"Screeners stretched thin at Sea-Tac, report says"

Monday, August 25, 2003

Screeners stretched thin at Sea-Tac, report says 
The Associated Press


Nearly two years after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks spurred the creation
of a multibillion-dollar federal agency for airport security, some problems
at Sea-Tac Airport continue to keep travelers at risk, according to a report
in The Seattle Times. 

Sea-Tac's system relies on overworked employees at understaffed checkpoints,
The Times said, citing documents and interviews with 45 local screeners and
supervisors for the Transportation Security Administration.

Although airport security nationwide has improved greatly, the newspaper
found some parts of Sea-Tac's system falter during peak travel times:

   * Screeners say passengers often bypass security and that luggage is
inadequately screened for explosives.

   * Screeners admit taking shortcuts with baggage searches during busy
times to prevent flight delays.

   * Supervisors don't always follow procedures in the TSA's classified
"Screening Checkpoint" manual, such as how to screen shoes or monitor
passengers who set off metal detectors.

   * The turnover rate for Sea-Tac screeners is 9.5 percent, compared with
the national rate of 5 percent to 6 percent.

Screeners blame turnover on inexperienced managers, unclear supervision and
last-minute mandatory overtime.

"I am so amazed that something else hasn't happened," said one Sea-Tac
screener, referring to the Sept. 11 hijackings, who asked not to be
identified for fear of being fired.

Bob Blunk, TSA's federal security director at Sea-Tac, said the airport has
good security and he encourages screeners and supervisors to use their own
judgment.

"The people here are working real hard," Blunk said. "It's a tough job."

Federal guidelines call for at least four screeners to operate each security
lane.


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