TSA Launches Employee Screening Pilot Programs at Seven Airports
Agency Meeting Key Legislative Requirement by Examining Employee Screening
May 6, 2008
Everyone knows TSA screens airline passengers, but did you know that we also employ many additional layers of security that contribute to aviation security? Employee screening is one of those 20 layers. This week, TSA launched pilot programs at seven airports to further test the cost and effectiveness of additional ways to physically screen employees.
"These pilots will help us continue to evaluate the best way to secure the operations side of the airport," said Kip Hawley, TSA administrator. "At the conclusion of the 90-day pilots, we'll work with Congress and our security partners at these airports to evaluate the results and determine next steps."
The following airports, which were chosen for the pilots from among 100 that expressed interest in participating, are now testing these measures:
Boston's Logan International Airport
- 100 percent physical employee and vehicle screening at key airport perimeter entrances and select employee entrances from the public area to the secured/SIDA area.
- Evaluation of biometric access control.
Jacksonville International (Fla.) and Craven Regional (N.C.) airports
- 100 percent physical screening at all employee and vehicle access points from the public area to the secured/SIDA area. This screening may occur at existing checkpoints or at ones set up specifically for the pilot.
Denver International, Kansas City International, Eugene (Ore.), and Southwest Oregon Regional airports
- Increased random physical screening using Aviation Direct Access Screening Program (ADASP).
- Behavior detection training provided to law enforcement officials and airport operations/security personnel.
- Employee security awareness training.
- Deployment of portable screening equipment.
- Evaluation of biometric access control (Denver only).
TSA currently deploys a layered approach to airport employee security that includes random screening, checkpoint screening for other groups of employees and "surge" inspections. Random screening ensures that at any time, airport employees may encounter security on the airport grounds. In addition, TSA has made strides in improving the airport employee badging process. TSA requires all badged airport employees to complete a security threat assessment before a badge can be issued. Audits are underway at airport badging offices across the country to verify adherence to the measure.
The pilot programs meet the requirements set forth in the Omnibus Appropriations Act passed by Congress in January 2008, which mandates 100 percent employee screening at three airports and alternative employee screening at four additional airports. TSA will report its findings to Congress by Sept. 1, 2008.
Click here to read the press release on the launching of the Employee Screening Pilot Program at Seven Airports.
