Private Security After 911 the Thesis

Even perimeter security is in question.

The GAO surmised that perimeter security at airports may be insufficient to provide effective security. The TSA has begun efforts to evaluate the effectiveness of security related technologies. These include items such as biometric identification systems, but the TSA still has failed to develop a plan that will guide airports when technology enhancements are developed. The TSA has pursued the procurement of checkpoint technologies in order to address critical existing vulnerabilities, yet the GAO noted that these technologies are not being deployed on a wide-scale basis (Berrick 2008). Challenges such as these must be addressed if the hybrid federal-private transportation security program is going to truly be effective in keeping America secure.

Conclusion:

When the clear morning of September 11th, 2001 was shattered with the first plane strike into the World Trade Center, transportation in the United States would never be the same. The government responded quickly with the creation of the Office of Homeland Security, the passing of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 that would evolve the Office into the Department of Homeland Security, and the creation of the Transportation Security Administration. Privately employed airport screeners were replaced with federal screeners, with the exception of five airports.These five airports took part in the Private Screening Pilot Program, in an effort to meet the mandates of the Aviation and Transportation Security Act, for the Opt-Out program. Through this pilot program, the TSA Screening Partnership Program was developed allowing all airports to apply to use private screening contractors. However, nearly eight years after September 11th, there are still challenges the TSA has to address if they are to ensure the safety of American transportation.

References

Berrick, C. (15 Apr 2008). Efforts to strengthen aviation and surface transportation security continue to progress, but more work remains: GAO-08-651T. GAO Reports. Retrieved May 6, 2009, from MasterFILE Premier database.

GAP: TSA's study of private-sector airport screening flawed. (25 Feb 2009). Airport Security Report, 15(30). Retrieved May 6, 2009, from International Security & Counter Terrorism Reference Center database.

Our history. (No date). Retrieved May 6, 2009, from http://www.tsa.gov/research/tribute/history.shtm.

Program overview. (No date). Retrieved May 6, 2009, from http://www.tsa.gov/what_we_do/optout/what_is_spp.shtm.

Rabkin, N. (22 Apr 2004). Aviation security: Private screening contractors have little flexibility to implement innovative approaches: GAO-04-505T. GAO Reports. Retrieved May 6, 2009, from MasterFILE Premier database.

Summary of the President's Executive Order: The Office of Homeland Security & the Homeland Security Council. (Oct 2001). Retrieved….....