TSA Weekly, June 22 - 26, 2009
A Message from Gale:
'Connecting with You'
Photo by Paul Ladd
The week before last was a rare one. I had many opportunities to do the things I enjoy most: meeting and interacting with the TSA workforce.
I attended several sessions of the Transportation Security Managers (TSM) and Office of Human Capital Managers conferences, where I spent time with over 1,300 TSA managers and program leads. I also had several sessions dialoguing with the 50 National Advisory Council members who were at HQ, doing their usual great job of representing the workforce at all of our airports.
All were occasions for me to say thank you for the awesome work accomplished by TSA employees every day, to share our successes, and give updates on the critical projects enhancing transportation security in the U.S. and worldwide.
At the TSM and OHC Conferences, we talked about the critical role TSMs play in leading, motivating, coaching and creating the environment so that our frontline officers and supervisors have the support, direction and empowerment they need to effectively utilize their experience, skill and ENGAGE! principles. I also emphasized the need for the OHC representatives to understand the importance of their partnership with those responsible for day-to-day operations, for the important role they play in developing and sustaining the programs that support, develop, advance, reward and protect our employees. From the NAC I heard great suggestions for improving employee communications and other recommendations that will surely make a huge contribution to improving the affected program areas as we move forward.
Most importantly, I had the opportunity to listen – to hear the concerns and the suggestions, the frustrations and the passion. I am reminded whenever I am with you what incredibly dedicated and multi-talented people we have here at TSA. I am renewed by your commitment to advancing the organization, and by the level of contribution made by employees at all levels of TSA.
And that's so important because we need every one of us at our best – ready for the next challenge as well as the next opportunity. We need engaged workers and managers with a clear understanding and commitment to where we are going in our continuing evolution and the critical role we each play – as individuals and as a team.
That leads me to another important event that week. I had the pleasure of representing TSA on the Hill before the Subcommittee on Transportation Security and Infrastructure Protection to testify and respond to questions on the President's FY 2010 budget request for TSA. Sitting in front of the Subcommittee and answering their questions, I never lost sight of the fact that I was there representing you – being an advocate for our people and our technology and security programs. I couldn't have been prouder to be a part of the TSA team during those few hours.
Every TSA person I meet tells me about colleagues who are working hard every day to keep America's transportation system secure. We know that the enemy is adaptable, intelligent, creative, patient and determined. We know that in order to mitigate the threat, we all need to be focused and switched on. If I learned anything last week it is this: you all care deeply about our mission, about our commitment to the American people and about each other! I thank you for that commitment and ask that you stay focused throughout the summer.
Using whole body imaging, officers at Los Angeles International discovered a pound of methamphetamine on a passenger. Read more. Photo courtesy of TSA Los Angeles
News
More News
- TSA Officers Use Technology to Detect Illegal Drugs
- Officers Collaborate in Pilot at N.J. Metro Station
- TSA Ensures Security Protocols in 'Open Skies' Meetings
- TSA San Diego Recognized for 'Diligence and Awareness'
- This Week’s Featured Local Newsletter
News
Vigilance During the Summer Travel Season
A Message from Keith Kauffman, Acting Deputy Administrator
Photo courtesy of Public Affairs
Last weekend marked the official beginning of summer and the start of the next busy season for airports and checkpoints. We are already seeing increases in airport traffic as Americans embark on their traditional rites of summer by taking family vacations. The sight of families traveling with small, excited children in tow is a great reminder of the freedom we enjoy as Americans and TSA’s critical role as guardians of that freedom to travel safely and securely.
For us, however, an increase in travelers – many of them inexperienced in going through security checkpoints – can present challenges. At the very least, it could be a distraction that takes our attention away from the security at hand. This is why remaining vigilant is key this summer, just as it is every day.
It only takes a minute of taking our eyes off the ball to miss a threat item or other indication that something’s not right. We wanted to share two recent stories that highlight what happens when both TSA staff and passengers are switched on and engaged.
Recently, a passenger on a US Airways flight from Philadelphia to Phoenix saw a fellow passenger exchange bags with someone and take it onto the plane. She reported it to a friend, who alerted authorities. The passenger was removed from the aircraft, and a gun was found in the bag. The passengers who swapped the bags turned out to be former and current airline employees who smuggled the weapon through an access door. Because of an “engaged" passenger, we not only prevented a gun from getting on a plane, we identified a potential vulnerability to close. The TSA staff on the ground worked with the FBI and local law enforcement and did an incredible job to ensure everyone on the flight was safe.
