Roberta Aguirre
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is a federal agency responsible for safeguarding the United States' transportation systems, including airports, surface transportation, and maritime security. TSA's primary role is to ensure freedom of movement for people and commerce while protecting against potential threats. With a focus on airport security, TSA employs various screening procedures, including carry-on and checked baggage inspections, passenger observation, and the use of body scanners and X-ray technology. The organisation was established following the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, with the aim of preventing future attacks and enhancing transportation security.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Full Form | Transportation Security Administration |
| Year Established | 2001 |
| Purpose | Protect the nation's transportation systems to ensure freedom of movement for people and commerce |
| Screening Process | TSA PreCheck® allows passengers to speed through security without removing shoes, laptops, liquids, belts, and light jackets |
| Number of Airports Covered | Nearly 440 U.S. airports |
| Number of Passengers Screened Daily | 2 million |
| Number of Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) | Over 44,000 |
| Number of Domestic and International Flights Secured Daily | 20,000 domestic and 2,000 outbound international flights |
| Number of Checked and Carry-On Items Screened Daily | 1.3 million checked items and 4.9 million carry-on items |
| Security Measures | Unpredictable security measures, both seen and unseen, throughout the airport |
| Behavior Detection Officers (BDOs) | Observe passengers' behaviors as they go through security checkpoints to identify potential risks |
| Database Search | Access to government and private databases for information about passengers before their arrival at the airport |
| Prohibited Items | Certain printer cartridges weighing over 16 ounces |
| Support in Disaster Regions | Deployed nearly 700 employees to areas affected by Hurricane Harvey |
| Maritime Security | Efforts along 12,000 miles of coastline and 25,000 miles of navigable waterways |
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What You'll Learn
TSA's role in safeguarding surface transportation
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) plays a crucial role in safeguarding surface transportation systems in the United States. While the TSA is best known for its role in airport security, it is also responsible for securing other modes of transportation, including railways, seaports, highways, and pipelines.
The TSA's primary focus in surface transportation is oversight, cooperation, and regulation. They work closely with local, state, and federal security partners, as well as industry leaders, to ensure that appropriate security measures are in place. This includes producing and distributing security training materials, as well as conducting voluntary assessments and regulatory compliance inspections.
One of the key ways TSA safeguards surface transportation is through its Intermodal Security Training and Exercise Program (I-STEP). I-STEP helps surface transportation entities test and evaluate their security plans, including their prevention, preparedness, and response capabilities. TSA also provides subject matter expertise and assists in coordinating intelligence information and risk/vulnerability assessments to identify, protect, deter, respond to, and recover from potential terrorist attacks.
Additionally, TSA has a Loaned Executive Program that provides senior-level transportation security officials with first-hand experience of the agency's counter-terrorism and risk reduction roles. This program enhances industry security by providing real-world exposure to TSA's surface security programs and policies. TSA also collaborates with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to develop transportation security grants for surface transportation owners and operators.
Furthermore, TSA employs Transportation Security Inspectors (TSIs) who inspect and investigate passenger and cargo transportation systems. As of July 2018, TSA had approximately 100 surface inspectors dedicated to surface transportation security. The agency also utilizes Visible Intermodal Prevention and Response (VIPR) teams, comprised of Federal Air Marshals and other TSA crew, who work outside of airports at train stations and other surface transportation hubs.
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TSA PreCheck® and its benefits
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is responsible for security and the screening of passengers and baggage in the United States. TSA PreCheck® is a service offered by the TSA to travellers, which allows for expedited screening at airports. It is available to US citizens, US lawful permanent residents, and citizens of partner countries enrolled in Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI. Canadian citizens who are NEXUS members are also eligible.
The TSA PreCheck® program offers several benefits to its members. One of the main advantages is the time saved during the screening process at the airport. About 99% of TSA PreCheck® passengers wait less than 10 minutes to be screened. Members can also enjoy the convenience of having their children, aged 17 and under, join them in the TSA PreCheck® lane, as long as the child's boarding pass indicates TSA PreCheck®.
To enrol in TSA PreCheck®, individuals can choose from a list of approved enrolment providers, considering factors such as cost, location, and additional benefits. The enrolment process typically involves fingerprinting, document and photo capture, and payment of a fee. It should be noted that the TSA does not guarantee expedited screening for all PreCheck® members, as they employ unpredictable security measures at airports.
The TSA PreCheck® membership comes with a Known Traveller Number (KTN), which must be added when booking travel reservations to have the TSA PreCheck® indicator on the boarding pass. This number is essential for accessing the benefits of the program. Overall, TSA PreCheck® offers a more seamless and efficient airport experience for eligible travellers, making it a popular choice for frequent flyers.
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TSA's involvement in disaster response
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is an agency of the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS). It was created in response to the September 11 attacks to improve airport security and consolidate air travel security under a federal law enforcement agency. The TSA's primary mission is to ensure airport security and prevent aircraft hijacking.
