On April 18, the ProVision Body Scanning System will take effect at theEl Paso County’s Terry R. Harris Judicial complex in downtown Colorado Springs. The county is the first county in the United States to purchase this security system.”This security system is being used in places like Israel, Madrid Barajas International Airport, and it is even under evaluation at the District of Colombiaís Federal Courthouse, but we are the first to both buy and use it in the U.S.,” said Dennis Hisey, chairman of the El Paso County Board of Commissioners. “Upfront we had to cover the cost of the equipment, but since it is so efficient, it will allow us to eliminate two positions, saving us money in the long run.îThe elimination of two full-time positions at $79,704 per year justified the new system, which cost $140,000, according to a news release. The money, initially taken from the general fund, will be paid back in 2008 with the salary savings, minus a $15,000 annual maintenance contract.The new system saves time, too, according to the release.ìWhen an individual goes through a metal detector, only metal objects are identified, and if he or she does set off the metal detector, a head-to-toe scan by a security officer with a handheld metal detector must be done. About 35 percent of the people walking through the county’s metal detectors must have this secondary scan, and it can take anywhere from 30 to 60 seconds or longer.ìWith the ProVision, an individual is scanned in two seconds or less. This system uses active millimeter wave imaging technology. Active millimeter waves, common radio-frequency signals, reflect off the person at extremely low power levels. Any foreign object is precisely pinpointed as to its location on the body, which eliminates the need for the manual scan and decreases checkpoint times. Objects foreign to the human body, such as metal, ceramic, plastic, rubber, wood, composite material, glass, liquids, or explosive materials are recognized and shown on a nearby monitor. The ProVision also has incorporated software that automatically blurs private areas, protecting the privacy of those passing through it.îIn a separate phone interview, El Paso County Commissioner Douglas Bruce, who voted no on the system, commented. ìOn a financial basis, this is a good arrangement,î he said. ìIf the only consideration were long-term costs savings, this would be a good investment. My objection is that this is an intrusive process, and the state should be responsible for whatever security measures they want.î Bruce clarified that the county court employees are actually state employees.
