"TSA Rescinds Security Order for Airports"

Thursday, December 9, 2004

TSA Rescinds Security Order for Airports
The Associated Press


WASHINGTON (AP) -- Under criticism, the Transportation Security
Administration has backed off a requirement that airports report any
incident that could be considered a security threat. Airlines still must
follow the order.

Airports had complained that the requirement, which took effect this week
and is designed to help the TSA spot terrorist activity, was unnecessarily
broad. They said efforts to identify real security threats would be hindered
by forcing them to analyze and report every incident.

Ian Redhead, security director for the Airports Council International, said
the TSA agreed to narrow the order so airports only have to report incidents
considered important on a national basis.

Minor incidents of local concern -- such as drunken passengers or petty
theft -- won't have to be reported, he said Thursday.

``We are happy that the TSA took into consideration the request of the
airports,'' said Redhead, whose organization represent airports.

Airlines also want the rule rolled back but the TSA refused.

James May, chief executive of the airline trade group Air Transport
Association, called the order ``a mindless exercise in bureaucratic
muscle-flexing'' that could add to delays and passenger discontent.

Airlines already have an internal system for alerting the FBI and local law
enforcement officials if something serious happens aboard an aircraft, May
said.

``If a drunk stands up on a plane, they want us to report it,'' May said.
``They don't even have the staff to handle the load of information they'll
get.''

The airline and airport groups say they wanted the TSA to involve them more
in decisions about security directives affecting them.

Airline pilots support the new order because they want to make sure the
government is aware of incidents that could indicate terrorists are probing
the aviation security system.

TSA spokesoman Yolanda Clark said airlines and airports were given an
opportunity to provide feedback to the agency 10 days before the order was
issued, and some adjustments were made.

Clark said the agency needed the information to spot trends and anomolies
that could indicate terrorist activity.

``TSA really is the agency that has the unique capability to see what can't
necessarily be seen at ground level,'' she said.


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