While the TSA's primary focus is on transportation security, particularly at airports, it has also been involved in broader disaster response efforts. As an agency within the DHS, the TSA likely plays a supporting role in the department's disaster response and management activities. The DHS, through its Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), is responsible for coordinating responses to disasters that overwhelm local and state authorities. FEMA provides on-the-ground support, expertise, and funding for rebuilding and infrastructure development following disasters.
One example of TSA involvement in disaster response is through its Behavior Detection Officers (BDOs). These officers observe passengers at security checkpoints for behaviors that may indicate a higher risk. While this is a regular part of airport security, similar behavior detection techniques can be utilized during disaster response to identify individuals who may be at risk or in need of assistance.
Additionally, the TSA has access to various government and private databases, including past travel itineraries, property records, and intelligence information. This capability can be leveraged during disaster response to locate missing persons, identify disaster-affected areas, and assist in reuniting families and loved ones.
Furthermore, the TSA has implemented measures to enhance the security of transportation systems during disaster response. For instance, after the 2010 cargo planes bomb plot, the TSA banned certain printer cartridges on flights. Such proactive measures help ensure the safety of air transportation, especially when disasters or emergencies occur.
In conclusion, while the TSA's primary role is transportation security, it also contributes to disaster response efforts through its expertise in security, behavior detection, and access to various databases. The TSA's involvement helps enhance the overall effectiveness of disaster response and ensures the safety and security of transportation systems during these challenging times.
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Screening procedures and prohibited items
The TSA, or Transportation Security Administration, has a number of screening procedures in place to ensure the safety of passengers and prevent prohibited items from entering the airport. These procedures are subject to change and adaptation over time, in order to meet evolving threats and maintain the highest level of security.
Passengers may be required to undergo a pat-down procedure, which can include the inspection of the head, neck, arms, torso, legs, and feet. This may be carried out using the back of the hand for sensitive areas, with the front of the hand only used in limited cases. The officer will explain the procedure and advise the passenger of any actions before they are felt. Passengers may request a private screening with a companion present at any time, and request a chair if needed.
In addition, passengers will be asked to remove personal electronic devices larger than a cell phone from their carry-on luggage for separate X-ray screening. This includes items such as laptops, tablets, e-readers, and handheld game consoles. Food and snacks can usually remain inside carry-on bags, and there are special instructions for liquids, gels, aerosols, baby food, breast milk, and medically necessary items.
TSA also relies on the cooperation of the traveling public to report any suspicious activities, such as unattended baggage, individuals in possession of threatening items, or attempts to enter restricted areas. These measures are all part of TSA's layered approach to security, designed to ensure the safe passage of passengers to their destinations.
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Behaviour Detection Officers
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has employed thousands of trained Behaviour Detection Officers (BDOs) to identify passengers exhibiting behaviours indicative of stress, fear, or deception at airport screening checkpoints. BDOs, who are also TSOs, observe passengers as they go through security checkpoints, looking for behaviours that might indicate a higher risk.
According to the TSA, certain verbal and non-verbal cues and behaviours, or 'behavioural indicators', may indicate mal-intent, such as the intent to carry out a terrorist attack. These behavioural indicators include assessing the way an individual swallows or the degree to which an individual's eyes are open. BDOs can then refer suspicious passengers for additional screening.
The BDO program, called SPOT (Screening of Passengers by Observation Technique), was implemented in 2003 and expanded across the United States in 2007. While the TSA has defended the program as a crucial layer of aviation security, it has also been controversial. A 2017 ACLU report and a Government Accountability Office (GAO) review found that the TSA does not have valid evidence that most of the behavioural indicators used in the program can effectively identify individuals who may pose a threat to aviation security. The GAO recommended that the TSA limit funding for the program until scientifically validated evidence is provided.
Despite the controversy, the TSA has continued to stand by its approach to behaviour detection, stating that it is designed to identify and engage individuals who may be high-risk based on objective behavioural indicators and thresholds. In addition to the BDO program, the TSA has also implemented other security measures such as searching various databases for information about passengers before they arrive at the airport and banning certain items from carry-on and checked bags, such as toner and ink cartridges weighing over 16 ounces.
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Frequently asked questions
TSA stands for the Transportation Security Administration.
The TSA is responsible for screening passengers, carry-on bags, and checked baggage at US airports to prevent prohibited items and other threats to transportation security. They also support maritime security and disaster response and recovery efforts.
With TSA PreCheck®, passengers can speed through security without removing their shoes, laptops, liquids, belts, and light jackets. About 99% of TSA PreCheck® passengers wait less than 10 minutes.
To enroll in TSA PreCheck®, you can follow three steps: submit your application online, complete enrollment at an enrollment center, and provide your fingerprints, documents, photo, and payment. Enrollment typically takes 10 minutes, and costs vary by provider.
