TSA increases screening of airport and airline employees
ASSOCIATED PRESS
A Transportation Security Administration agent, right, watches as passengers load their items into bins as they pass through security at the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, Friday, Dec. 18, 2015, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. TSA spokesperson Sari Koshetz said that about 8,000 lbs. of prohibited items were confiscated this year by the TSA at the Fort Lauderdale airport.
NEW YORK >> The Transportation Security Administration is increasing random checks of airport and airline employees who hold badges that enable them to bypass security checkpoints.
The decision follows instances in the past two years in which employees used restricted entrances to smuggle guns and launder money. It’s also part of a larger push to increase airport security after the Paris terrorist attacks and the crash of a jet flying between Egypt and Russia, believed to have been brought down by a bomb.
In a memo to employees this month, Jose Freig, American Airlines’ managing director of corporate security, wrote that “we anticipate the random screening process to increase throughout December and during the 2016 calendar year.”
TSA spokesman Bruce Anderson wouldn’t say how frequent the additional checks would become, but pointed to a Nov. 30 statement by Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh C. Johnson saying that since April, the department has “enhanced the continuous, random screening of airport/airline personnel in secure areas and encouraged U.S. airports to reduce employee access points.”
“The TSA Administrator and I have recently concluded that we need to double-down on these airport security efforts and will be consulting with airports and airlines to do so,” Johnson said.
The American memo, for instance, reminded employees that if they work in a secure area and plan to travel after their shift is over, they must exit the sterile area and go through TSA screening, with their carry-on luggage, in order to board a flight.
Thousands of U.S. airport workers are permitted to skip security lines after undergoing a background check and obtaining a Security Identification Display Area (SIDA) badge. The system is designed to free up staff at passenger checkpoints and to clear individuals who are considered a minimal security risk.
There have been instances, however, when that system has been exploited.
In December 2014, an Atlanta Delta Air Lines baggage handler was arrested, charged with using his security badge to bypass security and deliver guns to a smuggler on a number of occasions. A month later, a Federal Aviation Administration employee used his badge to bypass security for a flight from Atlanta to New York with a gun in his carry-on bag, though he was not authorized to carry a weapon.
And in May 2014, five airline employees were charged with using their security clearances to smuggle more than $400,000 in cash through Boston’s Logan Airport.
20 responses to “TSA increases screening of airport and airline employees”
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It is starting to look like J. Johnson is in over his head. To many screw-ups and loss of life. He needs to be replaced.
Am surprised that these random checks weren’t previously established and scheduled regularly. Seems very naïve.
And we’re suppose to believe our gov’t when they say the Syrian refugees will go through a rigorous vetting process? HA!
My TSA friend sells the confiscated, contraband, sharp cutting tools at the flea market.
That’s nice to know.
Didn’t know they could take home confiscated contraband to make side money.
Yeah, eBay has lots and lots of confiscated Swiss Army knives up for auction or outright “buy it now” sales.
He probably searches luggage and takes what he wants.
I know airport employees steal stuff all the time. They aren’t even really screened properly when hired. That is why I never put anything of vaue in my suitcase and watch them carefully when my stuff goes through TSA.
ANd how does he have the right to do that?????
How did the 9/11 terrorist pilots get through security?
That’s why airport employees are going to be checked and why shouldn’t they? Why should they be exempted.
Mike, they went through the normal passenger boarding process used at the time. The fact that we still aren’t allowed to board with something as small as the ubiquitous Swiss Army “classic” knife only goes to prove that the United States remains fixated on always trying to refight the last war. Makes for good “bread and circuses” press for the masses though.
Because TSA is a joke and they miss 75% of things that should not get through!!!!
Actually, in a recent major “sting” operation, the percentage of mock contraband items (simulating guns, knives, and bombs) missed by TSA screeners was closer to 90%. That’s under everyday conditions with your ordinary bored, tired, overworked and/or underpaid line employees. Like just about every security-type agency, the TSA is not immune to complacency.
The problem starts with having the government run a security operation. As with all other government employees, there is little or no accountability. Mistakes, negligence or gross incompetence are not grounds for dismissal, or severe disciplinary action, so employees have little fear about being careless in their duties.
They finally figured out where the real threat is. The TSA agents and not the passengers. They do inadequate screening of prospective TSA agents before hiring them, at least that was the case when they were on a rush to set up the program.
Regarding the qualifications and commensurate salaries of TSA screeners, the old adage remains true: you get what you pay for.
Took this long to figure this out?
Increase pay and benefits to attract college graduates instead of high school dropouts.