The next evolution of mass transit safety, SPO Technology protects public safety and preserves individual privacy
QinetiQ's SPO system in operation
QinetiQ North America's Technology Solutions Group announced that the US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) deployed its new mass transit security solution at the Minneapolis-St. Paul (MSP) International Airport to enhance security measures surrounding the 2008 Republican National Convention.
TSA used QinetiQ's groundbreaking millimetre wave, passive stand-off detection solution – called "SPO Technology" – to scan for weapons and explosive materials in and near MSP International Airport. SPO Technology has already proven successful in both air and surface transport use. TSA for the very first time operationally deployed this new threat technology solution at the Denver International Airport during the 2008 Democratic National Convention.
"TSA is committed to providing technologies and solutions that make the US safe for travel, and we’re honoured that they have turned to QinetiQ North America to help them," said Dr William Ribich, President of the Technology Solutions Group, QinetiQ North America. "SPO Technology is a perfect example of how complex challenges can be met with innovative, trusted solutions."
SPO has the ability to scan moving people – even those who are not in line – within one second before or after they enter a transit area and have been singled out as a potential threat. It can detect concealed weapons or explosives without patting down passengers, opening bags or showing revealing body images. Ribich added, "With SPO Technology, public safety is protected while we achieve scanning rates up to 45 times faster than competing technologies – all while preserving individual privacy."