Sun, Jan 02, 2011
Passenger Frustration With Screening May Start A Trend
From late-night comics to angry members of Congress, TSA's full
body scans and "enhanced" pat down procedures have gotten a full
ration of bad publicity this year, to the point where a growing
number of airports are considering reclaiming control of security
screening from the government agency.
According to the Washington Post, sixteen airports have opted
out of having the federal government screen passengers prior to
boarding. Among them are San Francisco and Kansas City
International. Orlando's airport authority has OKed the switch, but
has not yet selected a contractor, and right in TSA's backyard, the
Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority has the option under
review, according to a spokesperson.
The procedure, though, is fairly amorphous. Airports have to
submit a formal request to TSA, but there is no set criteria for
approval. Permission is dependent on the airport's "record of
compliance" with security regulations.
There are some 30 private firms with contracts to provide
security at airports ... all of them paid by TSA ... and all of
them required to use the same technology and techniques as the
federal agency. The pay, however, is reportedly higher for private
screeners.
Airports which have opted for private screeners say that they
have the ability to be more responsive to those passing through the
airport, and also have greater flexibility in re-deploying assets,
or letting people go if necessary. However AFGE, the federal
government employees union, told the paper that using private
screening companies would create a "patchwork quilt" of ineffective
airport security.
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