Border guards can see right through you

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

Photo: American Science and Engineering

Comments

[BadExperiment]

Is similar technology being used for covert surveillance and targeting of American citizens in their homes?

[Jim Wangsness]

Great invention. The only problem is, there needs to be the same detection devices at all portals of entry because smugglers will just go to another border crossing.

[Darren]

What does do to magnetic tapes someone might be carrying? Are they warned about the device and offered safe passage for such items?

[foxx]

Oh Snap!!! How the sam hell do they "MISS" all of those "ILLEGAL" DRUGS that are being brought into the United States???

[unclesmrgol]

>> BadExperiment | October 23, 2008 at 06:10 PM

No, the equipment is being used to target illegal aliens in their homes, with the power settings up at "sterilize" ;-) Does that make you feel better?

[SUK TSANG]

I recommend lead apron, steel helmet, and hazmat suit when you inbound.

[ceejayoz]

@BadExperiment - Have you noticed your house traveling through an x-ray scanner lately or something? Dial down the paranoia, eh?

[dave6]

@ceejayoz Have you noticed an x-ray scanner driving past houses lately? You can fit them in a big truck. Dial up the thinking eh?

[winterfall]

what happens if they just line their cars with lead to block out the imaging? if the smugglers do specific sections and don't go crazy with it, I don't see how it'll stop the drugs

[Perkle]

If it's X-ray it won't hurt magnetic tapes, but it might fog film, and one wonders what the dose is, and what one does for people who have to cross the border daily.

[Momma]

What if you are pregnant???

[Sarah]

Shouldn't matter if your pregnant... I've gone thru the X-ray machine at the airport many times while pregnant. It's not supposed to be a problem. (hopefully!)

[Bob H]

@Sarah Where have you gone through an x-ray machine?

[jef oak]

You dont walk through xray machines at the airport, you walk through METAL DETECTORS. Bags, shoes, etc, go through the xray machines and emit an extremely low amount of radiation. Less than a cell phone, unless you're using a bluetooth. You're not using a bluetooth, are you?

[db]

what happens if they just line their cars with lead to block out the imaging? if the smugglers do specific sections and don't go crazy with it, I don't see how it'll stop the drugs

Posted by: winterfall | October 24, 2008 at 02:51 PM
=================
They'll notice the block outs and do a manual search.

[southernvet]

There is no such thing as a "safe" x-ray. In medicine it is always a benefit/risk relationship that dictates the need for x-rays . You don't need the exposure at the border so for you it is all risk. Let them drive your car thru, a minor inconvenience at best. btw you'll find R.R.T behind my name which indicates I am a registered x-ray tech

[Michael]

"Is similar technology being used for covert surveillance and targeting of American citizens in their homes?"

I was wondering that same thing as I drove my 3-BR, 3-Ba home down the street the other day and drove through a large U-shaped metal contraption...

Good grief. Of course, just because you're paranoid doesn't mean someone isn't watching you, I guess.

[contaminated soil]

Hi,
Very nice post.I've gone through the X-ray machine at the airport many times while pregnant. It's not supposed to be a problem. (hopefully!)

[Betclic]

Interesting, thanks !