Unfortunately, it usually takes a tragic event for people to reflect on the accuracy of the security measures that are in place. On Friday, November, 1st, 2013 23-year-old Paul Anthony Ciancia pulled a semiautomatic rifle from a bag and began a rampage of shooting at a security checkpoint at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
He injured six people and shot and killed a TSA agent. Ciancia was shot by airport police and taken into custody. Six days later TSA administrator John S. Pistole met with more than 20 security organizations to hear their input on airport security for TSA employees, airport and law enforcement officials, and the more than 1.8 million passengers who travel each day.
Security screenings are starting before you even get to the security checkpoint. When you buy a ticket online TSA is using that information to look a little deeper into the person that is flying. The agency is expanding its screening of passengers before they arrive at the airport by searching a wide array of government and private databases that can include records like car registrations and employment information.
Some places have gone high-tech and are utilizing futuristic, bulletproof, glass pods. These pods are in place for passengers attempting to leave the airport after landing which prevents re-entry into secure areas and keeps others from entering through airport exits. While the switch from security officers to the pods will save TSA $88.1 million during 2014 some worry that it will slow down travelers trying to exit. Syracuse and Atlantic City airports are currently using the pods and have reported that during high-traffic, evening hours there hasn’t been a backup of people.
The main goal of all these changes is to make the airport safer for employees and travelers. With technology changing there will always be new things to assist and improve safety.
For more information on how Security 101 can assist in making airports a safer place, visit our website by clicking HERE or call us at 800.261.2041