TSA Airport security and the changes after 9/11 - Research Paper Example

? TSA Airport security and the changes after 9/11 Contents Contents 2 3 Introduction 3 Security concerns and the founding of TSA 5 Changes in TSA – operations and procedures 7 Issues and challenges facing TSA – an assessment 10 Recommendations for change 12 Conclusion and observations 15 References 16 Abstract Aviation security has been a primary concern for authorities and passengers since the terrorist attack on 9/11. The September attack raised serious questions on the viability of existing security check procedures and the outcome was the formation of TSA – a federal body responsible solely for securing airports and screening passengers for increased safety on board airlines. Ten years since the inception of the TSA, there are several questions raised on its efficacy and ability to thwart security challenges. Numerous instances of security breach during this period and extended hassle caused to passengers at airports have led to statements by governing bodies that the TSA has failed to achieve its mission. The paper explores the various dimensions related to aviation security procedures and standards adopted by TSA to ensure passenger security in aviation sector. The findings from various sources claim that TSA faces distinctive operational challenges that have restricted its capacities and capabilities to achieve its goals and objectives. Based on the findings the paper provides recommendations to overcome such challenges and measures that can be adopted at TSA for fruitful outcomes. Introduction The Transport Security Administration (TSA) was established with the purpose of ensuring and monitoring safety and security across all modes of transportation. The organization was formed in the post 9/11 terrorist attacks that made headlines all over the world. The US Department of Transport (DOT) realized the necessity of a specific organization that can supervise and control security measures in the transport sector. The organization was conceptualized on 19th Nov 2001 to improve the security of the transport sector. Post 9/11 attacks, it was strongly felt that the transport sector is highly vulnerable to terrorist attacks and hence the need was felt for an organization that caters to extended focus on raising security and improving surveillance in this sector. The mission of TSA is to protect “the Nation’s transportation systems to ensure freedom of movement for people and commerce” (TSA website, 2012). The primary function of TSA is to establish standards and protocols for achieving excellence in security practices through the adept use of people, processes and technology. The organization employs around 50,000 security personnel working across various levels and departments for round the clock vigilance at airports, railways and other transport sectors. The security officers at TSA operate around 450 airports across the globe with the objective of screening passengers, cargoes and airplanes for effective security of flight operations. However, this is not an easy task considering the fact that there are multiple levels of checking and vigilance for extended security checks. The effectiveness of such objectives lie in the individual capabilities of the security officers deputed at various points in the airport. All efforts of the organization is concentrated on preventing terrorists from injuring or bringing bombs or other hazardous elements on board (TSA website, 2012). The research paper provides an in-depth assessment and evaluation of the changes made in airport security in the wake of the attacks of 9/11. The facts and information for this paper have been collected from various online reports and articles that have focused on TSA’s role in enhancing security measures across airports. Security concerns and the founding of TSA The past few years have witnessed a growing rate of plane hijacks and terrorist bomb scares that have become a major cause for passengers and airline services. Before the deadly 9/11 attacks airport security did not involve much hassle and adopted metal detectors and luggage scanners to prevent the entry of bombs or harmful weapons on board. Private agencies were responsible for conducting security checks. However, a lot changed since these attacks and passengers now are requested to cooperate with security officers through different levels of security checks. These measures range from fortified cockpit doors to armed pilots and ban on liquids aboard to physical pat-downs for passengers (Seany, 2011). Air marshals and TSA officers represent a large chunk of the security force that is responsible for implementing checks at all airports across the globe. Post 9/11 phase in the aviation security sector witnessed major upheavals and tightening of security all over the globe. The federal government passed a new legislation for improving safety and security for air passengers. The Aviation and Transport Security Act was passed in the month of November in 2001 for concentrated efforts in the direction of increased security and alerts across airports. TSA was established and the Department of Transportation integrated its efforts with TSA to work towards effective security for travelers (Blalock, Kadiyali & Simon, 2007). Thus, the responsibility of security at airports was taken up by the federal government and passengers were