A Behind the Scenes Look at TSA's Operations Center
News & Happenings
June 21, 2007
Have you ever wondered what happens when someone on the No-Fly List attempts to board an aircraft, when a plane is diverted or an aircraft loses communications with the ground? While each situation is different and requires a distinct response, TSA's operations center, also called the Freedom Center, is fully involved in all scenarios.
Since 2003, this operations center has served as TSA's coordination center during security incidents and operations. Every facet of TSA operations has a presence. Decisions are made and transmitted to the field in real time. TSA's Office of Intelligence can notify the Freedom Center about developing situations. The Federal Air Marshal Service Mission Operations Center can be alerted and provide valuable feedback and guidance. Decisions can be made and transmitted to the field in real time.
These operational capabilities enable TSA and other federal agencies to quickly respond to security incidents. For example, if an aviation incident occurs, TSA must work closely with the Federal Aviation Administration and the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) to manage its developments.
The operations center plays a critical role in more than just in-flight and checkpoint security incidents; it coordinates operations for every mode of transportation around the country. It was also involved in the Department of Homeland Security's response to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
TSA's operations center is vital to our security mission and allows TSA to seamlessly interweave its layers of security to protect the nation's transportation network.
