The Inside Man


Book Description

Organizational communication impacts service efficiency and productivity. An increase in federal funding to strengthen communication within the airport stakeholders has failed to deliver expected results. The purpose of this qualitative case study is to explore whether miscommunication among the TSA agents and airport employees relates to effective implementation of airport security policies. The central research question focuses on the degree to which miscommunication between the TSA and airlines regarding prohibited items at security checkpoints impeded the effective execution of federal law regarding carry on luggage on commercial aircraft. Using Weick’s organizational information theory, this study examines the implementation of airport security policy focusing on communication between government and industry organizations. A sample of 13 private airline employees and 7 airport employees at a large U.S. commercial airport participated in the study. Data was collected via semi structured interview questions. Data was coded and analyzed following an inductive coding strategy. According to study results, there is very little evidence of miscommunications between government and airline stakeholders regarding policy changes and expectations related to security procedures. However, miscommunication about the same policy changes to consumers confuses travelers, which may explain incidences of prohibited items at the security checkpoints. Implications for positive social change related to this study may assist policy makers in clarifying language to better inform travelers about security changes and prohibited items, the objective of which will promote safer flying experiences, reduce the potential for harm, and result in more expedient traveling.




International Aviation Screening Standards


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General Aviation Security


Book Description

After 9/11, the initial focus from the U.S. government, media, and the public was on security at commercial airports and aboard commercial airlines. Soon, investigation revealed the hijackers had trained at flight schools operating out of general aviation airports, leading to a huge outcry by the media and within the government to mandate security regulations for this flight sector. General Aviation Security: Aircraft, Hangars, Fixed-Base Operations, Flight Schools, and Airports examines the threats against general aviation (GA) and presents resources for security professionals and GA airport owners and operators to develop an impenetrable airport and aircraft security plan. Following an overview of general aviation and its inherent security threats, the book explores: Physical security for the aviation environment, including intrusion detection systems, cameras, locks, lighting, and window security The security force, including recruitment and training Security of general aviation aircraft and airports, including runway security and fuel storage Airport safety regulations such as the Workers Protection Act and the Bloodborne Pathogens Act Emergency response to a range of scenarios, including medical emergencies, fires, gas leaks, and bomb threats The security of hangars, fixed-base operations, and flight schools Corporate aviation security departments The book concludes with a study involving the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) Airport Watch Program and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) security requirements and recommendations for general aviation. General aviation supports public safety, business, agriculture, commercial airports, aeronautical education, and many aspects of the aviation industry. The book is the first to explore the unique security concerns relevant to general aviation operations. Dr. Daniel J. Benny was interviewed on video by General Aviation Security Magazine about his article concerning the effects of the Airport Watch Program.




Efficient Aviation Security


Book Description

Making aviation security more cost-effective is hampered by considerable uncertainty about the terrorist threat, security system performance, and the costs of security measures. This volume focuses on exploring ways to inform decisionmaking despite such uncertainties, providing a set of analyses that help fill some of the current gaps in the assessment of the costs, benefits, and efficiency of aviation security measures and strategies.







Permanent Emergency


Book Description

Since 2001 the TSA has accepted responsibility for protecting over two million people a day at U.S. airports and managing transportation operations around the world. But how effective is this beleaguered agency, and is it really keeping us safe from terrorism? In this riveting expose, former TSA administrator Kip Hawley reveals the secrets behind the agency's ongoing battle to outthink and outmaneuver terrorists, illuminating the flawed, broken system that struggles to stay one step ahead of catastrophe. Citing numerous thwarted plots and government actions that have never before been revealed publicly, Hawley suggests that the fundamental mistake in America's approach to national security is requiring a protocol for every contingency. Instead, he claims, we must learn to live with reasonable risk so that we can focus our efforts on long-term, big-picture strategy, rather than expensive and ineffective regulations that only slow us down.




The NSA Report


Book Description

The official report that has shaped the international debate about NSA surveillance "We cannot discount the risk, in light of the lessons of our own history, that at some point in the future, high-level government officials will decide that this massive database of extraordinarily sensitive private information is there for the plucking. Americans must never make the mistake of wholly 'trusting' our public officials."—The NSA Report This is the official report that is helping shape the international debate about the unprecedented surveillance activities of the National Security Agency. Commissioned by President Obama following disclosures by former NSA contractor Edward J. Snowden, and written by a preeminent group of intelligence and legal experts, the report examines the extent of NSA programs and calls for dozens of urgent and practical reforms. The result is a blueprint showing how the government can reaffirm its commitment to privacy and civil liberties—without compromising national security.




Ten Years After 9/11- 2011


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Transportation Security


Book Description

Transportation Security: TSA Has Developed a Risk-Based Covert Testing Program, but Could Better Mitigate Aviation Security Vulnerabilities Identified Through Covert Tests