"TSA tightens security even more at OIA"

Thursday, March 29, 2007

TSA tightens security even more at airport
Federal security employees will now be subject to stricter screenings
By Mark K. Matthews and Beth Kassab
The Orlando (FL) Sentinel


WASHINGTON -- Starting this week, federal security employees must pass
through strict screenings whenever they enter secure areas of Orlando
International Airport.

The change follows a major security breach earlier this month and
congressional complaints that workers from the Transportation Security
Administration could bypass checkpoints during their shifts.

Under the new rules, belongings carried by TSA staff will be searched or
screened 100 percent of the time. All TSA employees, including those who
screen passengers, also face new rules.

Previously, TSA workers, as well as their bags and purses, would be checked
when they began work at OIA -- but not consistently afterward. Now, the
estimated 800 TSA staff members at OIA face a higher level of on-the-job
scrutiny.

Neither TSA nor congressional sources would disclose the added layer of
inspection, citing security concerns. But Rep. Ric Keller, who called for
the change, said it was an improvement.

"I would upgrade the screening of TSA workers from a C to an A," said the
Orlando Republican. His office staff was unsure as to whether the new rules
would cost additional money.

Keller has viewed lax screening of TSA officers as a potential loophole for
terrorist activity -- not unlike recent revelations that airline workers and
others at the airport had such easy access to airplanes and secure areas
that drugs and guns were easily carried on board a flight.

TSA officers, however, do not typically have security badges that allow them
access to the airfield or airplanes. Most officers work in the main terminal
of the airport searching bags and passengers.

The changes, though, are another sign of the mounting political pressure on
the federal agency since four people were arrested earlier this month in
connection with a gun- and drug-smuggling operation at Orlando
International.

The four were indicted by a federal grand jury on Wednesday.

Airport officials and Rep. Corrine Brown, D-Jacksonville, announced a week
after the first arrest that the airport would begin screening all employees
every day -- a move that was made against the advice of TSA, which advocates
random screenings.

Then Keller demanded stricter screening of TSA officers who move in and out
of the checkpoints throughout the day and held several meetings with top
officials at the agency. While TSA initially said more screening was
unnecessary, agency officials said Thursday that it has "enhanced" the
process, but provided few details.

"This enhancement is consistent with our random, unpredictable,
multi-layered approach to aviation security," said TSA spokeswoman Sari
Koshetz.

"We will evaluate the effectiveness and operational impact of this
enhancement and make changes as necessary."

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