The Pros And Cons Of Using TSA

Introduction

After the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center towers on 9/11/2001, United States aviation security underwent a dramatic overhaul. To standardize security practices and consolidate leadership under a single agency, the Transportation Security Administration was created and new screening processes were instituted in to prevent future terrorist attacks. Prior to the creation of the TSA, airport security was implemented locally under FAA regulations. Consolidating security under the TSA was intended to create uniform security procedures and outcomes. Unfortunately, consolidation has had unintended consequences. To understand this issue, it is necessary to look at the problem of airport security, the significance of the

One of the main advantages to using TSA security instead of private contractors is simplicity for airport operators. Prior to the implementation of TSA security, airports implemented their own security programs by following FAA regulations. Airport operators found that “placing airports in charge of screening operations introduced logistic complexities and diffusion of responsibility that they believed would erode security and increase the risk of terrorist infiltration of the aviation system” (Elias, 2004, p. 4). Having the TSA in charge of screening and security eliminates the need for an airport operator to implement and monitor the performance of its own program. Moreover, airport operators experience fewer bureaucratic complications when using TSA screening programs. This is because airports are “are constrained by both law and TSA policy, which limits opportunities to make programmatic changes to improve contractor performance and achieve cost savings… TSA continues to be responsible for overseeing screening operations at SPP” (Berrick, 2009, p. 20). Airports may work with TSA to avoid complicating their security

Nearly 3000 people died in the 9/11 attack. Survivors are experiencing persistent health issues. The 9/11 terrorist attacks are estimated to have cost $3.3 trillion in property damage, loss of life, and the subsequent war on terrorism (Carter, & Cox, 2011). If an attack were to succeed, the loss of life and monetary impact could be dire.

Alternative Actions One option that should be considered is for airport operators to petition the TSA for more local control. Even when private screeners are used, the TSA still maintains control over an airport’s security and screening operations. This creates complications and additional bureaucracy for airports. If the TSA were to recommend a set of outcomes for operators but allow airports to implement their own programs, both airports and the TSA could save money and reduce wasteful and duplicative work. Another alternative is for the TSA to work in closer collaboration with airport operators. The TSA could still provide screeners, but allow airport operators to set schedules, manage employees, and manage functions like hiring and firing. This could reduce airport concerns about cost and liability, and would reduce the conflict of interest of both providing operations and oversight for the