L-3 teams with DHS in RSP program

Earlier this year, New York-based L-3 Communications participated in the first phase of DHS’s Rail Security Pilot (RSP), screening passenger baggage at Exchange Place Station with its APS-II checkpoint X-ray system. Now in its second phase, the DHS has again acquired the services and technology. This phase of the program is intended to screen commuter passengers and other rail passengers for explosives. The program will conduct a trial from 13 July through 27 July using L-3’s innovative ProVision(TM) body screening portal at the Port Authority Trans Hudson Corporation’s (PATH) Exchange Place Station in Jersey City, New Jersey.

ProVision is an explosives detection device which reveals the presence of such materials and concealed objects anywhere on the body in as little as two seconds. The system uses state-of-the-art, non ionizing active millimeter wave (MMW) imaging technology to detect virtually any material, including wire, liquid, ceramic, plastic, and metal. ProVision is already in use at Mexico City’s airport and also at Amsterdam’s Schipol airport. The advantage of the detection device is its ability to screen passengers quickly without causing delays and backups, which ultimately is another security issue. “Maintaining passenger throughput levels is essential, especially in high-traffic situations,” said Thomas Ripp, president of L-3 Security and Detection Systems. “In demonstrating ProVision’s consistent performance at a rail station with high ridership, we are making the case that thorough, accurate, and reliable passenger screening is easily achievable.”