2010: Topics for homeland security discussion
more exacting scanning because there would be no reason to do so.
With whole-body scanning machines in place, he would be detected and caught. Without such scanning machines in place, the terrorist would board the plane and then bring it and its passengers down. Look for more discussion in 2010 of whole-body scanners at airports.
100 percent air cargo scanning
A congressional mandate issued in 2007 requires the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to screen 50 percent of all cargo on board passenger aircraft by February 2009, and screen 100 percent by August 2010. As the August deadline looms, there are many who are concerned about it. Some companies, including fruit growers, are concerned about what the new rules will mean for their shipments, which need to happen in a timely manner.
Joan Goodchild writes that TSA says it has met the February 2009 50 percent deadline. The 100 percent inspection by August 2010 is more problematic, because getting to 100 percent will involve some things that will be beyond TSA control.
For cargo, TSA is looking to have the private sector play a major role in protecting supply chains. In the TSA’s plan, the private sector will do so through CCSP — the Certified Cargo Shipping Program. Facilities, such as warehouses and airports, can voluntarily enroll to become certified shipping facilities. These will be places where equipment can be positioned that has been certified by TSA.
The plan has its challenges. In today’s global economy, securing air cargo means not only cargo on domestic flights, but on international flights as well. It is not likely that between now and August negotiations on new standards with U.S. major trading partners or international bodies that oversee aviation and aviation security will be completed. This is the primary reason why TSA will probably fall short of the 100 percent guideline by August.
The central risk is to the safety of supply chains is insider threat. The global supply chains involves hundreds of thousands of people. The questions about the quality and reliability of background check in other countries, and the capacity of governments in those countries to do effective oversight, have not yet been answered convincingly.
Manpower in the United States is also an issue. TSA currently devotes roughly 450 people to the oversight of air cargo supply chains. This is not nearly enough – in means one person per airport