subjected to extensive security checks before boarding. After inception the TSA assumed full authority over airport security by the year 2002 and successfully deployed screening personnel across 450 commercial airports in US (GAO report, 2004). The primary threat to passengers in aviation sector involves hijacking and explosives that have claimed many lives so far. The security measures involved the identification of such possibilities and ruling out any potential harm that might be caused to lives of passengers on board. The mission of TSA was to “provide a coordinated security organization with the primary responsibility of analyzing and disseminating intelligence information and developing a structure to secure the critical interests of US transportation” (Joint Majority Staff Report, 2011). The primary concern of the TSA is to identify any loopholes in security at airports and their personnel are well trained to prevent any hazard to passengers. The organization since its inception has focused on deploying enough personnel across 450 commercial airports in US to ensure round the clock vigilance and improved security conditions. In order to help TSA meet its objectives, the federal government awarded contracts worth US$ 8.5 billion since its inception in the year 2001 (GAO report, 2004). The mission has been funded through these contracts that accounts for acquisition of new infrastructure and resources. The organization focused its strengths on training and developing its workforce for effective vigilance at airports and monitor passenger thoroughfare. However, TSA’s work processes and operations have been the topic of many discussions and debates. A number of reports and articles focused on the efficacy of the organization in enhancing security at airports and ensuring passenger safety in planes. The Joint Majority Staff Report (2011) highlights that during the first two years of its inception, TSA arranged security checks with the help of federal employees and the federal screening programs involved highly qualified private agencies who were contracted for carrying out security checks. TSA is responsible for framing standards and policies for passenger security checks, however, the efficacy of such efforts have been questioned by critics and passengers. An article on Wall Street Journal (2011) claims that “complaints about TSA screening filed with the agency jumped 40 percent this year through June, compared with the first six months of 2010”. The subsequent sections provide a deeper assessment of the efficacy of TSA and its operations in context of air travel. Changes in TSA – operations and procedures Post 9/11 terrorist attack, the passengers in airlines sector witnessed widespread changes in security procedures in the form of elaborate baggage screening, individual pat downs and X-ray machines to detect any un-defined objects on the passenger. The passengers are now asked to report 2 hours before departing time to go through several check points at the airport (Blalock et al., 2007). As per an incident in December 2001 when a passenger tried to attack a flight through a bomb in his shoes, the TSA made it mandatory for all passengers to go through extended body checks before boarding a plane. TSA introduced widespread changes in security procedures and involved extensive passenger and baggage screening stages. The first step in this direction was to increase workforce to meet the security demands for 450 commercial airports across US. The focus was on reducing waiting time for passengers and ensures timely checks before boarding the flight. 56,000 screening personnel were deputed across all airports and TSA ensured that the workforce was paid well to retain motivation levels and effective performance (Blalock et al., 2007). This was followed by intensive personnel training and development sessions. The deployment of workforce was based on the airport traffic and frequency of flights operating from that region. Baggage screening procedures involve explosion detection systems, explosion trace detection, dog sniffers and manual search to eliminate any threat of weapons or explosives in the baggage. In case of any suspicion a thorough manual check of baggage is done to confirm such doubts. However, such intensive checks and procedures have resulted in complaints from passengers and many have also reported cases of theft or damage to personal belongings (Blalock et al., 2007). Besides such issues, this procedure can be time consuming and can cause much inconvenience to passengers. During the time of its inception in the year 2001, TSA did not have a formal organizational structure or a dedicated workforce to accomplish its goals. The operations of the outfit were run through the resources and infrastructure provided by the Department of Transportation. This also included financial management system and procedure tracking system (GAO report, 2004). The directives of the Aviation and Transportation Security Act (ATSA) mandated TSA to adopt the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Acquisition Management System that outlines the policies and procedures for acquisition life cycle (GAO, 2004). TSA thus relied on the resources and infrastructural capabilities of these agencies to achieve its goals. External agencies, private contractors and government bodies formed the vital linkages that supported TSA goals and