Still Shaking My Head

I fly a lot of miles every year, perhaps even as many as you. We work in an industry that requires personal contact, getting out of the office and understanding what physical security is all about. I have a favorite airline—American Airlines—largely because their headquarters are in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area; but also because, I appreciate their services.

No matter what airline you fly, at home or overseas, there is one thing all airports have in common. Airline passengers must pass through security, which means a careful examination by Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers, and depending upon the airport, the number of agents range from a handful to hundreds.

TSA agents have had their share of troubles and missteps, but what organization hasn’t? The one thing they don’t deserve is another person shooting at them as they work on the front lines of airport security.

In late October, 23-year-old Paul Anthony Ciancia pulled a semiautomatic rifle from a bag and began a rampage of shooting at a security checkpoint at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).

As you may already know, TSA official Gerardo I. Hernandez, age 39, was killed. Hernandez is the first casualty in the line of duty since TSA was formed about 12 years ago, and he was honored by his comrades on Nov. 12. Two other agents and an airline passenger were wounded as a result of the barrage of bullets.

When is this kind of activity going to stop? What is it that causes one human being to kill another?

In the wake of this horrifying attack, security at the nation’s airports will be under review. Attorney General Eric Holder said, “The responsibility for protecting airports’ security is not a TSA function, but it’s something that we need to examine, given what happened in Los Angeles.”

The function of TSA is to ensure that people can board planes and take flights safely.

Security at the nation’s airports was already a nightmare, and now, that will likely change because one person’s selfish interests places a burden on all other passengers and security staff alike.

Ciancia was shot by airport police, but only a coward takes aim at an unarmed person. In a note found within his belongings, Ciancia wrote that he was gunning for TSA agents as part of a suicide mission. In part, his note read, “I’m going to kill people, and I don’t want to kill civilians.” That same handwritten letter, which was signed by Ciancia, included the threat to “instill fear in your traitorous minds.”

People aren’t afraid of Ciancia, and he does not instill fear in anyone’s mind. The general public continues to board planes, travel and take care of business on a daily basis. It is entirely unfortunate that one person had to die because another person thought his agenda was more important than a life.

On Nov. 7, TSA administrator John S. Pistole met with more than 20 security organizations to hear their input on airport security for TSA employees, airport and law enforcement officials, and the more than 1.8 million passengers who travel each day.

TSA understands that threats to aviation security continue to evolve. They are more sophisticated and more complex than ever before. Agency officials must use every tool at their disposal to address those threats and develop methods for combating them. The use of new and innovative technology helps them stay ahead of those intent on harming our nation.

Pistole expressed his commitment to working with other leaders in the airport security community to ensure everything is done to keep airports safe and secure for employees and the traveling public alike. He reinforced TSA’s ongoing commitment to working collaboratively to stay ahead of evolving threats.

In the world that we now know, there are threats each and every day. Most are unexpected and come with a surprise.

I used to take for granted the work performed by TSA agents—until now. Sure, they have become a fixture at every airport in the nation, and their work goes unheralded. It’s a shame something like this has to happen to remind the traveling public that these are people trying to do a good job at keeping everyone safe.

As TSA constantly moves forward with its technology usage, I am sure they know there’s no silverbullet technology, no cure all, no end-all-be-all; but, when used by its highly-trained workforce and combined with the other layers of security, technology helps close down vulnerabilities.

Their strategy involves more than just screening all carry-on and checked baggage. At their disposal, TSA agents use careful analysis of intelligence to determine where best to deploy its technology resources at airports, in subways, at ports and on rail. Daily vetting of passengers and airport employees against watch lists helps protect airports. And, biometrics helps prevent unauthorized access at our nations’ ports. That is only the beginning.

I pledge to be more appreciative of the work responsibilities of TSA agents. I hope you will join me in respecting the work of TSA agents by offering them a “job well done” and a “thank you.”

This article originally appeared in the December 2013 issue of Security Today.

Featured

  • Unlocking the Possibilities

    Security needs continue to evolve and end users are under pressure to address emerging risks and safety concerns. For many, that focus starts with upgrading perimeter openings and layering technologies—beginning at the door. Read Now

  • Freedom of Choice

    In today's security landscape, we are witnessing a fundamental transformation in how organizations manage digital evidence. Law enforcement agencies, campus security teams, and large facility operators face increasingly complex challenges with expanding video data, tightening budget constraints and inflexible systems that limit innovation. Read Now

  • Accelerating a Pathway

    There is a new trend touting the transformational qualities of AI’s ability to deliver actionable data and predictive analysis that in many instances, seems to be a bit of an overpromise. The reality is that very few solutions in the cyber-physical security (CPS) space live up to this high expectation with the one exception being the new generation of Physical Identity and Access Management (PIAM) software – herein recategorized as PIAM+. Read Now

  • Protecting Your Zones

    It is game day. You can feel the crowd’s energy. In the parking lot. At the gate. In the stadium. On the concourse. Fans are eager to party. Food and merchandise vendors ready themselves for the rush. Read Now

  • Street Smarts

    The ongoing acceptance of AI and advanced data analytics has allowed surveillance camera technology to shift from being a tactical tool to a strategic business solution. Combining traditional surveillance technology with AI-based data-driven insights can streamline transportation systems, enhance traffic management, improve situational awareness, optimize resource allocation and streamline emergency response procedures. Read Now

New Products

  • Mobile Safe Shield

    Mobile Safe Shield

    SafeWood Designs, Inc., a manufacturer of patented bullet resistant products, is excited to announce the launch of the Mobile Safe Shield. The Mobile Safe Shield is a moveable bullet resistant shield that provides protection in the event of an assailant and supplies cover in the event of an active shooter. With a heavy-duty steel frame, quality castor wheels, and bullet resistant core, the Mobile Safe Shield is a perfect addition to any guard station, security desks, courthouses, police stations, schools, office spaces and more. The Mobile Safe Shield is incredibly customizable. Bullet resistant materials are available in UL 752 Levels 1 through 8 and include glass, white board, tack board, veneer, and plastic laminate. Flexibility in bullet resistant materials allows for the Mobile Safe Shield to blend more with current interior décor for a seamless design aesthetic. Optional custom paint colors are also available for the steel frame.

  • EasyGate SPT and SPD

    EasyGate SPT SPD

    Security solutions do not have to be ordinary, let alone unattractive. Having renewed their best-selling speed gates, Cominfo has once again demonstrated their Art of Security philosophy in practice — and confirmed their position as an industry-leading manufacturers of premium speed gates and turnstiles.

  • ResponderLink

    ResponderLink

    Shooter Detection Systems (SDS), an Alarm.com company and a global leader in gunshot detection solutions, has introduced ResponderLink, a groundbreaking new 911 notification service for gunshot events. ResponderLink completes the circle from detection to 911 notification to first responder awareness, giving law enforcement enhanced situational intelligence they urgently need to save lives. Integrating SDS’s proven gunshot detection system with Noonlight’s SendPolice platform, ResponderLink is the first solution to automatically deliver real-time gunshot detection data to 911 call centers and first responders. When shots are detected, the 911 dispatching center, also known as the Public Safety Answering Point or PSAP, is contacted based on the gunfire location, enabling faster initiation of life-saving emergency protocols.