4.3 - Aviation Security

 The Changing TSA and the Layers of security: COVID-19


The TSA has many layers of security, some visible, many more not.  Like most of America, the TSA has been forced to adapt to an ever-changing world with the ongoing pandemic. Despite being forced to reduce contact, security has not decreased with the pandemic (TSA, 2021).  New technologies are being implemented at more airports, including plexiglass shields blocking the agents from the passengers, contactless ID checking, bag scanners that can see items in three demotions, and software upgrades to the full-body scanners (Lanzito, 2021).

At some airports, some agents are no longer physically check identifications.  The process has become computerized, with agents merely verifying the computer's results.  A computer photographs the passenger, and the passenger inserts ID into a scanner.  The scanner determines if the traveler id is valid and verifies the travel is scheduled to travel.  Then it is merely verifying the two photos match, and the traveler can proceed to the full-body scanner and bag check areas (Tate, 2020).

The bag scanner has been given some upgrades also.  New anti-bacterial bins are in place to help reduce the spread of germs.  Scanners can visualize objects better and render realistic three-dimensional images.  This reduces the need for hand-checking yet increases the accuracy of finding contraband.  In 2020, the TSA reported a 75% increase in the number of guns being transported through checkpoints.  Although they believe some of this is the decrease in passenger count, some of this is from better detection equipment (TSA, 2020).

 

References

Lanzito, C. (2021, February 15). New TSA Security Procedures During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Retrieved from https://www.aarp.org/travel/travel-tips/safety/info-2020/new-tsa-security-procedures.html

Tate, C. (2020, August 28). https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/2020/08/28/tsa-security-checkpoints-getting-covid-19-barriers-37-airports/5655479002/. Retrieved from https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/2020/08/28/tsa-security-checkpoints-getting-covid-19-barriers-37-airports/5655479002/

TSA. (2020, August 10). TSA officers detecting more guns at checkpoints in spite of lower passenger throughput. Retrieved from https://www.tsa.gov/news/press/releases/2020/08/10/tsa-officers-detecting-more-guns-checkpoints-spite-lower-passenger

TSA. (2021, February 15). Coronavirus (COVID-19) information. Retrieved from https://www.tsa.gov/coronavirus

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