Mission

The mission of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Office of Law Enforcement/Federal Air Marshal Service (OLE/FAMS) is to promote public confidence in the security of our Nation's transportation domain.

To achieve this mission, OLE/FAMS deploys Federal Air Marshals on U.S. aircraft world-wide; conducts protection, response, detection, and assessment activities in airports and other transportation systems; maintains TSA's state of preparedness and coordinates incident management; trains and manages all armed pilots; and trains all TSA canine assets.

Federal Air Marshals serve as the primary law enforcement entity within TSA. We deploy on flights around the world and in the United States. While our primary mission of protecting air passengers and crew has not changed much over the years, Federal Air Marshals have an ever expanding role in homeland security and work closely with other law enforcement agencies to accomplish their mission. The men and women who make up the Federal Air Marshal Service are dedicated, well trained law enforcement professionals, each equipped with the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to keep our aviation system safe and secure.

Programs

	Federal Air Marshals (FAMS) Federal law enforcement officers trained and dedicated to detecting, deterring, and defeating hostile acts targeting the nation’s aviation and transportation domains. Learn more »
	Visible Intermodal Prevention and Response (VIPR) Under the Aviation and Transportation Security Act (ATSA) and the Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007, TSA has broad responsibility to enhance security in all modes of transportation nationwide. Learn more »
	Federal Flight Deck Officer (FFDO) A force of volunteer, armed pilots extends our security reach, making the skies safer for you to travel. Learn more »
	Crew Member Self Defense (CMSD) Our Crew Member Self Defense Training program is available to any actively employed flight or cabin crew member. Learn more »
	Canine Training and Evaluation Section (CTES) OLE/FAMS Canine Training and Evaluation Section (CTES) prepare canines and handlers to support the National Canine Program (NCP) mission. Learn more »
	Armed Security Officer (ASO) The ASO program is a security plan that balances the special security needs of the airport with the economic importance of general aviation flights. Learn more »
	LEO Flying Armed We maintain oversight of the Law Enforcement Officers flying armed program under Title 49 Code of Federal Regulation (CFR) § 1544.219 Carriage of Accessible Weapons. Learn more »
	LEO Reimbursement State and local law enforcement agencies play a critical role in security at airports throughout the nation. Learn more »

Resources

• Taking a prohibited item to a security screening checkpoint is illegal. Find out about civil sanctions.
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• Learn more about transportation security laws and regulations.
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• Recruitment: Do you feel you could make a difference?
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