Most Clicked AAAE Security SmartBrief Stories
1. Proposal would reduce TSA budget by 2.5%
AAAE Security SmartBrief | Feb 14, 2012
The White House on Monday proposed a budget that would reduce funding for the Transportation Security Administration by 2.5%. Under the $7.6 billion TSA budget, the agency would spend less on explosive-detection devices, air marshals and checkpoint security. However, the budget increases funding for luggage screeners. It also includes funding for 145 officers who will scrutinize passenger behavior, and 20 canine teams. USA TODAY (02/13)
2. Some lawmakers question air marshal program
AAAE Security SmartBrief | Feb 17, 2012
Some lawmakers are questioning whether the federal government should continue to spend $1 billion a year to fund the air marshal program. “The reality is the terrorists have adapted to our security measures and changed their tactics,” said Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Ala., chairman of the House Transportation Security Subcommittee. The government currently employees thousands of marshals, many of whom are retired law-enforcement officers. Meanwhile, a report released last week documented problems with the marshal program that included favoritism, discrimination and mistrust. Bloomberg Businessweek (02/16)
3. TSA buys more explosive-detection devices
AAAE Security SmartBrief | Feb 13, 2012
New explosive-detection systems purchased by the Transportation Security Administration will scan checked baggage and analyze their contents at small- and medium-sized U.S. airports. The TSA purchased the Reduced Size Explosives Detection Systems from Reveal Imaging Technologies, Inc. and L-3 Communication Security & Detection Systems, Inc. "This state-of-the-art technology greatly enhances both the security and efficiency of checked baggage screening, and I am pleased to see more units headed to U.S. airports," said TSA Assistant Administrator for Security Capabilities Robin Kane. Government Security News (02/10)
4. Underwear bomber faces mandatory life sentence
AAAE Security SmartBrief | Feb 16, 2012
The so-called underwear bomber will receive a mandatory life sentence today in federal court. Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab attempted to blow up a commercial jetliner. He pled guilty last year and admitted he was on an al-Qaida suicide mission. Prosecutors in a court filing noted that unsuccessful terrorist attacks still create fear among travelers. "In addition, the enormous cost of the augmented security measures adopted as a direct result of defendant's unsuccessful terrorist attack are borne by the American public at large in both increased cost, inconvenience and wasted time at airports," they wrote. Boston Globe, The (tiered subscription model) (02/16)
5. Poll: Have you ever mistakenly left an important item at an airport checkpoint?
AAAE Security SmartBrief | Feb 15, 2012
Check AAAE Security Smartbrief Thursday for poll results.
6. Camera shows man taking Rolex left by fellow traveler at Florida airport
AAAE Security SmartBrief | Feb 15, 2012
Security cameras at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport captured footage of a man stealing a $4,000 Rolex watch and bracelet mistakenly left at a security checkpoint by a fellow passenger. The owner of the watch, Gloria de Regalado, said she made eye contact with the suspect before realizing she left her possessions at the checkpoint. "He had an opportunity to do right by himself, he knew who I was and he could have redeemed himself, but he didn't," she said. Police are searching for the suspect. Telegraph (London), The (02/15)
7. Documents accuse TSA trainer of taking bribe
AAAE Security SmartBrief | Feb 17, 2012
Documents released by prosecutors this week show that a Transportation Security Administration instructor at Philadelphia International Airport is accused of taking a bribe in exchange for giving a security officer a passing grade on a mandatory exam. Shannon Gilliam, who has been suspended, could face up to 27 months in prison. Philadelphia Inquirer, The (02/16)
8. Southwest formally launches Atlanta service
AAAE Security SmartBrief | Feb 13, 2012
Southwest Airlines officially began its first day in Atlanta on Sunday with 15 daily flights from Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. The low-cost airline finally gained a foothold in the coveted Atlanta market after acquiring AirTran Airways. Atlanta Journal-Constitution, The (02/12)
9. Travelers re-screened after security breach at Newark
AAAE Security SmartBrief | Feb 13, 2012
Many travelers at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey were re-screened on Saturday after a man went around security checkpoints and through the area for exiting passengers. It took several hours for the Transportation Security Administration to re-screen travelers in the terminal. Port Authority spokesman Steve Coleman said the man apparently wanted to meet his wife at the gate. CBS News (02/12)
10. U.S. widens Mexico travel warning to 14 states
AAAE Security SmartBrief | Feb 13, 2012
The State Department is advising Americans against travel to all or part of 14 Mexican states, including Chihuahua, Coahuila and Tamaulipas, in light of increased drug-related violence across the country. However, the advisory excludes a number of areas with known incidents of violence, such as Mazatlan and Acapulco. Huffington Post, The (02/10)
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