A sparse array three-dimensional imaging security inspection device and method, the present invention relates to a sparse array three-dimensional imaging security inspection device and method, which includes: a sparse antenna array, a radio frequency transceiver front end, a signal processing module, a display module and one or more manual processing seats . Under the control of the signal processing module, the position information of the human body is determined by rough scanning, and then according to the position information of the human body, the device is controlled by the signal processing module to enter the fine scanning mode. In the fine scanning mode, the signal processing module sends scanning instructions, and the RF transceiver front-end generates and transmits RF signals from the sparse antenna array. After the RF signal interacts with the target, the echo signal reflected by the target is received by the sparse antenna array and transmitted by the sparse antenna array. After the front-end processing of the radio frequency transceiver, it is transmitted to the signal processing module, and after analog-to-digital conversion in the signal processing module, and after calibration and imaging processing, the imaging processing results are sent to the detection module and the manual processing seat respectively. Finally, through the combination of automatic detection and manual processing of seats, it is determined whether the inspected person is carrying dangerous goods.