The organizational structure of the TSA - Essay Example

The New Transportation Security Administration Security Measures Student’s Name Name of Institution The New TSA Security Measures On 19th November, 2001, one month after the September 11 terrorist attacks, the United States Government established the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), which is now under the Department for homeland security. The agency was founded as a response to the attacks and has been operating in various security facilities, mainly airports, with an aim to prevent terrorist activities and enhance the security of civilians during flights. In the ten years since its inception, this agency has adopted several security procedures some of which had received widespread criticism. Even after the much publicized outcry in protest of its routines, the agency continues to act either as the sole security organ, or as the major security overseer responsible for civilian security in most airports in the states (Goins, 2010). This paper will focus on the various security procedures employed by TSA and discuss their ineffectiveness. TSA monitors all the different transport channels including air transport, land or surface transport as well as water transport. The department of homeland security has mandated TSA with the responsibility of ensuring safety and security in transportation, whereby TSA may work closely with other organs – both private and public, in executing its mandate. The organizational structure of the TSA The agency employs various types of workers, mainly:- a) Transportation Security officers- their main duty is to carry out security checks on travelers in the airports, travel stations and landing ports through screening (Layton, 2007. b) Security inspectors- they inspect cargo and report on general transport safety. c) An explosives and canine detection team-they have a dedicated team of dogs and dog handlers specially trained to locate dangerous materials. d) Federal Air Marshalls- these officers locate possible terrorist elements from within the travelers through mixing with them. Security procedures employed by the TSA The major upgrades on TSA procedures Risk-based approaches for Aviation security TSA has been overseeing Public Aviation safety for more than a decade. Initially, it relied on the Processes listed below including pat-down, cargo screening and behavior observation officers to enhance security (Cohen, 2011). Recently, TSA introduced new procedures aimed at security enhancement. Some of the major changes include the following: TSA Pre TM This is a security initiative that allows travelers to volunteer information about themselves in order to expedite screening at check-points in various airports. The service is available to U.S citizens provided they are members of the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Trusted Traveler organization as well as frequent air travelers of other selected airlines in the country. The trusted traveler programs include Global Entry, Nexus and Sentri. Already implemented is a new TSA policy on screen procedures for children under 12 years old. The traditionally conducted shoe scan security check for travelers has been eliminated for children under 12 years.TSA also has developed expedited screening procedures for airline plots as well as revised screening procedures for senior citizens 75 years old and above, as well as active members of the U.S military. The organization may, however, still conduct random security measures within the airport from which no one is expedited. So these risk based approaches point towards a more flexible security system in which certain levels of trust are allowed between the TSA and travelers where strict security procedures for certain categories of travelers are conducted only when needed. Freight and HAZMAT transportation The TSA is in charge of ensuring security during freight of cargo classified as Hazardous Materials including solids, liquids and gases. The TSA role is mainly in issuing endorsements after performing background checks on persons or organizations transferring the materials. In addition, TSA performs multiple checks on carriers in order to ensure safety and compliance with set regulations during freight. TSA formulated a series of voluntary security guidelines in rail transport with a view to enhance it. The most vital concern for TSA is the Toxic by Inhalation (TIH) materials. This refers to that category of materials that are volatile and which may leak into the atmosphere pausing inhalation risks to people and other animals in the surroundings. The guidelines issued by TSA with regard to TIH materials specifically limit the number of persons allowed access to the hazardous materials, as well as lay down stringent en-route security practices for HAZMAT transporters. In the updated security requirements, the transporters are required to perform a route as well as location specific risk assessment for each transport event ( Sec 172.802 a ). Also, in accordance to Sec 172.802 b (3), HAZMAT transporter companies will need to conduct comprehensive training for their employees in situation management as well as other Hazmat transportation security issues. TSA’s risk policy in the Aviation Sector There are various methods used by the agency to carry out its role. The applicable security procedures are determined by the type of transport in which they are to be used and may if to be used on air traffic than in used on surface and water transport. The main security routines are as below:- i) The No Fly List. This is a list of all persons forbidden from air travel to, out of, or even within the American airspace due to connections or possible connections with terror groups, or for being under other serious security restrictions. Persons under this category are unable to obtain travel bookings online, and must visit travel agencies to have their documents checked and thorough vetting done before they can be cleared for travel. This list is maintained by the Terrorist Screening Centre. In my view, this policy is suitable but only if proper security and control measures are used to ensure it is timely and accurate and free from manipulation (Waxman, 2007). ii) Inspection. Inspection generally involves checking the traveler and any luggage they may have to ensure they are safe and pose no security threats. Inspection itself can be categorized into the following routines:- a) Backscatter X-ray scan- this procedure involves having an x-ray scan of the whole body done to trace metallic objects concealed underneath clothing. One is required to hold their arms above their heads for the scanning to complete. If any objects are detected or suspected, the passenger is referred back for more extended screening. This method is, in my opinion, appropriate in so far as radiation hazards are kept minimal (London: Daily Mail/MailOnline, 2010). b) Physical examination (Pat Down)- this involves having a security officer use their hands to physically examine the passenger’s body, including areas initially forbidden like the groin and also the inner thighs. Extensive physical check may result if the backscatter X-ray scan reveals suspicious areas. In my opinion, this method should be abolished because it is disrespectful and open to abuse. There are software alternatives that perform the same job better, and these should be adopted c) Cargo screening- luggage is checked for dangerous items and such other items (even those that are safe) as maybe prohibited on airplanes. A good example is laser printer cartridges heavier than 453 grams. The TSA team is allowed to open, tear into, or otherwise unlock any access to any luggage for inspection. iii) SPOT ( Screening Passengers By Observation Techniques) This method employs the expertise of highly trained officers who focus on passenger behavior in the airports, suspected passengers are requested to submit to further vetting. This method is a relatively recent development in the TSA and its effectiveness has been commended, as well as widely challenged. This method is, in my opinion, acceptable where necessary. Evaluation of the TSA policy The new strategies adopted by the TSA in executing its mandate maybe weighted against the current security threats in the air travel sector- the most vulnerable and sensitive sector. It is to be observed that air travel has constantly been the target for terrorists such as suicide bombers. In the consideration that the new TSA PreTM plan allows special provisions for ‘trusted’ travelers for instance, it should follow that the associated companies working with TSA in the TSA PreTM should be secure and free from manipulation in any way. The patners, however, may not be fully certified because they do not fall under the jurisdiction or control of the TSA. Being private profit driven entities, they maybe more concerned about client satisfaction that national security. Below are some major issues raised against TSA. 1. Inhumane screening processes, unnecessary invasion of privacy. The pat down screening procedure adapted in 2011 has received widespread criticism due to the relative ease of misuse particularly given the sensitive nature of the body areas to which it can be applied. Scores have complained that officers have touched them maliciously during screening( London: Daily Mail/MailOnline, 2010).   In the case of the back scatter X-ray scan, some people have found this procedure lacking in dignified treatment and protection of privacy. A court petition has been raised citing that it is a violation of the fourth amendment that prevents touch to a person’s private parts. 2. Lost or stolen baggage/items. The agency has received numerous complaints regarding lost or misplaced luggage since its creation. Some claims are honored and the passengers compensated yet majority of them are not settled. According to an investigative report in 2008 by WTAE concerning 400 cases of theft, the TSA had compensated about half of the complainants but no arrests had been made. This might reflect a weakness in the ethics structure of the agency and failure to uphold sound regulatory measures during its operation. 3. Ionization effects of the X-ray scan. Health concerns have been raised regarding the effects (especially in the long term) of the exposure to the ionization effect of the scanning mechanism of the backscatter x-ray machine (Soghoian, 2007). While most health experts do not point out an immediate danger, they agree that exposure to any amount of ionizing radiation have a cumulative effect on the body. The scan extends to the young and elderly, some of whom may have medical situations sensitive to even minute radiation.Passengers unwilling to submit to the scan are subjected to extensive Pat down body scan, some aspects of which several people have found unnecessary and humiliating. Personal Recommendation Regarding the New TSA Practices It is obvious that while TSA has contributed greatly to airline security, it is still far from realizing its full potential. The following measures may help improve its operation. a) Stern disciplinary measures may be taken against officers who recklessly allow unsafe passage of persons or cargo. The current measures are insufficient. b) A complete revision of the NFL( Non Fly List) and subsequent improvement in its maintenance to make sure it includes those who should be in it and keeps out those who should not. c) To adopt a more friendly scan mechanism and reduce cases of inhumane or humiliating experiences during scanning/screening. d) Constant training of the TSA staff to update their skills in handling their job. References Cohen, E. (2011). Airport security scans: What would your doctor do?, CNN Goins, D. (2010). Little Rock man sues over enhanced TSA screenings. Little Rock, AR: FOX16.com. Retrieved November 30, 2010. Layton, J. (2007). "Do 'Backscatter' X-Ray Systems Pose a Risk to Frequent Fliers?". HowStuffWorks. ""Backscatter" X-Ray Screening Technology"" London: Daily Mail/MailOnline. (2010). Accessed on October 4, 2012 from http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1332967/Woman-claimed-TSA-security-staff-singled-breasts.html.  Soghoian, C. (2007). TSA has outsourced the TSA Traveler Identity Verification Program?  Waxman, H. (2007). Letter Requesting Documents from TSA: Oversight Committee Requests Information on TSA Traveler Identity Verification Website Read More