Owais Crawford
The security measures at private airports have been a topic of discussion for frequent flyers, airport executives, and lawmakers, who argue that private security agencies can improve the quality of service and make the screening process more efficient. The Screening Partnership Program (SPP) allows commercial airports to contract security screening services to private companies, provided they comply with TSA security screening procedures. Private security screeners are subject to the same hiring restrictions and challenges as federal government screeners, including background checks and medical requirements. The debate surrounding private airport security focuses on quality and efficiency, with supporters advocating for increased accountability and opponents expressing concerns about removing federal government influence.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Security at private airports | Private security screening companies are subject to the same security screener hiring restrictions and challenges as the federal government. |
| Security screeners | Contract screeners must attend all TSA-provided training, including at the TSA Academy, and must meet the same medical requirements as federal security screeners. |
| Screening Partnership Program (SPP) | Airports can apply to the SPP, contracting security screening services to private companies that must comply with all TSA security screening procedures. |
| SPP application process | Airports must submit an application to their local Federal Security Director and will receive a notification within 60 days. |
| SPP contract | If an application is approved, it can take up to 12 months to issue a contract, and up to 6 months to transition into the program. |
| Private screening agencies | Private agencies work for the TSA rather than the airport authority and must follow TSA policies for airport security. |
| Benefits of private security | Improved quality of service, faster response times to issues, and greater accountability and constant quality of service. |
| Emergency planning | Limited access control, video surveillance, and technology-based solutions are critical components of emergency planning at airports. |
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What You'll Learn
Private security screening companies
The Screening Partnership Program (SPP) allows private security screening at some U.S. airports. Private security screeners are subject to the same security background checks and medical requirements as federal security screeners. They must also attend all TSA-provided training, including a two-week course at the TSA's facility in Glynco, Georgia.
- AT Systems Security, Inc.
- FirstLine Transportation Security, Inc.
- Omniplex World Services Corp. Securiguard, Inc.
- Systems Training and Resource Technology, Inc.
- Transcontinental Enterprise, Inc.
- A-T Solutions, Inc.
- BOS Security, Inc.
- Trinity Technology Group, Inc.
- Allied Universal
- Covenant Aviation Security
Supporters of private security screening at airports argue that it improves the quality of service and makes the screening process more efficient. They also believe that private agencies are more responsive to issues and can remedy problems faster. Additionally, private screeners, when properly supervised, are at least as efficient and possibly less expensive than federal screeners. Over 80% of Europe's commercial airports and all of Canada's major commercial airports use private screening companies.
Critics of private security screening caution that replacing federal security screening takes time and comes with some risk. There is also a concern that airports that privatize security are trying to rid themselves of federal government influence.
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Screening Partnership Program (SPP)
The Screening Partnership Program (SPP) is a program that allows private security screening at some U.S. airports. Under the SPP, airports can handle screening in partnership with expert private security companies, but they are still subject to general federal oversight. Airports that wish to participate in the SPP must first submit an application to their local federal security director. After submitting the application, it can take up to 120 days to receive a status update, and if approved, it can take up to 12 months to issue the contract. The transition into the program typically takes four to six months.
As of 2014, 21 airports participated in the SPP. Airports that participate in the SPP are required to contract with private screening agencies, which work for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) rather than the airport authority. The TSA monitors vendor performance and requires vendors to comply with all standard operating procedures and operational directives. The TSA also reserves the right to add more vendors to the program.
There has been some resistance to the SPP from the TSA. In 2014, a congressional hearing was held to examine the causes of the TSA's resistance to the program. The TSA has stated that they do not see any clear and substantial advantage to expanding the program, and that a federal workforce allows for more flexibility. However, supporters of the SPP argue that it can improve the quality of service and make the screening process more efficient. Additionally, lawmakers have noted that the program creates jobs and that the private sector is highly capable of providing efficient and effective screening services.
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TSA security policies
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has laid out the policies for how airport security in the United States should work. The TSA's Screening Partnership Program (SPP) allows private security screening companies to contract security screening services at commercial airports under federal oversight. These private companies must comply with all TSA security screening procedures.
Private security screeners are subject to the same security background checks, medical requirements, and training as federal government screeners. They must attend all TSA-provided training, including at the TSA Academy.
The SPP was created in 2004 to make the screening process more efficient and improve the quality of service. Airports interested in participating in the SPP must submit an application to their local Federal Security Director. The TSA is required to make a determination on the application within 60 days of receipt and, if approved, enter into a contract with the private screening company within 120 days.
