Gun Debate Pits TSA and Airport Police Against Each Other

Gun Debate Pits TSA and Airport Police Against Each Other

  • By Ginger Hill
  • May 11, 2015

A debate has ensued between TSA agents/screeners and airport police, stemming from a pair of attacks on airport security checkpoints in which TSA agents at Los Angeles International Airport and New Orleans’ Louis Armstrong International Airport were killed or wounded. Screeners are alluding to these incidents as irony: unarmed government employees tasked with protecting passengers, crews and people without firearms or other weaponry, minus a screening machine.

The screeners’ union is lobbying for legislation to create an armed TSA force, but in the meantime, they are asking that airport police officers be posted at all TSA checkpoints to serve as deterrents. Airport police are not in agreement, saying that posting a uniformed officer in a fixed position is like painting a target on his/her chest. (But, isn’t that what TSA agents/screeners are: uniformed officers in fixed positions?)

Those against arming TSA screeners indicate that it will lead to chaos in emergency situations as there would be two armed forces with two different chains of command and two chiefs. However, those in favor of arming TSA agents indicate that at least they would be able to defend themselves, should the need arise.

Why can’t “we” just all get along?

Jeffrey J Coleman / Shutterstock.com

About the Author

Ginger Hill is Group Social Media Manager.

Featured

  • Meeting Modern Demands

    Door hardware and access control continue to be at the forefront of innovation within the security industry, continuously evolving to meet the dynamic needs of commercial spaces. Read Now

  • Leveraging IoT and Open Platform VMS for a Connected Future

    The evolution of urban environments is being reshaped by the convergence of Internet of Things (IoT) technology and open platform VMS. As cities worldwide grapple with growing populations and increasing operational complexities, these integrated technologies are emerging as powerful tools for creating more livable, efficient, and secure urban spaces. Read Now

  • Securing the Future

    Two security experts sit down with Security Today’s editor in chief Ralph C. Jensen to discuss what they see emerging and changing over the next several years along with how security stakeholders can harness these innovations into opportunities. Read Now

  • Collaboration Made Easy Using a Work Management Platform

    Effective collaboration between security operators, teams and other departments is critical to the smooth functioning of organizations. Yet, as organizations grow in complexity, it becomes more difficult for teams to coordinate with each other. This is compounded by staffing shortages, turnover and ineffective collaboration tools. Read Now

  • Creating a Safer World

    Managing and supporting locks and door hardware within a facility is a big responsibility. A building’s security needs to change over time as occupancy and use demands evolve, which can make it even more challenging. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • AC Nio

    AC Nio

    Aiphone, a leading international manufacturer of intercom, access control, and emergency communication products, has introduced the AC Nio, its access control management software, an important addition to its new line of access control solutions.

  • Unified VMS

    AxxonSoft introduces version 2.0 of the Axxon One VMS. The new release features integrations with various physical security systems, making Axxon One a unified VMS. Other enhancements include new AI video analytics and intelligent search functions, hardened cybersecurity, usability and performance improvements, and expanded cloud capabilities

  • Hanwha QNO-7012R

    Hanwha QNO-7012R

    The Q Series cameras are equipped with an Open Platform chipset for easy and seamless integration with third-party systems and solutions, and analog video output (CVBS) support for easy camera positioning during installation. A suite of on-board intelligent video analytics covers tampering, directional/virtual line detection, defocus detection, enter/exit, and motion detection.