Airport Was Unaware Canines Failed Tests

The TSA is under scrutiny for the decision to keep several dogs on duty at PHL despite the fact that they failed to pass certification tests.  The decertified dogs continue to patrol the terminals of PHL as a 'visual deterrent' while they are in remedial training to detect explosive material.

"This is totally ridiculous," said Representative Robert Brady, D-PA, after being briefed by airport and TSA officials. He wrote a letter asking the TSA "to immediately replace the three dogs on duty at PHL with certified animals so that passengers and cargo flying out of our airport can do so safely."

PHL spokesperson Mark Pesce said the airport was not told the TSA dogs were no longer certified to detect explosives, but there are other ways to ensure safety.  He released a statement saying "all Airport Police (Philadelphia Police Department) canine units are unequivocally certified and continue to perform their normal inspection functions in all areas of the airport including terminals, aircraft and cargo."

Photo Credit: Flickr/PhillipC

Meanwhile, the TSA claims enough of their 13 canines at PHL are certified to fill their needs. "TSA can assure the traveling public that Philadelphia currently has ample canine resources to meet security requirements," said TSA spokesperson Ann Davis.

"TSA sets the highest canine certification standards in the federal government," said TSA spokesperson Ann Davis.  "As a result, some failures are expected, however, an established remediation program helps get these teams back into compliance."

There is no indication as to how long the TSA's retraining and recertification program might take nor how many of the canines are actually needed for safe operations at PHL.

FMI: www.tsa.gov