Post 9/11 Changes in Regards to Airport Security - Term Paper Example

Post 9/11 Changes in Regards to Airport Security Post 9/11 Changes in Regards to Airport Security Airport security has changed head to toe since the September 11 attack. Though security was in private hands before the attack, the same was handed over to government hands after the attack. Thus, the TSA took birth with the responsibility to tighten airport security. Presently, TSA ensures security at airports. It has tightened security by effective collaboration with various agencies. Now, there is enhanced security at airports through effective checking and screening of passengers, baggage and even employees. Also, both human and technological skills are used to their maximum in a sophisticated way to ensure security at airports. This work intends to check how airport security management has changed post September 11. Airport Security after September 11 The September 11 attack had a great impact on airport security. First of all, before the attack, the security at airports was managed by private security agencies which used to make contracts with airport authorities. However, the attack brought considerable changes as airport security became the duty of the newly formed Transportation Security Administration (TSA). The Aviation and Transportation Security Act allowed the creation of TSA, and it was allowed to work along with airports to improve security at important access points. Thus, the TSA set security standards for airports to comply with. As described in Committee on Homeland Security (2012) report, TSA has introduced a number of programs including passenger screening operations, baggage screening, the Secure Flight Program which includes a uniform watch list comparing passengers against a terrorist list. The new TSA introduced a number of changes including improved security on aircraft, improved security screening, and identification checks. First of all, the new TSA introduced improved security on aircraft. To illustrate, now cockpits have powerful bulletproof doors which will ensure effective prevention of unauthorized access to cockpits. Also, airplanes are got equipped with CCTV cameras which will enable the pilots to monitor activities and movements inside cabin. Furthermore, more air marshals are employed in planes to tighten security. Also, passengers are not restricted from entering the cockpit, and even pilots are given the right to carry a gun if they are trained to use the same. Another area of improvement is the security screening at airport checkpoints. Presently, the security personnel at checkpoints are better trained to thoroughly check passengers. Moreover, the TSA has the right to ensure that the details provided by the passengers match those on the boarding pass and also that the identification is valid. Also, the airport ramps and operational spaces are categorized as Security Identification Display Area (SIDA) where people cannot enter without specific identification. TSA has set certain minimum standards for airports to comply with. First of all, TSA has introduced programs named Screening Passengers by Observation Technique (SPOT) and Behavior Detection Program. The SPOT is used as a way of nonintrusive behavior observation and analysis to identify high-risk passengers who are likely to become a threat. Similarly, the Behavior Detection Program employs specially trained agents who question passengers and identify suspicious behavior. Though it is not enough, it helps in identifying passengers with suspicious behavior. These passengers are subjected to additional screening procedures. In fact, this Behavior Detection Program is the first of the twenty layers of airport security as introduced by TSA. Another important security measure as introduced by TSA is a tool of self assessment for airports called Airport Security Self-Evaluation Tool (ASSET). It has become necessary for airports to ensure that all the mentioned criteria are met with in a satisfactory way in their day to day functioning. Furthermore, it can be seen that TSA has started using random worker screening. This includes even the background checks of workers. In fact, TSA thinks that insider attack is one o the potential threats for the airports these days. In fact, TSA has a number of other programs as well to ensure prevention and detention of unauthorized individuals and vehicles into the secured areas of an airport. It involves random checks of direct access points, vehicular inspections, explosive race detention, enhanced screening, behavior detection and accessible property searches. Admittedly, it has become the duty of airport authorities to comply with the security regulations set by the TSA. TSA has the authority to conduct airport inspections from time to time, and based on the assessment, it develops mitigation strategies to enhance airport security. For this purpose, TSA has deployed Transportation Security Inspectors to check whether airport operations comply with TSA guidelines. Transportation Security Inspectors inspect everywhere from the airport to the outermost perimeter fences. Another area is the increasing collaboration among various agencies in airport security. Now, in case of a security threat, TSA, the airport authority, state police, several DHS components, Customs and Border Protection, Immigration and Customs Enforcements, and the FBI work together to handle the problem. In order to enhance cooperation, communication and collaboration among these various agencies, the Joint Terrorism Task Force has been initiated. Admittedly, airport security has become the duty of everyone. In an airport, all people from CEO to front line ticket agents to baggage handlers have some role to play in airport security. In addition, there are deputized people who would listen to and report suspicious activity in the perimeter. A perfect example of this increased interest in security is the Massachusetts airport. It conducts a security meeting at 8.30 in the morning everyday, which includes