"NPR: Tests Expose Holes in Airport Security"

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Friday, October 19, 2007

Tests Expose Holes in Airport Security

 National Public Radio - Day to Day

 

A Transportation Security Administration report reveals that screeners at Los Angeles and Chicago O'Hare airports failed to find fake bombs in more than 60 percent of tests run last year.

Rich Roth, an aviation security expert with CTI Consulting in Bethesda, Md., say screeners failed to notice such items as fake dynamite hidden in bathroom kits and bomb residue on shoelaces.

He notes, though, that the problems the tests revealed have since been addressed. Besides, the undercover agents had an advantage over would-be terrorists. They did not fear arrest while sneaking the fake bombs through security. A "bad guy" would likely be much more nervous, which might tip off screeners, Roth says.

The report also tested private screeners, and unlike their federal counterparts, only 20 percent of the fake bombs made it through security. Roth says this might be because the private screeners are accustomed to being tested.

Therefore, regular testing for TSA and private screeners, plus the changes that have been made in the last year, could improve the screening process at the nation's airports, Roth says.

Roth talks to Alex Cohen about the ongoing effort to improve security.

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