LOS ANGELES - The Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) became the first airport in the United States on Thursday to introduce dogs to sniff out explosive residue on people.

The canines, specially trained to carry out the task of detecting explosive material on moving targets, will add another level of security to the airport, officials said.

"This is a first program of its kind," said Airport Police Chief George Centeno. "I have no doubt that other airports are gonna start adopting this model nationwide."

The program was named PACT, which stands for Pro-Active Canine Team due to the pro-active detection methods they employ, according to Centeno.

"Unlike traditional bomb-sniffing dogs, these unique, fully trained explosive detection canines can detect concealed explosives on a person, in other words, a moving target such as a suicide bomber," Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa said.

The dogs can even pick up the scent minutes after a person has walked by, according to airport sources.

LAX has long been believed to be a prime terrorism target of terrorists. According to documents seized in the Pakistani compound of al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden, Los Angeles and other major cities were considered potential targets.

Following the death of bin Laden, security levels at LAX have been beefed up.

"There is no more emphasis placed on L.A. than we've ever thought there was," Los Angeles Police Chief Charlie Beck said." We've always known, was always said that we are one of the top four targets in the United States, but, you know, not to downplay the fact that bin Laden's documents confirm that."