Lois Larson
In the United States, airport security is managed by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), an agency of the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The TSA was created in response to the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, which exposed weaknesses in existing airport security procedures. The TSA's primary mission is to improve airport security and prevent aircraft hijacking through screening passengers and baggage at airports across the country. They also develop policies to protect other transportation systems such as highways, railroads, and mass transit systems.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of the department | Transportation Security Administration (TSA) |
| Parent department | Department of Homeland Security (DHS) |
| Date created | November 19, 2001 |
| Date moved to DHS | March 2003 |
| No. of administrators | 7 |
| No. of acting administrators | 6 |
| No. of airports covered | 440 |
| No. of passengers screened daily | 2 million |
| No. of firearms discovered daily | 9 |
| No. of explosives specialists | 350 |
| No. of transportation security inspectors | 1,200 |
| No. of canine teams | 1,000 |
| No. of PreCheck® airports | 200 |
| No. of PreCheck® application centers | 600 |
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What You'll Learn
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
The TSA's primary mission is airport security and preventing aircraft hijacking. It is responsible for screening passengers and baggage at over 440 airports across the United States, serving over 2 million passengers daily. The TSA employs Transportation Security Officers, who are trained to detect prohibited items and regularly discover firearms and explosives at security checkpoints.
The TSA also employs approximately 1,200 Transportation Security Inspectors (TSIs) who inspect and investigate passenger and cargo transportation systems to ensure compliance with standard operating procedures. These inspectors oversee more than 40,000 transportation operators across aviation, surface, and cargo modes. The TSA also has international inspectors who assess foreign airports and airlines to ensure compliance with US regulations and international security standards.
Additionally, the TSA has a PreCheck® program, which conducts risk assessments on passengers before they arrive at airport checkpoints, expediting the screening process. The TSA also works with surface transportation operators and security partners at all levels to safeguard mass transit, freight rail, highways, pipelines, and ports.
The TSA continuously assesses security risks and adapts its measures to address evolving threats. It aims to strengthen aviation security worldwide and protect the freedom of movement for people and commerce.
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Department of Homeland Security
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is an agency of the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The TSA was created in response to the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, which exposed weaknesses in existing airport security procedures. The agency was initially placed under the United States Department of Transportation, but it was moved to the Department of Homeland Security in March 2003.
The TSA has authority over the security of transportation systems within and connecting to the United States. Its primary mission is airport security and the prevention of aircraft hijacking. The TSA develops key policies to protect the U.S. transportation system, including highways, railroads, mass transit systems, ports, pipelines, and intermodal freight facilities. It works with other federal, state, local, and foreign government partners to achieve this mission.
The TSA employs a range of personnel to carry out its security functions, including transportation security officers, explosives specialists, transportation security inspectors, and canine teams. Transportation security officers screen passengers and baggage at airports, detecting prohibited items and firearms. Explosives specialists provide advanced training to the screening workforce in explosives, improvised explosive devices, and terrorist incidents. Transportation security inspectors ensure compliance with standard operating procedures, conduct assessments, and manage non-compliance cases. Canine teams are deployed at aviation, mass transit, and maritime transportation locations to detect explosives and drugs.
The TSA also has a program called PreCheck®, which is an expedited screening program that makes risk assessments about passengers prior to their arrival at an airport checkpoint. This program has expanded to over 200 airports with over 600 application centers nationwide. Additionally, the TSA has implemented enhanced security measures for all commercial flights to the United States, including increased security protocols around aircraft and in passenger areas. These measures are implemented in coordination with international partners and are designed to address evolving threats to aviation security.
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Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is a United States government agency headquartered in Washington, D.C. The FAA was created by the Federal Aviation Act of 1958, which passed the Civil Aeronautics Authority's (CAA) functions to a new independent body.
The FAA's primary responsibility is to ensure that air travel is safe. This includes regulating civil aviation, issuing and enforcing air traffic rules, licensing pilots, certifying aircraft, establishing airways, and operating and maintaining aids to air navigation. The FAA also has the power to regulate airline fares and determine the routes that air carriers will serve.
The FAA has nine regional administrative offices and operates several centres for support, research, and training. These include the William J. Hughes Technical Center near Atlantic City, New Jersey, and the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
The FAA's first administrator was Elwood R. Quesada, a former Air Force general and adviser to President Eisenhower. The FAA administrator reports to the Secretary of Transportation and is responsible for setting the agency's goals and budget.
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Local police departments
In the United States, airport security is primarily managed by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), a federal agency within the Department of Homeland Security. The TSA was established in response to the September 11 attacks to improve airport security procedures and consolidate air travel security under a federal law enforcement agency. While the TSA takes the lead in airport security, local police departments also play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and security of airports and their surrounding communities.
The roles and responsibilities of local police departments in airport security vary depending on the airport and local regulations. In some cases, local police departments provide basic police services, assist travellers, enforce local, state, and federal laws, and support the airport's emergency response capabilities. They may also have specialised units, such as canine units, that enhance security measures. Additionally, local police departments may have officers with dual roles, combining law enforcement duties with emergency medical services and aircraft rescue firefighting responsibilities.
In certain countries, local police departments take on a more prominent role in airport security. For instance, in Germany, the Federal Police are responsible for law enforcement and security at international airports and major railway stations. Similarly, in Ireland, the Airport Police Service provides local policing and aviation security at Dublin, Cork, and Shannon airports. In Switzerland, the International Security Police: Airport Unit (PSI) maintains security at airport sites and ensures the safety of airport buildings through foot patrols and traffic management.
While the TSA oversees airport security in the United States, local police departments play a collaborative and supportive role, ensuring the safety of travellers, staff, and the surrounding communities. Their involvement varies based on local regulations and the specific needs of each airport, often working in conjunction with federal agencies to maintain a secure aviation environment.
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Airport security staff
In the United States, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is the agency responsible for security in transportation systems, including airports. The TSA was established in response to the September 11 attacks to enhance airport security procedures and consolidate air travel security under a federal agency. They employ Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) and Security Support Assistants (SSAs) who are responsible for protecting travellers, operating screening equipment, identifying dangerous objects, and responding to dynamic threats.
In the United Kingdom, the Department for Transport (DfT) governs airport security, with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) also responsible for certain security regulatory functions. In Hong Kong, while the Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) controls the airport, security power has been delegated to AVSECO staff, who conduct security screenings and checks.
Airport security guards are responsible for monitoring activity at checkpoints, ensuring compliance with security procedures, detecting potential threats, and maintaining order. They collaborate with other security teams, including TSA officers, safety guards, and police officers, to ensure a cohesive security approach. Additionally, they provide directions, assistance, and quick responses to medical emergencies.
Airport screeners, or passenger and baggage screeners, are another crucial component of airport security staff. They utilise various screening tools, including body scanners, X-ray machines, and explosive detection systems, to prevent prohibited articles from being taken onboard. Cabin crew members are also often trained in security searches and aircraft protection.
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Frequently asked questions
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is the agency responsible for airport security in the United States. It was created after the September 11 attacks to improve airport security procedures and is now part of the Department of Homeland Security.
The primary mission of the TSA is airport security and the prevention of aircraft hijacking. They also develop policies to protect the US transportation system, including highways, railroads, bus networks, and more.
The TSA employs transportation security officers to screen passengers and their belongings at airport checkpoints. They are trained to spot prohibited items and explosives. The TSA also has canine teams and transportation security inspectors to ensure compliance with security procedures.
The TSA assesses foreign airports and airlines to ensure compliance with US regulations and international security standards. They also work with international partners to implement strengthened security measures at last-point-of-departure airports worldwide.
