Long Island MacArthur Airport is becoming the model of an airport security system that works.
Within just five days, Transportation Security Administration personnel screening passengers at the airport intercepted two individuals who allegedly sought to bring weapons on aircraft. In the case of one defendant, in addition to a knife, he allegedly had a pipe bomb cushioned in his carry-on luggage. Both individuals were arrested and are now before the courts.
Detection of weapons at Islip’s Long Island MacArthur reminds us the system can be tested anywhere by anyone. At a time when some airline passengers bristle at random examinations, these incidents underscore the need for sustained and vigorous screening at airports across the country. Because no barrier is impenetrable, effective airport security must continue to evolve. It remains a challenging chess match between law enforcement and those who seek to do Americans harm. A zero tolerance policy is the best defense.
Airport Commissioner Teresa Rizzuto and I are confident that Long Island MacArthur Airport provides a model of security that is second to none. At its core is the strong collaboration among the TSA, LIMA Law Enforcement and the Suffolk County Police Department, who work in unison to protect the traveling public. The TSA continues to work with law enforcement and airport officials throughout the United States to hone new detection technology and security procedures.
A significant advance in this effort is the unified Secure Flight passenger-screening program that allows airlines to check passengers against the government’s "no-fly" list. A key issue has been how best to protect the privacy of passengers while ensuring they are vetted thoroughly. It is a delicate balance whose process is dictated by Congress with the demand that 10 key mandates be met by TSA. These include an internal oversight board, security measures to prevent hacking and a redress process for passengers who feel they were wrongly placed on "no-fly. "
The Secure Flight screening program won’t be introduced before the first of the year and will be aggressively tested before it is implemented to ensure it meets the specifications and goals laid down by Congress and TSA. Not intended as the ultimate answer to the issue of airport security, it will be just one more weapon in the battle to ensure our airports remain safe. Nor will it replace the effective hands-on screening procedures that are one reason Long Island MacArthur is a national example of a security system that works.
Related posts:
- TSA Names Thomas Connors as Federal Security Director for Minneapolis-St. Paul (MSP) International Airport
- TSA Statement On New Security Measures for International Flights to the U.S.
- TSA Expands Use of Explosive Trace Detection Technology at Airports Nationwide
- TSA Announces Key Milestone in Cargo Screening on Passenger Aircraft
- Los Angeles World Airports Lauds TSA Federal Security Director
