Investigation Finds Hundreds of Airport Security Badges Missing

Investigation Finds Hundreds of Airport Security Badges Missing

TSA blocked access to missing badge records post-investigation

  • By Matt Holden
  • Feb 26, 2015

An investigation found hundreds and potentially thousands of airport security badges are unaccounted for across the country. The badges are known as Secure Identification Display Area (SIDA) badges, and allow airport employees with secure access to enter securely locked doors throughout the airport.

The Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport admitted that more than 1,400 badges were lost or stolen over approximately two years.

Larry Wansley, who once led security for American Airlines, believes the missing badges present serious concerns for security officials and are something terrorists would like to have possession of in order to compromise security according to the report.

Police reports show that lost items also include airline uniform shirts, an entire FedEx pilot’s uniform, TSA badges and a federal flight deck officer’s credentials and badge, which allow a pilot to carry a gun on a plane.

The report also says that there are multiple layers of security, and just because someone has a badge doesn’t necessarily mean they can access all parts of an airport. Most airports use biometrics or PIN number systems.

“The biometric technology provides another layer of security and is designed to ensure the integrity of the badge and badge holder in unison”, said D/FW Airport spokesman, David Magana.

About the Author

Matt Holden is an Associate Content Editor for 1105 Media, Inc. He received his MFA and BA in journalism from Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana. He currently writes and edits for Occupational Health & Safety magazine, and Security Today.

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