Risk-based security is way ahead: TSA chief

The US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is transitioning to a risk-based, intelligence-driven screening system that moves away from the one-size-fits-all approach the agency adopted when it was first created, the TSA chief said Monday.

TSA administrator John S. Pistole told journalists in Washington Monday that the agency  acknowledges it is not in the business of eliminating all travel risk.  

“Risk is inherent in virtually everything we do. Our objective is to mitigate risk and to reduce, as much as possible, the potential for anyone to commit a deliberate attack against our transportation systems,” he said.

TSA officers detect an average of three to four firearms every day in carry-on bags at security checkpoints: 1,306 guns were detected in 2011, Pistole said.

The use of advanced technology will continue to “factor significantly” into its multi-layered security approach. These include advanced imaging technology machines that were introduced late last year.

But Pistole said these technologies could not stand alone, so TSA will continue efforts to strengthen standard operating procedures wherever possible – including the establishment of risk-based, intelligence-driven processes.

Launched last fall, expedited screening program TSA Pre-Check, is “one of several risk-based, intelligence-driven measures currently helping our agency move away from a one-size-fits-all security model,” he said. “One-size-fits-all was necessary after 9/11 and has been effective, but thanks to two key enablers, technology and intelligence, we’re able to move toward a risk-based security model.”

Nine airports are participating in the TSA Pre-Check program, and the agency expects to extend that to 35 airports by the end of the year. It will also add the option to include active duty U.S. armed forces members with a Common Access Card traveling out of Washington National by the end of March.

“Later this month TSA will begin evaluating additional risk-based, intelligence-driven changes to checkpoint security screening procedures,” Pistole said. 

TSA is also working with international partners to screen 100% of all international inbound cargo on passenger planes by the end of the year. It already screens all air cargo transported domestically on passenger planes.

Article Source : ATW Daily News