objectives till the year 2002 (GAO report, 2004). Subsequently TSA acquired contracts worth US$ 3.7 billion in the year 2003 to “manage human resource needs, including recruiting, hiring, training, and outfitting passenger and baggage screeners; develop and manufacture screening equipment; and provide the information technology systems the agency uses to manage its day-to-day operations” (GAO report, 2004). While such contracts enabled TSA to sustain its operations, critics felt that too much financial resources were being spent on security measures that bordered on paranoia. A recent article by Andrew Hudson on the role of TSA in enhancing security conditions at airports claims that a federal agency like TSA cannot protect passengers from terrorist attacks because of their use of outdated equipment and screening procedures that ignore the different kinds of explosives used by terrorists. Such remarks and observations have been increasing over the years with negative reactions from passengers who strongly oppose the pat down and body checks conducted by security officers at airports. The operational procedures at TSA thus involve complicated checks and screenings conducted through different stages. Passengers are required to go through extensive physical checks that involve pat downs, removal of shoes and in some recent instances also clothing. Breaches of security in the form of liquid explosives being taken in undergarments have resulted in extensive body scans, touch downs and ban on taking liquid items aboard (PBS Newshour, 2011). However, all these measures have not been appreciated by passengers and there has been widespread criticism of TSA security measures. A disgruntled passenger claims that it is ridiculous to walk barefoot through security checks just because of a “failed shoe-bomber” and throwing away water bottles just because of a failed attempt through liquid explosives (Segan, 2011). A study by Blalock, Kadiyali, and Simon (2007) on the impact of post 9/11 security measures on demand for air travel observed that there are two perspectives associated with this line of thought. On one hand, extended security measures have helped in improving passenger confidence levels on airline services and this has retained growth in air travel demand; while on the other hand, such extreme security measures have made traveling a hassle for passengers. Many passengers feel inconvenienced and thus prefer to avoid traveling by air and this has caused demand for air travel to go down (Blalock et al., 2007). The rigorous security procedures implemented by TSA also involves listing of potential threats among passengers who are unnecessarily detained at airports for intensive questioning sessions (PBS newshour, 2011). Issues and challenges facing TSA – an assessment The operations of TSA have been under question for a long time now owing to its failure to keep up with the advancing threats in form of sophisticated technology tools being used by terrorists. A report by Government Accountability Office (GAO) observes that the organization has failed to ensure an effective information system that can counteract security threats. The company fails to conduct extensive security checks before hiring its security personnel and this can have serious implications to future security and safety of passengers (GAO, 2011). An investigative report by Alex Newman (2011) claims that “instead of focusing on security, the agency has become an enormous, inflexible and distracted bureaucracy, more concerned with human resource management and consolidating power.” The overwhelming size of the outfit is the underlying issue that has resulted in mismanagement and lack of adequate leadership capabilities. Federal structures like TSA suffer from bureaucratic problems and this has been the primary cause for its inefficiency and failure to achieve its mission. A total of 25,000 security breaches have been reported in the last 10 years (Newman, 2011). The screeners used by TSA for identifying potentially dangerous equipment or explosives have also been questioned by authorities given the fact that there are innovative forms of explosives being used by terrorists today. Moreover, the effectiveness of such operations depends on the workforce capabilities. A report by the Joint Majority Staff (2011) claims that TSA has failed to focus on its mission and establish security protocols over the last 10 years of its existence. The reason is attributed to its overwhelming size of operations and lack of steady leadership (Joint Majority Staff report, 2011). The turnover of administrators within the organization is high and long gaps in appointing administrators have been reported. The report also highlights that a whole year had passed by before the TSA managed to appoint a permanent Administrator. “Ten years’ after its creation, TSA’s security mission has evolved from coordinating and disseminating intelligence information and establishing sound security standards and protocols to the full time occupation of operating a massive bureaucracy” (Joint Majority Staff report, 2011). The TSA is one of the largest federal structures in terms of number of employees as compared to Departments of Labor, Education, Housing, Energy or Urban Development. TSA reports a 400 percent increase in its workforce, from 16,500 in 2002 to 65,000 at present (Joint Majority Staff report, 