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Airport screening systems are not well tested, says GAO

CongressDaily October 30, 2009

The Transportation Security Administration still does not know whether its passenger screening systems at airports are effectively addressing the greatest threats to aviation, the GAO reported on Thursday.

High-tech screening devices have been installed at major airports based on threats described in intelligence reports, but risk assessments based on three key elements -- threat, vulnerability and consequence -- remain works in progress, the GAO said.

"Without operationally testing technologies prior to deployment, TSA does not have reasonable assurance that technologies will perform as intended," the report said.

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House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., who requested the report, said it raises questions about the soundness of the TSA's strategic planning.

"I am supportive of the department's efforts to provide airports with the most effective security technologies available," he said, "However, a comprehensive and sensible strategic plan is critical to ensure that the government minimizes waste while securing the flying public."

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  • I'm with you M Onger this is about empire building and saving us from ourselves. I have worked as a civil servant for years and have seen the empire building model in every organization I worked for its the government way. You are correct a few more cops and better private security and maybe an air marshall or at least a gun toting official on every flight. This cost would be minimal compared to the monster TSA is creating. And to JW thank you for your service to our great nation brother! And yes I really dont think 50 year old Mable has a clue as to what she needs to be looking for. And you know I'm not traveling to the middle east probably in my life time but if I did and they tore me down because Americans blow themselves up I would understand. I wouldnt accuse anyone of profiling amatter of fact I would agree with profiling. Its the old deal if you have nothing to hide whats the problem. So I guess if you are of middle eastern decent and between 20 and 30 year old male and they tore you down in the airport you would get mad? Political correctness has its benefits small but some benefits but this subject isnt one of them. TSA needs to go away our rights are violated eveyday in airports all across this great nation it has become the norm for most and that scares me I guess the german people went through a similar brainwashing in the 30s. So whats next strip searches maybe shaving my head or pulling all my teeth come on enough is enough. I'm banking a guy like JW and other great americans will kill the next highjacker if there ever is one? LC Posted November 6, 2009 2:14 PM
  • The TSA/DHS empire was built on fears and feel-good rules & regulations. It has now become a major federal bureaucracy. As such, all shortfalls, such as this one, will be solved by asking for more money. A proper risk/benefit analysis would likely conclude that airports only need more cops and plainclothes detectives. But you won't see that analysis coming from the TSA. M Onger Posted November 4, 2009 7:57 AM
  • I agree with everyone here...and yes, LC, they did accomplish one of their goals - incite panic and division in a free-thinking country. But, perhaps too free-thinking at times...we are so democratic that instead of simply pull out the obvious threats, we screen the whole damn public, for fear of accusations of profiling, racism, etc. It may be our downfall - is there anyone left that is willing to preserve what precious little we have left of our country, or is it too late. thoughts from a servant of the traveling public (yes, a screener) JW Posted November 3, 2009 2:15 PM
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