Airport Security and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) E

Abstract Through the history of aviation the importance of airport security has steadily increased. Since the terrorist attack of September 11, 2001, many changes have taken place at airports to prevent such an attack from occurring again. The purpose of this paper is to: outline airport security procedures, discuss the different technologies involved with airport security, as well as examine the components of airport security. In addition I will also discuss the Transportation Security Administration’s role in our nation’s airport security. Airport Security   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Airport Security is a necessity of Life both in America and through out the world. Without airport security our airports would not be able to function and terrorist attacks resembling those of September 11th, 2001, would be more common place. Passengers would be afraid to fly in fear of such a terrorist attack happening again. The airline industry would lose more revenue from lost ticket sales. Then the airports themselves would lose money from the lack of passengers boarding through their gates. Finally this lack of security would trickle down to the entire economy not only in the communities surrounding the airport and aviation industry, but to the nation’s economy as well. To keep this economic failure associated with another terrorist attack from happening, our nation must take the appropriate measures to prevent it.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã¢â‚¬Å"Airport security procedures are designed to deter, prevent, and respond to criminal acts that may affect safety and security of the traveling public† Wells and Young (2004, p. 280). In order for this to happen, airports must become more proactive instead of reactive to possible threats such as: hijacking, explosive devices on aircraft or any other possible criminal act that could happen aboard an aircraft. To accomplish President George W. Bush signed into effect the Aviation and Transportation security Act, on November 19th, 2001. This act was a result of the September 11th, 2001, terrorist attacks, and from this act the Transportation Security Administration was formed. Transportation Security Information   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The purpose of the TSA is to protect all of the nation’s transportation systems to ensure freedom of movement for people and commerce. Commercial aviation has been a long-standing target for terrorists. Since the tragic attacks of September 11, 2001, subst... ...om key entry to combination locks, to advanced identification authentication machines. Security lighting may also be used to aid in perimeter security. It is located and around heavy traffic areas, aircraft service areas, as well as other operations and maintenance areas. Patrolling by airport security and staff as well as local law enforcement agencies may also be used to secure the perimeter around an airport.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  This paper has covered the many different aspects of airport security. It is important to keep in mind that procedures, regulations, and technology associated with airport security are in a state of constant change. However, it is through these changes that our nation’s airports will show a steady improvement towards the safety and security of the passengers that visit them. References Transportation Security Administration. (2004, February 20). Capps II at a glance. Retrieved from Transportation Security Administration Web Site: http://www.tsa.gov/public/display?theme=5&content0900051980088d91 Wells, A. T., & Young, S. B. (2004). Airport Security ch. 8. In L. Hagar (Ed.), Airport Planning and Management (5 ed., pp. 279-307). New York: McGraw-Hill.