Homeland Security screening own workers to add more security
The US Transportation Security Administration plans a 90-day test program for more vigorous screening of airport workers in an effort to increase security and weed out potential terrorists.
People who work at airports across the country already receive some screening — such as background checks and random searches — before they are given access to secure areas, said TSA spokesman Christopher White.
Some airport workers, however, have unlimited access to aircraft and potentially dangerous materials. “Officials are concerned that people with bad intentions could pose as airport workers and gain access to these areas,” Reuters said.
TSA Administrator Kip Hawley said the tests will help the agency figure out the best way to secure the operations side of airports.
The screening tests will be conducted at airports in Boston, Denver, Kansas City, Jacksonville, Fla., New Bern, N.C., Eugene and North Bend, Oregon. Screening procedures will vary by airport.
The screenings will vary but at Logan International Airport in Boston, all workers at the airport and vehicles at the airport’s perimeter will be screened. In addition, some workers’ fingerprints and irises will be scanned electronically to verify their identities.
The US Congress mandated the screening test programs late last year.
The aviation sector has been on high alert since August 2006 when authorities uncovered a plot to blow up airliners headed from London to the US.
Report by David Wilkening
David
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