"Sky Harbor Security Shakeup Amidst New Airport Warning"

Michael Aguilar

Michael Aguilar arrived from San Diego to supervise federal security at the nation's eighth busiest airport.

On Monday, the TSA placed its Phoenix security director on paid administrative leave.

The review follows a report last that airport, airline and concession employees routinely were permitted access to secure areas without undergoing TSA screening during early morning hours.

Aguilar Reassures Flying Public

Because of multiple layers of precautions that include background checks and badging of works but also undisclosed measures, "the safety and security of the public has never been in question or jeopardy," Aguilar said.

The previous practices "could be considered a vulnerability but there was never a threat," Aguilar said.

TSA administrator Kip Hawley said he believes the problem is limited to Sky Harbor after agency officials reviewed practices at other airports around the country.

"We've made very clear what the rules of engagement are," Hawley said Tuesday after an aviation industry luncheon. "Either close (secure areas) down (at night), screen the people going in there, or sweep it thoroughly before you open it up again."

Phoenix appears to be the only airport where none of those practices have been taking place, Hawley said.

"When we see a vulnerability we close it," said Hawley, who emphasized the need for "common sense" to prevail when evaluating security practices.

All Employees To Be Screened 24/7

TSA said airports are permitted to use one of several alternative procedures for off-hours access to secure areas.

However, Sky Harbor's practices did not comply with TSA's national directives, TSA spokesman Christopher White said from Washington.

White said it wasn't known how long the review would take.

The TSA also said that it will screen all employees 24 hours a day while the agency and Sky Harbor review the airport's procedures.

The airport has defended its practices, saying that badged employees have undergone background checks and that the airport's practices comply with TSA requirements. The airport also has said that Sky Harbor "has always complied with all federal security policies."

"Sky Harbor International Airport is a safe and secure airport," Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon said during a news conference at the city-operated airport.

Gordon said he was satisfied by federal officials' responses to concerns he voiced Monday.

"Curious Seizures" Spark National Warning

The security shakeup comes as federal officials alert airport security officers to look out for terrorists practicing to carry explosive components onto aircraft.

A July 20th bulletin says security officials at airports in San Diego, Milwaukee, Houston and Baltimore have seized "wires, switches, pipes or tubes, cell phone components and dense clay-like substances," including block cheese.

There have been four seizures, involving both male and female passengers, since last September.

The bulletin urges security and law enforcement personnel to be aware of "ordinary items that look like improvised explosive device components."

A TSA spokeswoman says there is no need for public alarm because "there is no credible, specific threat."

"Sky Harbor Security Shakeup Amidst New Airport Warning"

Sky Harbor Security Shakeup Amidst New Airport Warning

Interim Security Chief Arrives In Phoenix