Throughout the years, we've seen an evolution of explosive devices that have changed and become smaller, harder to detect, and made with different materials. While there are many known explosives that the TSA screens for, how are we to look for the unknown ones?
The TSA is more than the people in blue uniforms that you have to account for when scheduling your airport arrival time. The TSA provides security through twenty different layers to protect travelers (TSA, 2017). It is made up of agents as well as other agencies and groups working behind the scenes to ensure the safest public transportation possible. Explosive devices are met with several layers of security to get through, including trained canines, Transportation Security Inspectors, Transportation Security Specialists-Explosives, and a hardened cockpit door. While these levels of security do mitigate potential situations involving explosives, there is still an opportunity for newer explosives to go by undetected by the status quo. The TSA could benefit from having a dedicated team of professionals who are proactive in identifying new types of explosive devices, and screening for them. Remaining on the forefront of this technology could prevent damage from a new, uncommon type of explosive not currently screened for.
References
Burns, B. (2017, August 1). Inside Look: TSA Layers of Security. TSA. https://www.tsa.gov/blog/2017/08/01/inside-look-tsa-layers-security
Emily,
ReplyDeleteWhat would you think the teams formation would look like? I agree that with the evolving IED threat,we could try to have more professionals to counter the threat as it seems anything and everything can be turned into an explosive device. The TSA already has canine units trained to smell explosives. Through X-ray advance, dog teams, and local aw enforcement, I would have no solutions on this formation of another layer. Really scary to think about, but I am sure the experts within the TSA has a plan.