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Airports operators criticize TSA's background checks mandate
New TSA security initiative mandates government background checks of new airport hires, including sales clerks, waiters, and custodians; airport operators complain slowness of the checks leaves hundreds of positions unfilled
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DHS to inspect small boats, private jets
DHS is turning its attention to better screening of private boats and planes entering the U.S.; small boat inspection to begin with a pilot program in San Diego
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TSA adding black lights to screen passengers' ID cards
TSA expands program checking for forged ID by installing black lights and magnifying lenses to 1,300 specially trained screeners who check suspicious IDs in the ticket lines
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TSA commits to tighten security at non-U.S. repair shops
There more than U.S.- licensed 700 repair shops around the world — licensed, that is, to do repair and maintenance work on American commercial planes; trouble is, these shops have shoddy security that makes them vulnerable to terrorists; Congress wants TSA to change that
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TSA tests new technologies for passengers requiring second scanning
Passengers going through Phoenix may have to worry not only about lost luggage, but also about revealing images of their bodies, as TSA is set to test new scanning technologies
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FAA unveils new air traffic control system
New control system, built by Lockheed Martin, will allow controllers better and more expanded coverage of air traffic over U.S.
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TSA to increase cooperation with non-U.S. sister agencies
Transportation Security Administration creates new office — Office of Global Strategies — to work with sister agencies abroad on common air traffic security issues
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TSA awards $52 million for piloting different detection technologies
On the TSA’s shopping list: Advanced technology (AT) X-ray, automated explosives detection (auto-EDS) for security checkpoints, bottled liquid scanners, passive millimeter wave, and a cast/prosthetics screening device
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TSA keeps an eye on remote control devices
TSA instructed airport security screeners to pay additional attention to remote control devices carried on board by passengers; childrens’ toys included
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LAX uses random numbers theory to place security check points
Using random numbers generator developed by a USC engineering student, LAX security authorities place check points and security details at random, unpredictable locations throughout the sparawling airport
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TSA approves first biometric products for airport screening
Three years after being instructed to establish a “qualified products list” for airport screening programs, TSA names first products to qualify; strict requirements deter vendors
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Bomb scare at Vancouver seaplane facility
Many safety measures and regulations have been implemented to secure air travel; these measures do not apply to seaplanes, the operation of which is still conducted in a pre-9/11 fashion; recent bomb scare in Canada may change that
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Air traffic -- passengers and cargo -- to continue to grow
UN body predicts steady growth of passengers, cargo using air travel to arrive at their destination; this means steady growth of business providing security to this growing traffic
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Acro hopes to ride wave of concern about peroxide-based explosives
Innovator in detection of peroxide-based explosives hopes for rapid growth; company boasts contracts from the armies and police forces of several countries
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TSA's emphases: Liquid explosives, shoes, and behvioral detection
TSA is encouraging the development of technologies to detect liquid explosives and shoe-scanning that does not require shore removal; emphasis on early spotting of suspicious behavior
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The long view
New Technology is Keeping the Skies Safe
DHS S&T Baggage, Cargo, and People Screening (BCP) Program develops state-of-the-art screening solutions to help secure airspace, communities, and borders