Houston ahead of the game in removing strip search scanners
The Transportation Security Administration announced late last week that the virtual strip search cameras that have been the source of controversy over the last couple of years will be removed from all airports by the summer.
However, they will not be removed from either Bush or Hobby airports here in Houston. That’s because they’re already gone.
“Fortunately, no scanners will be removed from Bush or Hobby airports. We have the updated scanners,” Houston Airport System public information officer Darian Ward told KTRH in an email.
Those strip search scanners may be gone, but some Texans still feel scanning you as you get ready to fly remains a problem. The scanners have been replaced by technology that is less invasive of your privacy but State Representative David Simpson isn't satisfied
“It’s a small step, but it’s a step in the right direction. So we’re grateful for that,” State Representative David Simpson told KTRH.
Simpson doesn't think travelers should be treated like criminals.
“We shouldn’t treat people that way if they haven’t done something wrong,” Simpson said.
Longtime TSA critic Jay Stang told KTRH says his problem with the scanners is that they put your health at risk.
“The new machine are said to be safer but they are just a different kind of radiation, like X-Rays,” Stang told KTRH.
Stang says the privacy issue has been put to bed but others remain.
“You still have the health effects of being bombarded by microwaves,” Stang explained.
