I've just been reading that new anti-terrorist security equipment to screen passengers on the London Underground is to be trialled later this week in Docklands. Im amazed. The government is actually sticking to its word and carrying out these tests. The four-week trial is to take place at Canary Wharf station on the Tube's Jubilee line. The portable equipment can detect traces of explosives on passengers' fingertips or on their clothing or tickets.In addition, there is an X-ray machine to test Underground passengers' bags. Some of this equipment has already been tested at Paddington.
Anti-terrorism Tube security pilot to go live
GOOD.
I watched these Total Recall style full body security scanners in operation at Heathrow. Amazing technology. Even the laptops were being swabbed and the swab was put through some kind of chemical test. As i stood in the queue they hand picked individuals to test out the full body scanner. Problem was that every single person they picked was white and over 60. It just reminded me of all that fuss with Hazel Blears after July 7 when she suggested the police not use racial profiling to stop and search on the tube. I mean, if that is how the scanners would be used assuming they do roll this out, what would be the point?:
posted by Alison @ 11:59 pm
7 Comments:
Well, let's hope that this "non racial profiling" rubbish is just media-friendly nonsense for the papers.
Good, I'm glad to hear that these scanners are really going to be installed on the tube. About time. That incident I wrote about, when I was about to get off the train at St James' Park last month and someone noticed this big yellow bag which was unclaimed, and I reported it as I left the station, I was really quite shaky, couldn't wait to get away. We really need some proper security on the underground. So this is welcome news.
Last summer we visited Peru and Ecuador with flights via the US. The security was quite stringent and we were searched and asked questions twice at each stop-over. It seemed to us that they were targeting white Brits more than any other group and I remember watching them give a particularly hard time to a British family, especially their blonde blue-eyed daughter whilst waving through shady looking North Africans.
There were moments when my temper was starting to wear thin as I felt overtly targeted by non-ethnically European security guards.
We need racial profiling and plenty of it! Having the tech is a good first step - but there was plenty of tech at Boston Airport back in 2001 and still, they got through. Interesting post Alison.
Yep, profile them racials, by god! Anyone who thinks there is just as much chance of a non-Arab carrying a bomb as an Arab type, hasn't been paying attention. Actually I'd rather see religious profiling. Triple test all the Muslims of whatever race. If they come thru wearing one of those funny looking little caps or other Muslim gear, or are from an Islamic country, strip search em and don't forget the body cavities.
And Good Job on the improved security!!! Long overdue.
How will these scanners detect the bleach and other household items that were used on July 7th last year?
Good point but i guess that the effects of mixing chems create an explosive mixture which would be detectable? Im not certain of that.
Im not bothered by the scanners at all Khan. Sorry to disappoint.
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