Introduction
After the 9/11 terrorist attack, the inefficiency of the measures taken against such tragedies was bound to be reassessed. The complete reinvention of the safety and security of U.S. airports was deemed to be necessary. Over a short span, the new system was implemented, and a dedicated governmental body was created in order to nullify the risks of similar incidents in the future. Boarding procedures became complicated, and the expenditures on airport safety increased from $448 million to $2.1 billion in the next ten years (Redden, 2021). With the introduction of the Transportation Security Agency (TSA), the United States improved its security through smart technology and management implementations. The future direction of the TSA and the U.S. Homeland Security Department lies in the constant improvement of the critical parts of the transportation infrastructure.
The Birth and an Overview of TSA
The Transportation Security Agency (TSA) was formed in response to the terrorist attacks in order to establish control over entry into the United States. The Aviation and Transportation Security Act of 2001 was signed to safeguard the nation’s transportation networks, which include airports, roads, trains, and public transportation (Kanik, 2021). The TSA is responsible for ensuring travelers’ security and safety and is administered by the Department of Homeland Security. The TSA is organized into four key divisions: Aviation, Maritime, Surface, and International (“TSA at a glance,” n.d.). Each division is responsible for putting security measures in place to safeguard passengers and cargo while offering excellent customer service. The TSA also offers transportation companies security training and support, as it collaborates closely with law enforcement to detect and deter potential threats.
To safeguard travelers, TSA utilizes a wide range of security procedures. Screening passengers and baggage, asking travelers to provide legitimate identity, and performing background checks on personnel are all examples of these procedures (Kanik, 2021). Humans play a vital part in the established system, although such measures would be impossible without modern technological advancements. The TSA also uses a variety of innovative solutions, including bomb detection systems, x-ray machines, and metal detectors, to detect potential threats (Kanik, 2021). In addition, the organization collaborates with other government agencies to detect potential dangers and investigate any questionable activities. The TSA strives to increase safety and security continuously by assessing new threats and creating sound response mechanisms. The organization collaborates with the aviation sector to create and execute best practices, and it collaborates with transportation providers to guarantee that security criteria are met. The TSA again attempts to educate the general public about travel and security precautions and support and help people in the transportation business. The agency similarly offers tools and assistance to people interested in working in transportation security.
In addition, the TSA attempts to ensure that travelers have a pleasant experience. The agency tries to provide a safe, positive, and efficient traveling environment by offering packing tips and information about airports, airlines, and other transportation providers. The TSA also offers a range of customer service efforts, including assisting persons with impairments and those who have misplaced their bags. Furthermore, the TSA has created programs to recognize and promote outstanding customer service and identify and handle passenger complaints. The TSA strives to keep all passengers safe and secure while on the road and is dedicated to delivering excellent customer service. In order to achieve this goal, the agency utilizes several programs intended to ease the boarding process. TSA PreCheck, Secure Flight, and similar initiatives give passengers an opportunity to cooperate with airport staff ahead of the flight and present most of the required information for analysis (“TSA at a glance,” n.d.). Further advancements in technology and managerial strategies can boost the TSA’s reach while reducing the visibility of its activities.
To protect the safety of all travelers, the agency collaborates with transportation companies, law enforcement, and other government entities. The TSA also aims to improve security and safety by leveraging cutting-edge technology and educating and empowering all travelers (“TSA at a glance,” n.d.). The agency also tries to ensure that travelers have a great travel experience, and it offers customer service efforts to guarantee that all travelers have a comfortable and secure trip.
The History of Technology Used by TSA
From its inception, the TSA has relied extensively on Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) to detect possible threats. This device, which employs low doses of X-rays to make a 3D scan of people and their luggage, has been used for over a decade despite some passengers’ health concerns (Roth, 2022). It has since become a crucial component of TSA security operations. AIT scanners have been enhanced and improved throughout the years, and the TSA currently uses both millimeter wave and backscatter technology (Roth, 2022). However, even such advanced approaches have to be supported by specialists. The TSA has invested in canine teams to detect bombs, guns, and contraband. These teams are trained to identify various odors and are frequently utilized in airports, marine ports, and other public places. The first canine graduates from the TSA’s Explosives Detection Canine Program were deployed in 2004, and the program has since grown to encompass over 1,000 teams (“TSA at a glance,” n.d.). Technology alone is unable to cover all the possible threats, making such additions an essential part of the airport ecosystem.
