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Full-body scanners coming to airport in 2011
Facility readying infrastructure for controversial devices
BY MICHAEL LAMENDOLA Gazette Reporter
Reach Gazette reporter Michael Lamendola at 395-3114 or lamend@dailygazette.com.

    Albany International Airport is expected to get two full-body scanners next year, according to airport spokesman Doug Myers.
    The scanners use advanced imaging technology to see metallic and non-metallic objects that may be concealed underneath clothing. Passengers have to step into or between the devices, which resemble large phone booths, before boarding a plane.
    The federal Transportation Security Administration would not confirm that Albany will receive the scanners. However, TSA spokesman Jim Fotenos said the federal government plans to deploy 1,000 full-body scanners at airports across the United States by the end of 2011. It currently has 464 units at 75 airports. There are 460 airports in the nation.
    Myers said the airport is preparing infrastructure to handle the scanners, such as installing wiring and preparing a separate room where a TSA officer will view the images in privacy. The scanners will be placed at the airport’s one checkpoint, which has six lanes, Myers said.
    Fotenos said that the technology is safe and that the TSA has in place strict privacy rules and regulations for their use. Opponents say the scanners reveal too much of a person’s body. Passengers who do not want to go through the scanners will undergo a pat-down to keep prohibited items from making it past security. ..................>>>>.........................>>>>........................http://www.dailygazette.net/De.....r01701&AppName=1