"For First Time, U.S. Airport Workers To Be Screened"

Wednesday, October 18, 2006

For First Time, Airport Workers To Be Screened 
Sources: Foiled London Plot Inspired New Protocol
By Scott Weinberger
WCBS-TV Ch 2 (CBS), New York (NY)


NEW YORK - Airport workers are finding themselves subject to surprise
screenings as the government issues new security tactics at airports
nationwide. The changes are a direct response to this year's foiled plot to
blow-up America-bound airplanes.

Baggage handlers, gate agents, ramp workers and other airport employees who
in the past were not subject to any security searches before they enter
restricted and secure areas are now being targeted in this latest government
effort to make airports safer.

CBS 2 was given exclusive access at Newark Liberty Airport as inspectors
from the Transportation Security Administration performed random searches on
airport workers for the first time ever.

"We are entering a whole new arena of airport security mix here," said Mark
Hatfield, Newark Liberty's Federal Security Director. "We're looking for
explosives and components of explosives, much the way we are screening
passengers."

Hatfield says the new measures are being expanded to airports nationwide.
"it's not because we have suspicions about the employees, but we know they
represent a body of people that terrorists can hide among," he said.

Sources say that the London terror plot foiled in August prompted U.S.
officials to ramp up security after United Kingdom officials disclosed that
some of the men arrested were airport workers. Until today, airport workers
in the U.S. only went through an initial background check in order to get
hired.

"I understood that they went through security background checks, but now I
feel a lot better knowing that they are being screened," said air traveler
J.D. McGraw. 

"I do feel that all the people that escort you and check you in should be
checked," said another passenger.

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