Border guards can see right through you

[n2doc]

About 25,000 cars a day come north from Mexico through the San Ysidro, Calif., border crossing. During the long waits, someone has probably wondered: "That metal-detector frame people walk through at airports — why isn’t there something similar here that allows you to drive through?" Now there is — the Z Portal, made by American Science and Engineering Inc.

It’s a giant X-ray machine that should reduce waiting times at the world’s largest land port of entry by allowing officials to eliminate manual searches, or at least narrow their focus. U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents have begun using the Z Portal to screen vehicles and check for explosives, stowaways, drugs and other forms of contraband.

Thomas Winkowski, assistant commissioner for field operations, said: "The Z Portal complements our currently deployed technology by providing a clearer image of low-density objects that may be hidden in vehicle fenders, tires, trunks, gas tanks or under the hood."

American Science and Engineering says the Z Portal is safe for operators, drivers and the environment; someone would have to take their car through 2,000 times to get the same amount of radiation as a hospital X-ray emits. Drivers can remain in the car or opt for a Customs and Border Protection agent to drive their vehicle through for them. Because the system displays only a silhouette of the occupant, it cannot be used to identify individuals, nor race, age or gender.

The Z Portal costs about $2 million to purchase and install, but in its first month of operation it has detected one ton of drugs and someone hiding in a compartment.

—Colin Ryan

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/uptospeed/2008/10/border-guards-c.html

[Richard D]

1. Wow.

Must take a lot of x-ray radiation to see through metal. Can this thing be safe?

[ColbertWatcher]

2. Who's you're big brother!? Say my name! Say my name! n/t

[TexasObserver]

3. I feel safer knowing the government can count the wrinkles in my scrotum.

Why would anyone mind?

[WritersBlock]

4. 749. Just for info. n/t