2011). The Joint Majority Staff report (2011) highlights pertinent issues faced by TSA and the findings claim that TSA lacks leadership capabilities, inadequate managerial competency to carry out operations effectively, and failure to develop or deploy effective technology. The escalated cost of operations, as per report findings (Joint Majority Staff report, 2011), do not justify the outcomes and this mirrors the failed objectives of TSA. It is estimated that since its inception in 2002, TSA procured contracts worth US$ 2.4 billion to recruit and train huge workforce of 137,000 (Joint Majority Staff report, 2011). The outfit also fails to retain its employees for a longer period of time owing to its inability to motivate employees. The low employee morale in TSA has contributed to 17 percent attrition rate as per an Office of Inspector General (OIG) report in the year 2008. Most of the employees in a survey conducted by OIG (2008) felt that the training facilities and programs provided to the staff were inadequate and failed to meet the practical requirements of their jobs. The complaints from employees of TSA are much higher than any other federal agencies. Reports have substantiated employee frustrations on grounds of inadequate leadership and lack of managerial competencies to deal with issues and problems at workplace (OIG, 2008). The administrative body of TSA functions through various departments and units that are responsible for overseeing employee issues, complaints, misconduct and disciplinary problems. Some of these units are the Office of Civil Rights and Liberties; Office of Inspection, Investigations Division; Office of Security Operations; Management Inquiry Branch; and the Office of Human Capital (OIG, 2008). The primary concerns identified by OIG report were inconsistency in understanding and implementation of TSA procedures, lack of trust and confidence on management, poor communication, ineffective information sharing between units and hierarchies, inadequate training and development programs, unfair employee promotion practices, and inadequate staff at check points (OIG, 2008). Recommendations for change The discussion and findings in the previous sections have emphasized the failure of TSA to achieve operational success that is measured in terms of passenger feedback, security breaches, and employee satisfaction levels. It is strongly felt that the operational procedures adopted by TSA are outdated and need a thorough overhauling in order to achieve its defined goals and objectives. The vision statement of TSA clearly outlines that the outfit “will continuously set the standard for excellence in transport security through its people, processes, and technology” (TSA website, 2012). The organization seeks to achieve this vision through effective management, employee competencies, information sharing capabilities, and innovative technology based tools. However, operational glitches and challenges have failed to sustain its objectives over time. The ten years of its operations have been riddled with criticisms and challenges posed by use of advanced technology in crime. Fake identities, liquid explosives, innovative bombs and remote bombing techniques have posed severe challenges to TSA’s security operations. Experts and academics strongly feel that technology can be put to effective use to identify potential threats to passenger security on airplanes (Joint Majority Staff report, 2011). The TSA was formed with the sole purpose of analyzing terrorist information systems and establishing security standards for US transport systems. However, such organizational objectives can be sustained only through innovative deployment of technology tools and applications that can trace terrorist activities, identify fake passenger details, and detect all forms of explosives carried by passengers. Biometric and other advanced forms of security devices can help in easing the security procedure without causing much hassle and embarrassment to passengers. Such devices can be installed at airports in addition to bomb sensor detectors in airlines to ensure safe journey of passengers. Technology hence is the key to enhancing security and reducing passenger inconvenience at airport security checks. Another vital aspect that can help in enhancing the security procedure is adequate training and development of the workforce to make them more aware of security challenges, potential problems and practical aspects involved in security checks. Customized training and development programs can help the security officers and personnel deputed at airports for screening baggage and passengers. The training and development programs must be conducted at regular intervals for increased awareness on the significance and modalities of such operations. The focus of training and development programs must also be on improving work culture and promoting individual capabilities to handle potential situations. Such employee developmental initiatives will result in improved performance and increased employee morale within the organization. A key challenge facing such initiative at TSA is its sheer size and complexity. The bureaucratic structure and ill-defined accountability patterns coupled with lack of transparency in communication can limit the potentials of such measures. Hence, TSA is advised to revamp its organizational structure to accommodate