safe, non-invasive and does not store information. The indicator produces a light on a red-to-green scale that suggests anomalies that could have security implications, including the presence of explosives.

Another hand-held detection device being deployed by TSA is the hand-held spectrometer. Another new technology includes passive millimeter wave and the hand-held spectrometer.

This explosive detection device can penetrate sealed containers in seconds and identify a wide range of solid and liquid explosives using laser technology. This flexible technology can be used by explosives detection professionals in airport, security checkpoint and mass transit environments.

Since January, more than 2,300 TSA officers have supported Secret Service activities at more than 180 campaign events from coast to coast.

Read the fact sheet about DHS agencies providing protection at the conventions.