The TSA also employs many biometric identification technologies to validate passengers’ identities. TSA began employing fingerprint scanners to verify travelers’ identities in 2004 and expanded its usage to include face recognition and iris scans (Cordova, 2022). This technology has been utilized at airports since the early 2000s and is now a standard element of the boarding procedure. TSA is also investigating the use of speech recognition technology to authenticate IDs, which might someday replace the requirement for a boarding permit.
Current Technology Used by TSA
TSA employs cutting-edge technology to safeguard the safety of aviation travelers. Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) is one such technique that employs millimeter wave imaging to detect suspicious objects on visitors. AIT can identify firearms, explosives, and contraband (Roth, 2022). TSA also scans carry-on baggage and checked luggage for possible threats using computed tomography (CT) scanners. CT scanners employ several x-ray pictures to build a three-dimensional view of the bag’s contents, allowing authorities to spot possible threats more precisely.
TSA also uses explosive trace detection (ETD) equipment to identify possible explosives and other dangerous chemicals in addition to these technologies. ETD machines use ion mobility spectrometry to identify particles from explosive compounds on people, carry-ons, and checked baggage (Cordova, 2022). The TSA continues to use canine teams to detect bombs and other illegal substances. Trained dogs can detect narcotics, explosives, and other banned things in a traveler’s luggage (“TSA at a glance,” n.d.). Items on conveyor belts are subjected to numerous screening approaches simultaneously, ensuring that no threatening object or substance passes a checkpoint.
TSA practices face recognition technology to combat identity theft and identify people more swiftly. In order to authenticate a traveler’s identification and establish if they are a known danger, facial recognition algorithms compare their face to a database of known faces (Cordova, 2022). This technology may be used to swiftly authenticate tourists’ identities, which speeds up the screening procedure. In fact, the technology alleviates a significant portion of passengers’ complaints against the standard TSA procedures. This detection mechanism employs document readers to validate passports and driver’s licenses. Document readers employ optical character recognition to instantly scan and verify papers, making identification faster and more accurate.
How the Media Depicts TSA
TSA is typically represented unfavorably in the media, with an emphasis placed on the difficulties of navigating the screening procedure and the delays that occur at airports. The customary procedures of the TSA, which include lengthy lines and thorough searches, contribute to the widespread perception that the agency is both ineffective and useless (Laing, 2015). This notion paints a picture of the TSA as a bureaucratic organization more concerned with adhering to its regulations than providing adequate service.
Moreover, TSA is frequently portrayed in the media as a source of dread and panic. This includes representations of passengers being detained or subjected to invasive searches. As a result, both the general public and the TSA may suffer elevated levels of fear and suspicion. The media frequently highlights the most problematic aspects of the security procedures, giving the impression that the TSA is an overly strict agency not concerned with its passengers’ comfort (Campbell, 2022). However, it is worth noting that the TSA pursues its goal with the most efficient tools available to it. There are numerous negative opinions voiced regarding this matter, as scanning procedures have to be followed regardless of a person’s feelings, which may lead to situations that are difficult to comply with (Campbell, 2022). Hostilities may take place under such pressure, yet the TSA upholds its standards despite the occurring disputes over its extensive reach.
The media has a history of presenting the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) as a source of annoyance, giving the impression that the agency is unconcerned by complaints or remarks. Some travelers have complained about the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) neglecting their demands and concerns, giving the impression that the service could be more attentive and valuable (Laing, 2015). Such news articles give the impression that the TSA is a faceless bureaucracy concerned with following its processes rather than offering a pleasant experience for its consumers.
On the other hand, there are articles that highlight the importance of the TSA’s activities. The fact that security checkpoints in airports prevent a high number of threats to passengers may be difficult to process for those who take such searches emotionally, yet it is undeniable (Orth, 2022). Media sources may fail to portray the positive aspects of highly intrusive procedures, although most people comprehend the necessity and validity of the implemented measures.
Why TSA is Essential to the Department of Homeland Security
TSA is an essential component of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) since it creates a secure and safe environment for passengers flying on commercial airplanes and in airports. TSA actively tries to detect, discourage, and prevent terrorism by employing cutting-edge technology, intelligence, and threat analysis systems to identify potentially hazardous persons or materials before they cause harm (Cordova, 2022). TSA is also in charge of monitoring and implementing all transportation security standards and ensuring that all travelers follow the rules.
