MAYOR VILLARAIGOSA SUPPORTS ADVANCED IMAGING TECHNOLOGY BY THE TRANSPORTATION SECURITY ADMINISTRATION

Mayor demonstrates how easy and efficient scans are at LAX

            Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa today affirmed his support for the Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) use of Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) scanners and demonstrated the technology for media at Los AngelesInternationalAirport.  At the airport this morning, the Mayor made the following statements:

             “Our job is to make the airport as safe as possible for travelers, and that means using the AIT scanners and pat downs to screen for potential threats.  I am calling on the public to understand that the reality of these times requires higher levels of security to keep everyone safe. These AIT scanners are the quickest, most efficient means to check people for concealed threats.  Although a person can opt out of AIT and instead have a pat down search, I know from experience that AIT is much faster and less invasive."

            "I also would like to send a strong message to other airports around the country.  If you don’t want the AITs that TSA has offered you, I will take them here at LAX."

            The Mayor has been an advocate for use of new technologies and tactics to keep Los AngelesInternationalAirport (LAX) on the cutting edge of airport security.  LAX is considered the top terrorist target on the West Coast.  AIT scanners are being installed and used by TSA in each of the terminals at the airport.

            LAX officials estimate that 1.5 million people will use the airport over the 10-day Thanksgiving holiday travel period from Friday, Nov. 19 through Sunday, Nov. 28, 2010.