A consultation paper outlining the code of practise for the use of advanced imaging technology said all those operating the equipment must have received training on how to work sensitively and protect the privacy of passengers.
They will also have to undergo checks against police and security service records, designed to weed out known sex offenders and those linked to extremism.
Public comment is now being sought on the proposals, which have been drawn up following the introduction of the new body scanners at UK airports.
The Government urgently pressed ahead with the roll out of the technology following a failed terrorist attack against a United States-bound airliner on Christmas Day.
Despite concerns over the continued targeting of aircraft by terrorists, however, the introduction of the new scanners has attracted controversy from some quarters.
There have been concerns that allowing children to be scanned could be in breach of the law and that some people would be worried because of their religion.
But the DfT document said: “Given the need to maintain high standards of security, the Government does not propose to offer an alternative screening method.
“There is no viable alternative that would reveal carefully concealed items, short of a search involving removal of clothing an direct physical contact – this, it its nature, would be a far more intrusive and much greater invasion of privacy.
“Also training and having the necessary staff available to carry out searches would impose a burden on airport operators. Ultimately the rights of individuals must be balanced against the need to protect passengers from terrorist threats.”
Security Oracle |
