The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is responsible for screening all checked baggage in U.S. airports for explosives and has deployed explosive detection systems and developed standard procedures for their use. TSA also allows alternative screening procedures to be used for short-term, special circumstances. This report addresses (1) how TSA prioritized the use of checked baggage screening procedures and identified trade-offs in security effectiveness and operational efficiencies; (2) how TSA reported use of the procedures and ensured that standard procedures are used whenever possible; and (3) what steps TSA took to reduce airports' need to use alternative screening procedures and to establish performance measures to monitor their use. To address these issues, GAO interviewed TSA officials, reviewed information from TSA's database on checked baggage screening operations; and conducted airport site visits.

Although each main-set volume of Terrorism: 1st Series contains its own volume-specific index, this comprehensive Index places all the Index info from the last fifty main-set volumes into one index volume. Furthermore, the volume-specific indexes are only subject indexes, whereas five different indexes appear within this one comprehensive index: the subject index, an index organized according to the title of the document, an index based on the name of the document's author, an index correlated to the document's year, and a subject-by-year index. This one all-encompassing Index thus provides users with multiple ways to conduct research into four years' worth of Terrorism: 1st Series volumes.

Because of 9/11, there is universal recognition that aviation security is a deadly serious business. Still, around the world today, the practice of aviation security is rooted in a hodgepodge of governmental rules, industry traditions, and local idiosyncrasies. In fact, nearly seven years after the largest single attack involving the air transport industry, there remains no viable framework in place to lift aviation security practice out of the mishmash that currently exists. It is the ambitious intent of Aviation Security Management to change that. The goals of this set are nothing less than to make flying safer, to make transporting goods by air safer, and to lay the foundation for the professionalization of this most important field. This dynamic set showcases the most current trends, issues, ideas, and practices in aviation security management, especially as the field evolves in the context of globalization and advances in technology. Written by leading academic thinkers, practitioners, and former and current regulators in the field, the three volumes highlight emerging and innovative practices, illustrated with examples from around the world. Volume 1 takes a penetrating look at the overall framework in which aviation security management has taken place in the past and will likely do so in the foreseeable future. It covers the major areas of focus for anyone in the aviation security business, and it provides a basis for educational programs. Volume 2 delves into the emerging issues affecting aviation security managers right now. Volume 3: Perspectives on Aviation Security Management covers the full spectrum of international aviation security-related issues. It will serve as part of the foundation for the next generation of research in the area in both a business and cultural context. Collectively, these volumes represent the state of the art in the field today and constitute an essential resource for anyone practicing, studying, teaching, or researching aviation security management.

The second edition of Practical Aviation Security is a complete guide to the aviation security system, from crucial historical events to the policies, policymakers, and major terrorist and criminal acts that have shaped the procedures in use today. The tip-of-the-spear technologies that are shaping the future are also addressed. This text equips readers in airport security or other aviation management roles with the knowledge to implement the effective security programs, to meet international guidelines, and to responsibly protect facilities or organizations of any size. Using case studies and practical security measures now in use at airports worldwide, readers learn the effective methods and the fundamental principles involved in designing and implementing a security system. The aviation security system is comprehensive and requires continual focus and attention to stay a step ahead of the next attack. Practical Aviation Security, Second Edition helps prepare practitioners to enter the industry, and helps seasoned professionals prepare for new threats and prevent new tragedies. - Covers commercial airport security, general aviation and cargo operations, threats, and threat detection and response systems, as well as international security issues - Lays out the security fundamentals that can ensure the future of global travel and commerce - Applies real-world aviation experience to the task of anticipating and deflecting threats