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The Nation's Skies are Safer…Here's the Proof

By Don Dovgin

When President Bush signed into legislation The Aviation and Transportation Security Act, it was with the same vision which John F. Kennedy conveyed about putting a man on the moon in 1960's. Nobody thought it would be possible. There have been numerous questions whether our nation's skies are any safer since 9/11. Will 100% bag screening be successfully implemented as planned? Can the government put together the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), and also hire and train over 50,000 screeners?

Many people are concerned that automated systems will not be implemented in all of the nation's airports. Yet 95% of these gateways have explosive trace detection (ETD) systems and/or explosive detection systems (EDS). The 5% that do not have these systems actually leads to a security advantage. Systematizing process leads to complacency. There are a few methods the 100% mandate to inspect all bags will be met. Besides using explosive detections systems, other methodologies are just as, if not more effective.

If there are no EDS or ETD's at an airport, bag screeners will be performing physical searches on luggage. They have been trained to ensure that explosive devices do not board an aircraft. If a screener suspects that there are components that look like an explosive device, they will be searching through your bag and belongings. Part of the new TSA staff comes with Law Enforcement Officers or LEO. They work with local, county and state police to conduct more thorough searches and arrest people going through the airport with suspect items (containing a possible explosive). Bag screeners and authorities will detain you until they are satisfied that there is no longer a risk.

Bomb sniffing dogs are another security alternative being used within our nation's airports. This canine creature is the same animal that can "sniff out" cancer cells in human beings. The dog's nose is more sensitive than any trace detection machine on the market. There are teams patrolling outside and inside of the airport before you even reach the ticket counter. The dogs are also called in when there is a suspect bag. There are some 267 teams at 63 of the nation's largest airports and this will expand to 325 teams in 82 airports by the end of 2003 .

Lawmakers and airlines are concerned however that the new security processes will create long lines at airports. As with any new procedure, it takes people about 4 to 6 weeks to adapt. The goods news is that January is generally a slow month for air travel. Despite 5% of the airports short of EDS capability, lines should be minimal because of the slow travel period. The airlines are cooperating as much as possible with the TSA, but they still remain concerned about on-time dependability. If a passenger waits in line, then gets selected for a bag search and consequently misses their flight, you can bet they will blame the airline. This is one of the reasons you will find both the checkpoint and bag screeners to be very courteous throughout the security process. But do not underestimate this courtesy for lack of skill.

With over 1,000,000 screener applications processed, only 56,000 people made the grade. Backgrounds of these people are highly diverse and quite extensive. Many screeners are either ex-military or ex-law enforcement. Some were Sergeants, Marines, Special Forces, FBI, or former executives. So why choose people with such varied backgrounds and strong credentials? Mainly because these people are truly committed to making a difference to ensure there will not be another breach of security within aviation. Some have lost loved ones on 9/11, while others feel this job is a continuation of their law enforcement career…with a specific mission.

The TSA executive branch and its officers are working well too. There is a Federal Security Director (FSD) at each airport. Each FSD has the overall responsibility to ensure the safety and security of the airports and its patrons. Their main job is to prevent acts of terrorism. They also have the authority to delay an aircraft or cancel a flight if necessary. This responsibility is bigger than some think. Many people have been working around the clock to make sure the country is ready to meet the 100% bag check requirement. It's clear the TSA has risen to the occasion and has met this major milestone.

To put it simply, nobody wants a security breach on their watch. It is the people of the Transportation Security Administration that strive for flawless security. With technologies and state of the art machines aside, the best security system in place are the people of the TSA. They are the ones checking and inspecting each and every bag for every airline as we speak. When asked if our skies are safer, there is no doubt. Our nation's government and people have a new mindset….we will win the war on terror.

Don Dovgin is a partner with Transportation Management Group, Inc., consultants to the aviation industry. Visit their website at www.tmginconline.com.

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