The TSA also has security measures in place for passengers, such as the Secure Flight program, which identifies low and high-risk passengers before they arrive at the airport by matching their names against trusted traveler lists and watchlists. Standard screening procedures require the removal of all items for X-ray screening, while TSA PreCheck® allows for expedited screening, where passengers do not need to remove their shoes, laptops, liquids, belts, and light jackets.
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Aviation security curriculum
Aviation security is a critical aspect of the industry, and it is important to keep pace with the industry's changing needs. An aviation security curriculum should cover a wide range of topics to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the field.
Firstly, the curriculum should provide an overview of the industry's regulatory landscape, including international legal conventions, and the various security programs and policies that govern aviation security. This includes an understanding of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in the United States, the Screening Partnership Program (SPP), and other federal and international organizations such as the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Students should be familiar with the roles and responsibilities of these organizations and the policies they enforce.
Secondly, the curriculum should cover the practical aspects of aviation security, including terminal security, aircraft and baggage/cargo inspections, access control systems, and catering inspections. This includes the use of technology, such as video surveillance, GPS tracking, and monitoring systems, to enhance security measures and incident response. Additionally, the curriculum should address emergency planning and response, teaching students how to identify and address organizational vulnerabilities and implement effective lockdown procedures.
Furthermore, the curriculum should provide an in-depth understanding of current security threats and risks, including cyber security issues. Students should learn how to identify, analyze, and prevent common threats, as well as stay up-to-date with technological advancements and their potential impact on aviation security. This includes a focus on civil aviation and the specific risks associated with operating in or near conflict zones.
Lastly, the curriculum should cover the human element of aviation security, including hiring and training procedures for security personnel. This includes an understanding of the challenges and restrictions in hiring security screeners, such as background checks and medical requirements, and the importance of accountability and quality customer service. Additionally, the curriculum could explore the debate around public versus private security forces and the potential advantages and disadvantages of each.
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Airport security privatisation
Airport privatisation has been a topic of debate for decades, with the first airport privatisation occurring in the UK in 1987. Since then, nearly 20% of the world's airports have been privatised, with varying levels of private participation. While some argue that privatisation improves efficiency and service quality, others express concerns about the role of the federal government and the potential impact on security.
In the United States, the Screening Partnership Program (SPP) allows commercial airports to contract security screening services to qualified private companies. These companies operate under federal oversight and must adhere to TSA security procedures. The TSA is responsible for approving applications for the SPP, ensuring that security and cost-efficiency are not compromised. As of 2009, 13 airports participated in the SPP, and by 2024, at least 32 airports had applied.
Proponents of airport security privatisation, including aviation-security-affiliated individuals and lawmakers, argue that it improves the quality of service and makes the screening process more efficient. They believe that private agencies can be more responsive and accountable, ensuring a constant quality of service. Additionally, privatisation may lead to an increase in non-aeronautical or commercial revenues, as private operators may be better equipped to foster this type of business.
However, there is also resistance to airport security privatisation. Officials within the TSA have expressed concerns that airports may want to reduce the influence of the federal government. There have also been instances of cheating on screening tests, raising questions about the effectiveness of privatisation. Some argue that the best-run airports, such as Singapore Changi, Doha, Tokyo, and Seoul, are government-owned and operated, and do not charge high fees to passengers.
Ultimately, the debate around airport security privatisation centres on efficiency, service quality, and the role of the federal government. While privatisation can bring potential benefits, ensuring the safety and security of travellers remains the top priority.
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Frequently asked questions
The Screening Partnership Program is a program that contracts security screening services at commercial airports to qualified private companies. These companies run screening operations under federal oversight and must comply with all TSA security screening procedures.
Frequent flyers, airport executives, and lawmakers have argued that the SPP improves the quality of service and makes the screening process more efficient. Airport executives and lawmakers also say that private agencies can do some things that the TSA doesn't do, such as being able to report an issue, get a response within minutes, and have it be remedied fast.
Private security screening companies are subject to the same security screener hiring restrictions and challenges as the federal government. Contract screener candidates receive the same security background check and must meet the same medical requirements as prospective federal security screeners. Additionally, all contract screeners must attend all TSA-provided training, including training at the TSA Academy.
Yes, much of the negative response to airport security privatization comes from within the TSA. Officials of the TSA have expressed the concern that airports simply want to rid themselves of the influence of the Federal Government.
