"Government plans to relax control of airport security"

Friday, June 25, 2004

Government plans to relax control of airport security
WALB-TV, Ch 10 (NBC) Albany (GA)


Albany -- Expect to see some changes soon in the people checking your
baggage at airports. In November, the Bush Administration will give
airports around the country the option of replacing federal screeners
with private security.

Kirk Johnson travels at least four times a year for business. During
that time he's seen his share of government-trained security screeners. 

"It's improved since 9-11 in the beginning it was slow, (but) as time
has gone on, the process has increased and has gotten a lot more
efficient," says Johnson. 

Soon the Transportation Security Administration will give airports the
option to replace government screeners with those from private
companies. Under the Screening Partnership Plan, the government will
help fund new screeners hired by airports who must have the same
training and provide the same level of security as current workers.
Southwest Georgia Regional Airport officials are undecided on which
option they will chose. 

"TSA has done a tremendous job. They have fantastic personnel, and we
are more than pleased with their performance and having them here in the
airport," said Interim Airport Director Robert Mohl. 

The advantage of the new program is that it will give airports control
they don't have now. They will be able to hire and fire workers based on
performance. A move some believe will help make travel safer but leaves
others skeptical. 

"I really think that it depends on the training. Whichever sector they
choose to go with, they need to be properly trained," says traveler Joel
Ramirez. 

"I'm hoping that government has a role in overseeing the private sector,
and I hope that they are both working together," says Edwin Green. 

Trials of using private security has been used in some airports with
mixed reviews on whether travelers really feel safer. Leaving many
concerned about whats soon to come 

A report out Friday says Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International
Airport is considering a return to private security screeners. The
chairman of the Albany Aviation Authority says the commission will
review any changes before a final decision is made.


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