The TSA collaborates with other DHS agencies, including all governmental organizations related to various modes of transportation that are covered by it, to minimize the possibility of terrorist attacks on the nation’s air transportation system. To guarantee the safety of passengers and crew, the TSA collaborates with the FAA to design and execute security measures, including background checks and screening processes. The TSA’s professionals also train airport employees and work with other federal agencies to identify and respond to possible threats.
Finally, the TSA is in charge of designing and executing transportation security measures for all forms of transportation, including rail, highway, and marine. These steps include employing modern technology, such as biometric scanners and machine-learning algorithms, to detect possible threats and increase security. TSA also safeguards cargo safety on commercial flights and railroads and inspects commercial boats to verify that security standards are followed. TSA can offer a safe environment for travelers and defend the United States from possible terrorist threats by collaborating with other DHS departments and transportation companies.
Future Plans for Airport Security
The future of airport security is ever-evolving and aims to balance providing a safe and secure travel experience and a comfortable and efficient experience for travelers. One of the main focuses of future airport security plans is the implementation of advanced technologies that can increase security while streamlining the overall process (Cordova, 2022). Further improvements in this sphere can alleviate passengers’ concerns and complaints by increasing the speed of onboarding procedures and making them less intrusive. In addition, airports emphasize the need for increased staff training and communication between security personnel and travelers. Hospitality is a vital part of any service provider’s operations, including airport companies. Therefore, workers must ensure that people’s experiences during airport visits are as positive as possible. The combination of new technologies and human training can affect this factor greatly.
One of the critical areas of focus for airport security shortly is deploying advanced technologies and biometric systems that can identify travelers more quickly and accurately than ever before. These systems will employ facial recognition and other biometric identification methods to quickly and accurately identify travelers, resulting in faster security screenings and less waiting time. In addition, artificial intelligence, robotics, and machine learning will be used to detect any potential threats quickly.
Another critical area of focus for future airport security plans is the need for more excellent staff training and improved communication between travelers and security personnel. This will involve providing staff with the latest training to ensure they are well-equipped to handle possible safety risks and provide travelers with clear instructions and information about the security process. In addition, better communication between travelers and security personnel can help identify and address any potential security threats quickly and efficiently.
Finally, airports are looking to adopt new measures that can help reduce congestion and streamline the overall process, such as the implementation of automated check-in systems and expanded use of self-service kiosks. The PreCheck program highlights the utilization of new measures for better customer convenience (“TSA at a glance,” n.d.). This system can reduce long lines and waiting times, making the process faster and more efficient for travelers. In addition, airports are also looking at ways to reduce the number of physical security checkpoints, such as implementing improved video surveillance systems and more efficient passenger screening. This direction is critical for speeding up the boarding procedures, as many complaints against the TSA’s activities are focused on the lacking convenience for airport visitors.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the future of the safety of transportation in the United States relies on further upgrades of the existing measures against terrorism. The improvements to airport security made after the 9/11 attacks may appear to be excessive, yet they prevent a significant number of threats to the United States and its citizens. A complex set of technologies and an extensive employee network are required to conform to the current standards set by the governmental agency that oversees airport safety. The TSA plays a crucial role in keeping U.S. airports safe and secure by utilizing cutting-edge technology, strategic security procedures, and increased personnel training. As the aviation industry and the threats that it can be exposed to evolve, so does the TSA’s approach to airport security. The use of new technology, enhanced employee training, and more outstanding communication between travelers and security officers are critical to the future of airport security. With these measures in place, airport security at airports around the United States will uphold its standards and efficiency for many years.
References
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Cordova, A. (2022). Technologies for primary screening in aviation security. Journal of Transportation Security, 15(3-4), pp. 141–159. Web.
Kanik, H. (2021). The TSA was born after 9/11 — How that day forever shaped the way we think about airport security. The Seattle Times. Web.
Laing, K. (2015). Poll: 87 percent of frequent flyers unhappy with TSA. The Hill. Web.
Orth, T. (2022). Airport security: Despite the inconvenience, most Americans say it’s effective. YouGov. Web.
Redden, S. M. (2021). 101 Pat-downs: An undercover look at airport security and the TSA. University of Nebraska Press.
Roth, B. J. (2022). Are electromagnetic fields making me ill?: How electricity and magnetism affect our health. Springer Nature.
TSA at a glance. (n.d.). Transportation Security Administration. Web.