NCJ Number
131327
Journal
Terrorism Volume: 13 Issue: 4-5 Dated: (July-October 1990) Pages: 373-380
Date Published
1990
Length
8 pages
Annotation
A survey of airport security procedures at several American airports revealed security is a low priority of most airlines as evidenced by their hiring of unexperienced personnel who are not paid or trained adequately.
Abstract
The author maintains that agents are apathetic, do not view their job as a career, and seem unaware of the significance of their position to passenger safety. The most serious procedural breaches of security at American airports are the failure to screen luggage on domestic flights, carelessness about unattended luggage, and allowing nonpassengers to go to the gates. Furthermore, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) does not adequately ensure that the security system which it mandates is performing effectively. The FAA practice of announcing intelligence information on terrorist threats is another serious mistake. This author recommends that the FAA can improve security at foreign airports by reassessing the world political situation, naming liaisons in each embassy, ensuring that security personnel are well trained and qualified, and thoroughly inspecting all airports to determine that American carriers are providing adequate protection. On the domestic front, the FAA should require airline security directors to meet educational and professional standards, prohibit airlines from hiring outside security firms, widen security defenses, and conduct periodic and thorough inspections.