At the end of May at Denver International Airport, a TSO operating an X-ray unit saw something suspicious in the carry-on bag of a 12-year-old boy traveling with his mother. The TSO immediately called for an inspection of the bag and after discovering what appeared to be a homemade incendiary device, the TSO called for a BAO and the Denver Police Department (DPD). DPD’s bomb squad responded and ultimately rendered the item safe.
These are just a couple examples of the success stories that happen every day. Potential threats continue to evolve and we have to stay focused and use every layer of security – principle among them our Officers – to mitigate the threat. TSA’s Intel analysts and our partners in the law enforcement and intelligence communities study the catches you make, as well as intelligence gathered from across the world, to help us connect the dots. We use all of this information to analyze potential scenarios and look for patterns, so we can provide you with the current intelligence and insights you need to do your jobs better.
Terrorists are still looking for ways to hurt us. This requires all of us at TSA to remain focused on our mission, committed to supporting each other and aware that acts of terrorism can occur at any time, anywhere.
Thank you very much for your outstanding service to our Nation.
Evolution Practices at Work…
Practices at Work highlights Evolution sustainment practices created by and for field employees and taken from a catalog of Evolution field practices.
This week's installment, Engagement Lane Sustained by All, is from Supervisory TSO Thomas Hellgeth, Albuquerque (N.M.) International Sunport, and TSA Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport. The practice involves exploring overlooked opportunities for further engagement with the passengers, sustain Evolution principles and further mentor officers.
To view the submission, go to the iShare home page, click on the Offices tab at the top and select Security Operations. Then click Evolution Field Practices on the left-side menu.
Engage the Evolution team with your questions and suggestions at CheckpointEvolution@dhs.gov.
More News
TSA Officers Use Technology to Detect Illegal Drugs
From the Office of Strategic Communications/Public Affairs
Three passengers traveling from Los Angeles International Airport to Kahului, Hawaii, were arrested June 3 after one of the individuals was caught carrying illegal drugs through checkpoint screening.
The first passenger was randomly selected for millimeter wave screening by TSO Tressemme Hackney. TSO Larry Patterson detected contraband and recommended the passenger receive a pat-down. When the passenger was patted down, TSO Brian Real discovered one pound of methamphetamine in the man's buttocks area, at which point Supervisory TSO Thomas Twitchell and Lead TSO Michael Coleman contacted airport police.
The man told airport police that two other passengers he was traveling with were also carrying iilegal drugs. When questioned by law enforcement, the two traveling companions, still in the public area, admitted to that they too were carrying drugs – two pounds of methamphetamine.
The three men were arrested and charged with transport of methamphetamine for sale. The estimated street value of the drugs was approximately $100,000.
"Without whole body imaging, it is possible our protocols may not have found these drugs," said Los Angeles FSD Larry Fetters. "Though our job is to keep the airports safe and secure, today, our TSOs kept the streets safe too."
Officers Collaborate in Pilot at N.J. Metro Station
By Lara Uselding, Office of Strategic Communications/Public Affairs
TSO Mike Taillefer and STSO Bill Dougherty Photo by Lara Uselding
Security officers from Newark (N.J.) Liberty International Airport joined morning commuters in early June at the Jersey City PATH station to launch a 30-day pilot of two passive millimeter SPO-7 units. The test is the first in a series of evaluations of this technology in the mass transit and passenger rail environment.
The SPO-7 uses passive millimeter waves to screen individuals for possible threats, including explosives. Millimeter wave imaging is based on the principal that objects generally emit electromagnetic waves, which can be detected and used to produce an image.
"The SPO-7 pilot is a great opportunity for our officers to demonstrate their skills in detecting threat items in the mass transit environment," said Newark Deputy FSD Russell McCaffery. "This also represents the great teamwork between TSA and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey as our TSOs work side-by-side with law enforcement to ensure the safety of travelers by testing new technologies that identify those who seek to do harm to mass transportation systems."
Pilot participants included Supervisory TSOs Bill Dougherty and Cecilia Weiczen and TSOs Gloria Andrews and Mike Taillefer. TSA has used the passive millimeter technology at various locations, including New York, Washington, Boston and the 2008 Democratic and Republican national conventions.
TSA Ensures Security Protocols in 'Open Skies' Meetings
By Andrea McCauley, Office of Strategic Communications/Public Affairs
TSA's Rick Kolodner (back), John Halinski and Tony Monreal during an Open Skies meeting. Photo by Andrea McCauley
TSA participated in European Union-United States Open Skies Joint Committee meetings in Brussels, Belgium, on June 24 to ensure that U.S. security protocols continue to be met and enhanced.
