Some TSOs Said To Protest In Uniform At Montana Airports

Three Montana airports which applied to the TSA for permission to hire private screeners were denied earlier this year, and one airport director says TSOs showed up in uniform at his airport telling passengers they would be "less safe" if private companies were permitted to conduct security screening.

The online news site the Daily Caller reports that Glacier Park International, Missoula International, and Bert Mooney airports had all been encourage by TSA to apply for the Screening Partnership Program (SPP), but had had their applications denied in January. Airport officials say the agency was not justified in its denial of their requests.

TSA says it halted the program over concerns about security. ANN reported in February that administrator John Pistole said at the time that he had "examined the contractor screening program and decided not to expand the program beyond the current 16 airports as I do not see any clear or substantial advantage to do so at this time."

A TSA spokesperson told the Daily Caller that allowing private screeners would complicate the process of pushing out security information to airports and the ability to adjust procedures based on new information.

But the director of Glacier Park Airport said TSA has not adequately staffed the airport, which slows the screening process for both passengers and bags during the busy summer season.

FMI: www.tsa.gov