all the concerned agencies. Thus, security has become a matter to be handled through close working partnerships. Also, the TSA has started seeking the help of state police in order to strengthen airport security. For example, the Troop F of the Massachusetts State Police provides law enforcement and security at the Boston Logan International Airport. As the state police and TSA came together, a number of new initiatives appeared at the Boston Logan International Airport. They include a comprehensive and advanced imaging testing resolution protocol, more resources for the TSA’s bomb appraisal officers, efficient checkpoint response protocol, a unified breach resolution protocol, an ICE/DEA task force, and an FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force Annex. In fact, the first recommendation of the 9/11 commission was to tighten the security at airports and the responsibility was given to the Transportation Security Administration. As already seen, the TSAS has introduced various measures to improve security at airports. The second recommendation was to establish a National Counterterrorism Center. Presently, the National Counterterrorism Center ensures that the information regarding terrorism from various agencies is coordinated and shared properly. Thus, information easily flows through all the 15 agencies. Thus, one can say that airport security has awaken and undergone rigorous transformation in order to meet the more aggressive forms of terrorism. According to reports, security at airports was handled by private agencies before the attack and just 5% of the baggages were screened at checkpoints. However, after the attack, security was handed over to federal hands, and this, in turn, gave birth to Transportation Security Administration. Soon, the TSA started screening all the baggage for explosives, and all the passengers for terrorists. Along with this, the TSA introduced Secure Flight Program, which manages a terrorist watch list to be compared against the passengers. Another controversial TSA movement in this connection is the introduction of advanced imaging technology (AIT). This advanced imaging technology consists of x-ray or millimeter-wave technology which will offer an image of a passenger beneath clothing. This helps identify hidden metallic and non-metallic substances. However, as Cavoukian (2003) points out, many people look at this development with disdain as they feel this is an intrusion into their privacy. Another vital area of checking is that of the staff. As Taylor & Steedman (2003) describe, TSA has introduced its own Crewmemebr Screening System which will ensure that even the pilots are not evading the checkpoint screening. Moreover, TSA has screened and verified the backgrounds of its all workers in order to prevent any insider attack. Moreover, there is closed circuit video surveillance, which uses hidden cameras to capture every movement of the passengers. It is followed by the direction from TSA to control the quantify of liquids passengers carry on board. Lastly, there is increased emphasis on ID requirements. Presently, passengers have to have ID proofs like a US passport, DHS-designated enhanced driver’s license, or other state photo identity cards. Presently, it has become mandatory for airports to use canine to detect explosives. At every airport, there are sniffer dogs which are used to detect explosives in case of unidentified baggage. For this purpose, TSA trains special dogs and handles to meet the TSA requirements. Another area is the strictness regarding head-covers and religious garments. As described in an article “Airlines security policies post 9/11” (n. d.), after the September 11 attack, it has become common that people with head-wear may be directed to undergo additional screening. Presently, even the passengers with disabilities undergo additional screening which includes a physical and visual inspection. Even the people who accompany the disabled ones have to get a special pass to cross the security checkpoints. In total, it has become evident that airport security has changed from head to toe after the September 11 attack. Presently, security at airports has become the duty of the Transportation Security Administration. Now, TSA has made specific rules and regulations for airports to comply with. Moreover, there is strict checking and screening of passengers, baggage, and all the airport and airlines crew. To tighten security, the TSA now joins hands with Homeland Security and various other agencies. Also, in order to ensure proper screening and checking, TSA ensure 100% checking of all passengers, baggage, and crew. Moreover, technology like CCTV cameras and body scanners are used to ensure that weapons and explosives are not carried by passengers. Furthermore, even sniffer dogs are utilized to ensure that explosives are not hidden in unidentified bags. Lastly, there are various changes inside airplanes too. Cockpits are now better equipped with bulletproof doors and CCTV cameras, and passengers are not allowed inside cockpits. References Airlines security policies post 9/11. Boston.com.(n. d.). Rretrieved from http://www.boston.com/news/nation/specials/sept_11_anniversary/gallery/changed_airline_security_policies/ Committee on Homeland Security. (2012). Ten years after 9/11: assessing airport security and preventing a future terrorist attack, Field hearing before the Subcommittee on oversight, investigations, and management of the Committee on Homeland Security. Retrieved from www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/.../CHRG-112hhrg73356.pdf. Cavoukian, A. (2003). National Security in a Post 9/11 World: the rise of surveillance…the demise of privacy? Information and Privacy Commissioner Ontario. Retrieved from http://www.ipc.on.ca/images/Resources/up-nat_sec.pdf Taylor, A. B & Steedman, S. (2003). The evolution of airline security since 9/11. International Foundation for Protection Officers. Retrieved from http://www.ifpo.org/articlebank/evolution_of_airline.html Read More