US Airport Airside Security Improvements
Legislation has been introduced in the US Congress which aims improve airside security at US airports.
Bill HR 5982, introduced on 7th May, will if ratified require the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to create a plan detailing the precise security arrangements that will exist to allow airport workers to pass airside through security checkpoints.
The bill has been launched to parallel the TSA's 3-month trial, launched last week, which is set to test more rigorous security screening methods for airside staff. The trial affects over 50,000 workers at seven airports, including Boston-Logan, Denver and Kansas City, who will subject to more intensive security checks - including the use of a biometric ID card system.
Bennie Thompson, the bill's sponsor and chairman of the House Homeland Security Panel in Congress, commented: "This bill . . . ensures there is a comprehensive plan in place before airports begin using biometric identification for its workers. This...is about helping us build upon smart, efficient, and effective airport security measures needed to secure Americans and protect a vital industry to our economy and resiliency".
"100 Percent Perimeter Screening" for Airport Workers
The security trial, announced in February, involves airport workers being subject to what the TSA calls "100 Pecent Perimeter Screening" - where airport employees and vehicles are physically checked before passing airside.
It also includes the use of a biometric access control system where fingerprints and irises are checked against a database.
The TSA has to report the results of the trial to Congress by September 1st. Any recommendations regarding the precise ways in which airside security can be improved will have to be included in the bill, which will then be passed through the House for ratification.
Thompson said it would be possible that existing biometric systems, such as the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) or the General Services Administration's Smart Card, could end up being used - although the TSA themselves said it was premature to suggest what possible measures could be included on the bill before the trial has completed.
The effort to deliver airside security improvements at US airports partly stems from the incident in November 2007 at Chicago O'Hare International Airport, where 23 people were arrested who used false security passes to get airside.
Source - Airport International's US Correspondent
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