Aviation Security: Challenges Exist in Stabilizing and Enhancing Passenger and Baggage Screening Operations

GAO-04-440T Aviation Security: Challenges Exist in Stabilizing and Enhancing Passenger and Baggage Screening Operations

Following the terrorist attacks of September 11th 2001, there has been a plethora of legislation and acts resulting in security screening of airline passengers and their baggage to the deployment of newer and more updated security technologies, aimed at closing this alarming gap in security. This new book examines additional proposals and actions not only from Congress, but the FAA as well. Contents: Preface; Aviation Security Technologies and Procedures: Screening Passengers and Baggage; Selected Aviation Security Legislation in the Aftermath of the September 11 Attack; Vulnerabilities in, and Alternatives for, Pre-board Screening Security Operations; Terrorist Acts Demonstrate Urgent need to Improve Security at the Nations' Airports Operations; Weaknesses in Airport Security and Options for Assigning Screening Responsibilities; Vulnerabilities and Potential Improvements for the Air Cargo System; Transportation Security Administration Faces Immediate and Long-Term Challenges; Registered Traveller Program Policy and Implementation Issues; Index.

To enhance aviation security, the Transportation Security Admin. (TSA) began initial testing in Oct. 2003 of its Screening of Passengers by Observation Techniques (SPOT) program. Behavior Detection Officers carry out SPOT's mission to identify persons who pose a risk to aviation security by focusing on behavioral and appearance indicators. This report reviewed the SPOT program and analyzed: (1) the extent to which TSA validated the SPOT program before deployment; (2) implementation challenges; and (3) the extent to which TSA measures SPOT's effect on aviation security. The report analyzed TSA documents; interviewed agency personnel and subject matter experts; and visited 15 SPOT airports. Charts and tables.