"Transport Still Not Secure -- Sept. 11 Panel"

Thursday, July 22, 2004

Transport Still Not Secure -- Sept. 11 Panel
By John Crawley

 
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. aviation network and other
transportation systems remain vulnerable nearly three years after the
Sept. 11 attacks, and the government must develop clearer strategies for
countering threats, the Sept. 11 commission reported on Thursday. 

"In measuring effectiveness perfection is unattainable. But terrorists
should perceive that potential targets are defended. They may be
deterred by a significant chance of failure," the panel said in its
final report on the airline hijackings. 

Despite creation of the Transportation Security Administration after the
attacks and the expenditure of billions of dollars in taxpayer funds to
overhaul airport passenger and baggage screening and beef up land and
maritime security, the commission questioned government planning. 

"The current efforts do not yet reflect a forward-looking strategic plan
analyzing assets, risks, costs and benefits," the report said. 

The commission said "major vulnerabilities" remain in general aviation
and cargo security. "These, together with inadequate screening and
access controls, continue to present aviation security challenges." 

The commission found that "hard choices" must be made for allocating
limited resources. 

"While commercial aviation remains a possible target, terrorists may
turn their attention to other modes. Opportunities to do harm are as
great or greater in maritime or surface transportation," the report
said. 

Many lawmakers, congressional investigators, government watchdogs and
outside experts have drawn conclusions similar to those of the Sept. 11
panel, especially on airport screening, and pressed for change. 

The Homeland Security Department defended its transportation security
programs, and said it was already addressing the recommendations. 

"The effort to identify the nation's critical infrastructure is
underway," Brian Roehrkasse, the agency's chief spokesman, said. 

"The recommendations outlined in the report codify much of the work the
department has already started in our first years," Roehrkasse said.

For instance, the agency has begun a pilot program to test new explosive
detection technology. 
The commission's most pointed recommendations covered aviation. The
panel recommended: 

   - The TSA and Congress "give priority attention" to upgrading
explosive detection equipment at airports and improving the performance
of screeners. 

   - Airlines be required to supply personal data from passengers for
computerized screening initiatives designed to identify potential
threats before anyone gets on a plane. A major upgrade of the current
passenger pre-screening system has been scrapped for the moment over
privacy concerns. 

More than half of the 19 hijackers were singled out for extra airport
security on Sept. 11, but still made it onto the planes. 

   - Require that every passenger plane carrying cargo have at least one
hardened container aboard to haul suspect goods.


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