Now, a lot of what we are doing right now, quite frankly, is because of what happened on Christmas. Many of the things were kind of in the works. We were already planning, for example, the purchase and deployment of advanced imaging technology. You call them body scanners. We call them AITs (Advanced Imaging Technologies).

In this quote, Janet Napolitano reflects on the aftermath of the events that occurred on Christmas—likely referencing the 2009 Christmas Day bombing attempt by Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, which was a key moment in the history of aviation security. Napolitano suggests that the efforts to enhance security measures, particularly the implementation of advanced imaging technology like body scanners, were already in the works but gained greater urgency after the Christmas event. The reference to AITs (Advanced Imaging Technologies) illustrates the shift in focus to more effective and thorough screening measures following the attempt.

Napolitano’s statement highlights the impact of high-profile security incidents on government actions. She acknowledges that although many of the security initiatives, such as the deployment of body scanners, were already planned, the urgency of the Christmas Day bombing attempt accelerated their development and deployment. This reflects the tendency of governments and agencies to adapt and implement new measures quickly in response to security threats.

The mention of body scanners and AITs underscores a broader effort to use technology to address vulnerabilities in aviation security. These scanners were introduced as a way to detect hidden explosives or dangerous materials, offering a more advanced and comprehensive approach compared to previous screening methods. Napolitano’s reference to these developments emphasizes the ongoing efforts to improve security and protect the public from potential threats.

Ultimately, Napolitano’s quote reflects how security measures often evolve and adapt in response to specific events or threats. The Christmas Day bombing attempt was a catalyst for changes in security policy, particularly in air travel, where more sophisticated imaging technologies were introduced to address emerging risks. This highlights the dynamic nature of security protocols, constantly shifting in response to new challenges.