The meeting included ongoing dialogue between the U.S. delegation and the European Commission along with European Union member states. TSA is an integral member of the U.S. contingency abroad and supports the U.S Department of State, which acts as the lead agency. Also represented were the departments of Transportation, Defense and Commerce as well as aviation industry groups and pilots associations.
In the past 15 years, the dynamic of international air travel has changed dramatically with the signing of Open Skies agreements between the U.S. and foreign partners. Open Skies, through bi-lateral and multi-lateral agreements, allows air carriers to pursue routes with minimal government intervention. Open Skies represents significant changes in aviation regulation and has permanently altered the landscape of international aviation relations.
The agreements also require high standards of security for airports and airlines. TSA's primary role is to ensure that high standards of security are maintained while allowing for freedom of commerce and supporting market opportunities through cooperation and flexibility.
The meetings' ambitious agenda included streamlining communication, enhancing transparency, and the alignment of security protocols between EU and the U.S. in an effort to solidify joint initiatives.
"Our goal is to create economic opportunities for airlines through agreements and cooperation between countries in the arenas of safety and security," said John Byerly, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Transportation Affairs. "We can accomplish much more in partnerships than all alone and the more we know from TSA, the more we can do in our negotiating."
The TSA delegation in Brussels included Rick Kolodner, TSA Representative (TSAR) to Belgium and the EU; John Halinski, Deputy Assistant Administrator for the Office of Global Strategies; Eric Yatar, Office of Chief Council; Levi Shepherd, Office of Global Strategies; and Tony Monreal, Manager, Regional Operations Center, Office of Global Strategies in Frankfurt, Germany.
TSA San Diego Recognized for 'Diligence and Awareness'
By Nancie Carroll, Stakeholder Manager, San Diego International-Lindbergh Field
From left, Megan Hoover; Maria Lopez; Director of Field Operations Paul Morris, San Diego, Customs and Border Protection; Clayton Harris, Kimberly Sherwood and Steve Vaughan. Photo courtesy of TSA San Diego
Security officers and staff at TSA San Diego were recognized recently by Customs and Border Protection for their "diligence and awareness to their duties" after they identified passengers carrying three pounds of heroin.
Transportation Security Inspector Megan Hoover, Supervisory TSO Steve Vaughan, Behavior Detection Officers Clayton Harris and Kimberly Sherwood and TSO Maria Lopez referred the two passengers to CBP. Both were charged with federal counts of possession of dangerous drugs and conspiracy to distribute dangerous drugs.
"Being recognized is nice, but I do this job as a personal duty to protect this country against all enemies, foreign and domestic," said Harris.
This Week’s Featured Local Newsletter
TSA Today, the newsletter for agency employees at Southwest Florida International Airport, Fort Myers, and spoke Charlotte County Airport, Punta Gorda, offers a collection of stories about award presentations, special events and community efforts. The cover page provides a table of contents and stories are accompanied by interactive photos. The layout is easy to follow and each story includes essential components, including byline and photo description and credit line. Stories are well written and descriptive, which helps draw the reader into each article.
An archive of featured newsletters is available on iShare in the Communications Central section, which is linked from the home page. In the same section, the DHS branding guideline document is available in PDF for download. The DHS branding guideline helps ensure consistency in imagery, color and appearance of all Department publications.
Kudos & Clips
I just wanted the airport to know how wonderful the [TSOs] in terminal A were to us. My husband is serving in Iraq and he will be there for over a year. When the ... security people saw my military ID card (dependent), every single one thanked me for my husband's services. I can't even tell you how that makes me feel. Thank you so much for your caring supportive staff.
Michelle Crespin, Gulf Breeze, Fla., to Customer Support Manager Bob Kapp, Denver International Airport. May 25, 2009.
I'm sure you hear negatives all the time, but ... traveling two weeks ago from Los Angeles to Utah and just had to tell you how professional your staff at Los Angeles International Airport - Southwest Terminal is. Firm but fair, smiles, pleasant attitudes and not pushy. I couldn't do what they do and put up with all the negative people who demand this and that, who keep water and liquids in their carry-on and ask how it got there, and who leave their boarding passes in their coats even though they have been told at least four times while in line to keep them out. It goes on and on. Well, here's a person who travels a couple days a week that is very pleased with the TSA staff you have at Los Angeles.
Bruce DD Mac Rae, Director of Public Affairs, UPS, to TSA Contact Center, Arlington, Va. May 27, 2009.
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