Thursday, June 26, 2008
TSA to begin new airport security initiative
Airline passengers may notice heightened security at airports nationwide as the Transportation Security Administration begins a new security initiative.
TSA officials announced the airside and perimeter security enhancements on June 18. The measures include an "airside vulnerability reduction team" intended to strengthen coordination among TSA, law enforcement, airlines and airport security partners, according to an agency press release. TSA also plans to increase random screenings at airline gates as part of the Aviation Direct Access Screening Program, which allows security to check identification and boarding passes, conduct physical screens of carry-on luggage, use handheld explosive detection units, and screen individuals. Meanwhile, TSA said, behavior detection officers will screen travelers for involuntary physical and psychological reactions that indicate stress, fear or deception.