Inspector General's Address

The following paragraphs are excerpts from Inspector General Mead’s testimony before the House Transportation and Infrastructure Aviation Subcommittee on September 21, 2001.*

We have been reporting on aviation security for at least a decade and have made numerous recommendations for strengthening the system covering a broad range of issues within the security system: advanced security technologies, passenger and baggage screening, airport access control, and cargo security. In the last several years alone, we have issued reports showing vulnerabilities with screening of passengers; checked and carry-on baggage and cargo; access to secure areas of the airport; and issuing and controlling airport identification badges.

We also have conducted numerous criminal investigations resulting in prosecutions involving the falsification of airport identification, security screener training records, and background checks. Most recently, a private security company was placed on 36 months probation and ordered to pay over $1 million in fines and restitution for failing to conduct background checks and falsifying training records on employees staffing security checkpoints at a major U.S. airport.

The horror and tragedy of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, with the loss of thousands of lives and the resultant economic damage, illustrates the vulnerability of the current security system. It also shows that our transportation systems, in this case aviation, can be used as a weapon against us. The aviation security system, as a vital national security interest, is a critical line of defense, but it is not foolproof, particularly against terrorists who are willing to die in their criminal schemes. This is why the effort to stop terrorist attacks along with the strengthening of transportation security is so important.

Given the scope and complexity of the security challenge as we now know it, coupled with a longstanding history of problems with the aviation security program, we believe the time has come to consider the option of vesting governance of the program and responsibility for the provision of security in one Federal organization or not-for-profit Federal corporation. This entity would have security as its primary and central focus, profession, and mission. Under the current system, those charged with aviation security oversight and regulation (FAA) and those charged with providing the security (the airlines and airports) are themselves facing other priorities, missions, and, in some cases, competing economic pressures.

A centralized, consolidated approach by an organization with a security mission would require passenger and baggage screeners to have uniform, more rigorous training, and performance standards applicable nationwide. The employees of this entity would not necessarily need to be Federal employees, but would be required to meet established performance standards, and would be subject to termination if they do not perform. This should result in more consistent security at our Nation’s airports.

A Federal organization or Federal corporation would be responsible for screening passengers, employees (anyone with access to the aircraft or secure areas of the airport), carry-on baggage, checked baggage, and cargo. It would also issue, control and account for identification media at airports nationwide; search aircraft and airport facilities with canine units; and manage airport access control systems.

The organization could also include the current Federal Air Marshals; and could take over responsibility for developing, purchasing and deploying advanced security equipment, such as explosives detection equipment. The organization, not the airlines, FAA, or airports, would determine when the security equipment should be used to screen baggage and be responsible for the maintenance and upgrading of this equipment.

This entity would also be able to maintain close ties to the intelligence community, revise requirements or procedures without going through a lengthy rulemaking process, require employees to be U.S. citizens and have background and credit checks, and provide screening personnel better salaries and a career path.

Any change in the governance and organization of this system will require careful analysis, cannot be done overnight, and will require a transition period. In the interim, we must sustain the current system and improve security measures now in place.

*"Statement of The Honorable Kenneth M. Mead, Inspector General, U.S. Department of Transportation", Report Number CC-2001-306, Page 1. Download from the Department of Transportation website at http://www.oig.dot.gov/item_details.php?item=575.