new and effective work culture that is based on participative decision making and innovative work practices. The new organizational structure should be based on a free enterprise concept that promotes and sustains transparent flow of information and healthy information sharing system. Knowledge processing and information sharing systems play a critical role in promoting a healthy work culture and an engaged workforce who are well versed with the new trends and requirements of their jobs. Security concerns in aviation sector can only be eliminated through increased workforce awareness and alertness on duty. Leadership and administrative capabilities play an important role in steering organizations towards more effective performance. TSA lacks in these areas and hence increased focus must be on harnessing leadership capabilities for extended operational efficiency. It is important in this regard to enhance individual competencies and promote a collaborate work culture to achieve long term benefits. The organization has faced major upheavals and changes since its inception in 2001 and thus the stability of management has been low. Organizations can benefit and excel in their work only through stable leadership and managerial capabilities that focus on engaging the employees to their duties and responsibilities. The changes in this direction will provide the organization with renewed power to introduce innovative work culture. Since the function of the TSA encompasses national security, focus should be given on improving analytical abilities and developing a structure that promotes information sharing and building knowledge capabilities. For this purpose, it is essential that the outfit works in close collaboration with other departments for effective information networking and sustaining operational excellence. Conclusion and observations The paper has highlighted significant aspects related to aviation security measures adopted by TSA and its operational challenges that have to a great extent thwarted the very objective for which the organization was formed. In the wake of 9/11 attacks, widespread concerns were raised over the viability of existing security procedures at airports. Governing bodies felt the need for a dedicated organization that will be solely responsible for securing the lives and safety of passengers. TSA was the outcome of these circumstances. However, the efficacy of its operations raised several questions within a few years’ of its existence. The reasons as highlighted in the paper were mostly accountable to its bloating size and bureaucratic controls that restricted its scope to carry out effective security checks. It must be noted in this context that for easy manageability and smooth functioning, the organization can restrict its size and implement measures to improve accountability of its workforce. A well-designed organization structure based on collaborative work culture and deployment of innovative technology tools can help outfits like TSA to survive operational challenges and enhance security measures across all airports in US. References Blalock, G. Kadiyali, V. & Simon, D.H. (2007). The impact of post-9/11 airport security measures on demand for air travel. Cornell University research paper. GAO. (2004). Transport Security Administration – High level attention needed to strengthen acquisition function. Report to Congressional requesters. United States General Accounting Office. GAO. (2011). Transportation security – actions needed to address limitations in TSA’s transportation worker security threat assessments and growing workload. Report to Congressional Committees. Hudson, A. (2011). Transportation security administration worthless against terrorism: Congress report. Retrieved on Feb 26th from http://www.humanevents.com/article.php?id=47579 Joint Majority Staff report. (2011). A decade later: a call for TSA reform. US House of Representatives. Newman, A. (2011). Congressional report: TSA useless despite $60 billion. Retrieved on Feb 26th from http://thenewamerican.com/usnews/congress/9826-congressional-report-tsa-useless-despite-60-billion OIG. (2008). Transportation Security Administration’s efforts to proactively address employee concerns. Department of Homeland Security. Office of Inspector General report. PBS Newshour. (2011). Drastic changes in airport security after 9/11 stir controversy. Retrieved on Feb 26th from http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/terrorism/july-dec11/safeskies_09-08.html Raffel, R.R. (2008). Intelligence and airport security. Central Intelligence Agency website. Retrieved on Feb 26th from https://www.cia.gov/library/center-for-the-study-of-intelligence/csi-publications/csi-studies/studies/vol50no3/airport_security_5.htm Seaney, R. (2011). Are we safer in the air since 9/11? Retrieved on Feb 26th from http://www.farecompare.com/ask-rick/are-we-safer-in-the-air-since-911/ Segan, S. (2011). Flying 10 years after 9-11: the good, the bad and the ugly. Retrieved on Feb 26th from http://www.frommers.com/articles/7431.html TSA website. (2012). Mission, vision and core values. Retrieved on Feb 26th from http://www.tsa.gov/who_we_are/mission.shtm Wall Street Journal. (2011). Aiming to balance security and convenience. Retrieved on Feb 26th from http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424053111904583204576542402622091370.html Read More