Body Scanners - The Lie
02/03/10 15:53 Filed in: Personal
Since their introduction (and subsequent compulsory use) since February this year Body Scanners at airports have proved to be highly controversial.
There are two main objections.
Firstly, they don’t work. This German TV presentation using the same equipment provided to Manchester Airport show how flawed the system is.
Incidentally, I was;
Secondly, it’s an infringement of both privacy and civil liberties.
I can only assume that all these measures are being put in place in order to put people of air travel. Because given the first point, it can’t be security.
My own personal experience of the device and it’s operating staff took place on February 5th of this year.
When my family and I had passed the normal security check, we were directed (as EVERYBODY WAS) to be body scanned.
The process itself was both pathetic and insulting.
The device failed to spot the fact I was carrying a plastic container in my top pocket. Because as I leaned forward, the shirt left my body and became opaque to the scanner. You’ll realise it only spots stuff that is in contrast to things around it.
The container had two one pounds coins in it. I’d placed them there deliberately to see what would happen. The answer was nothing. Which was both amusing and alarming, because it could have contained ANYTHING!
What really does stick in my mind as objectionable is the way we were made to feel during the process. As though we were actually guilty and required to prove ourselves safe to fly. This impression was further enhanced by a rather stupid UK Borders Agency officer.
When my six year old asked her “Why did they have to do that?” to the one female UK Borders Agency offic (aged early 40’s, medium height and build, dark short hair... somewhat man like) her reply had my spinning around.
“Because Mummy and Daddy have been naughty,” She said dryly.
Now remember, my daughter is six and is now worried. I just span on the spot to face my accuser and said in a calm voice
“Did you just say ‘because Mummy and Daddy have been naughty’?” I asked her, “Did you?”
“No.” she replied and started to step behind the other officers.
“Yes you did. I heard you.” I replied (again, perfectly calm and polite).
To be honest, at this point I’d have been happy with “Sorry, it was just a joke” and I’d have pointed out her age.
Instead I got a male UK BA officer stepping in between the non-conflict and saying “You can go now,” and pointing towards the exit.
So this is the sort of treatment we are to expect in the future? Guilty until proved otherwise, and you’re lucky to be allowed to travel in the first place.
I have to say that the UK BA officers prior to this had been both polite and helpful. But you’re only as good as your last performance, and I was left both angry and disgusted by that.
There are two main objections.
Firstly, they don’t work. This German TV presentation using the same equipment provided to Manchester Airport show how flawed the system is.
Incidentally, I was;
- NOT asked to empty my pockets
- NOT asked to remove my jacket, and was
- NOT scanned from the side.
- All Lance’s comments ARE FALSE in this respect.
Secondly, it’s an infringement of both privacy and civil liberties.
I can only assume that all these measures are being put in place in order to put people of air travel. Because given the first point, it can’t be security.
My own personal experience of the device and it’s operating staff took place on February 5th of this year.
When my family and I had passed the normal security check, we were directed (as EVERYBODY WAS) to be body scanned.
The process itself was both pathetic and insulting.
Failed to spot “bomb”
The device failed to spot the fact I was carrying a plastic container in my top pocket. Because as I leaned forward, the shirt left my body and became opaque to the scanner. You’ll realise it only spots stuff that is in contrast to things around it.
The container had two one pounds coins in it. I’d placed them there deliberately to see what would happen. The answer was nothing. Which was both amusing and alarming, because it could have contained ANYTHING!
Final insult
What really does stick in my mind as objectionable is the way we were made to feel during the process. As though we were actually guilty and required to prove ourselves safe to fly. This impression was further enhanced by a rather stupid UK Borders Agency officer.
When my six year old asked her “Why did they have to do that?” to the one female UK Borders Agency offic (aged early 40’s, medium height and build, dark short hair... somewhat man like) her reply had my spinning around.
“Because Mummy and Daddy have been naughty,” She said dryly.
Now remember, my daughter is six and is now worried. I just span on the spot to face my accuser and said in a calm voice
“Did you just say ‘because Mummy and Daddy have been naughty’?” I asked her, “Did you?”
“No.” she replied and started to step behind the other officers.
“Yes you did. I heard you.” I replied (again, perfectly calm and polite).
To be honest, at this point I’d have been happy with “Sorry, it was just a joke” and I’d have pointed out her age.
Instead I got a male UK BA officer stepping in between the non-conflict and saying “You can go now,” and pointing towards the exit.
So this is the sort of treatment we are to expect in the future? Guilty until proved otherwise, and you’re lucky to be allowed to travel in the first place.
I have to say that the UK BA officers prior to this had been both polite and helpful. But you’re only as good as your last performance, and I was left both angry and disgusted by that.
