TSA has implemented numerous initiatives designed to enhance aviation security, but has collected limited information on the effectiveness of these initiatives in protecting commercial aircraft. Our recent work on passenger screening found that little testing or other data exist that measures the performance of screeners in detecting threat objects. However, TSA is taking steps to collection data on the effectiveness of its security initiatives, including developing a 5-year performance plan detailing numerous performance measures, as well a implementing several efforts to collect performance data on the effectiveness of passenger screening-such as fielding the Threat Image Projection System and increasing screener testing.

Aviation Security: Efforts to Measure Effectiveness and Strengthen Security Programs

The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) is an independent agency that works for Congress. The GAO watches over Congress, and investigates how the federal government spends taxpayers dollars. The Comptroller General of the United States is the leader of the GAO, and is appointed to a 15-year term by the U.S. President. The GAO wants to support Congress, while at the same time doing right by the citizens of the United States. They audit, investigate, perform analyses, issue legal decisions and report anything that the government is doing. This is one of their reports.

The screening of airport passengers & their checked baggage is a critical component in securing our nation's commercial aviation system. This report incorporates results from a survey of 155 Federal Security Directors -- the ranking Transportation Security Admin. (TSA) authority responsible for the leadership & coordination of TSA security activities at the nation's commercial airports. This report addresses: (1) actions TSA has taken to enhance training for passenger & checked baggage screeners & screening supervisors, (2) how TSA ensures that screeners complete required training, & (3) actions TSA has taken to measure & enhance screener performance in detecting threat objects. Charts & tables.

Incidents of airport workers using access privileges to smuggle weapons through secured airport areas and onto planes have heightened concerns regarding commercial airport security. The Transportation Security Admin. (TSA), along with airports, is responsible for security at TSA-regulated airports. To guide risk assessment and protection of critical infrastructure, including airports, the Nat. Infrastructure Protection Plan (NIPP) was developed. This report examined the extent to which, for airport perimeters and access controls, TSA: (1) assessed risk consistent with the NIPP; (2) implemented protective programs, and evaluated its worker screening pilots; and (3) established a strategy to guide decision making. Includes recommend. Illus.

The Transportation Security Admin. (TSA) funding for aviation security has totaled about $26 billion since FY 2004. This testimony focuses on TSA¿s efforts to secure the commercial aviation system through passenger screening, air cargo, and watch-list matching programs, and challenges remaining in these areas. This testimony also addresses TSA¿s progress in developing the Secure Flight program, based on work conducted from Aug. 2007 to Jan. 2008. Includes recommendations. Charts and tables.