TSA Inspector Ensures Security for Air Cargo Carriers

TSA Inspector Ensures Security for Air Cargo Carriers

Before becoming a transportation security inspector for TSA, Brittaney Rupert did a little bit of everything at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG). As an airline employee, Rupert worked behind the ticket counter and at boarding gates, the ramp and operations. She interacted with TSA officers on the ramp as they checked badges that allow people to enter the secure areas of the airport.

“It was that experience in aviation that aligned with my motivation to pursue a career at TSA,” Rupert said. And it was there where Rupert started talking with TSA employees about what it was like to work for the agency.

A lead officer at TSA made sure Rupert knew about an opening. She applied and has worked for the agency ever since. Rupert started as a part-time officer at CVG in 2015 and worked her way up. After accepting a full-time position, Rupert climbed the ladder to a supervisory officer position. A year ago, Rupert was promoted to a job inspecting cargo at John Glenn Columbus International Airport in Ohio.

Rupert’s background was a perfect fit for TSA. Before coming to the agency, she earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice with a concentration in homeland security/terrorism and a master’s degree in science with a concentration in homeland security administration from Tiffin University in Ohio.

Rupert is currently working alongside an indirect air carrier whose goal is to set themselves up to transport cargo. The carrier has the means, equipment and employees, but started largely out of compliance and unaware of security requirements and documentation. Rupert works with the carrier to make sure they implement appropriate compliance measures and are ready to transport air cargo.

Recently, Rupert identified an error with an all-cargo international air carrier that failed to implement a required agreement. Rupert resolved the situation by coordinating with stakeholders to enhance the checks and balances process.

Rupert’s role at TSA is an important one. “My goal is to advance outcome-focused security solutions that ensure regulatory compliance and reduce vulnerabilities,” she said. “My aim is to share effective measures related to regulatory compliance and transportation security. I am fortunate to be able to work alongside the individuals who comprise the industry, build cooperative relationships and work toward instituting measures that ensure compliance.

“I have been extremely fortunate to have the opportunities offered to me by TSA, and I would recommend to anyone to try and get involved,” she added. “I’ve met fantastic people nationwide, many of whom I’ve kept in contact with along the way. And I look forward to working alongside others in the coming years.”

Featured

  • 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

  • The Progress of Biometrics

  • Next-Gen AI for Smart Cities

    The future of smart city technology is not being shaped in Silicon Valley — it is taking root in Dubuque, Iowa. With a population of about 60,000, this mid-sized city has become a live testbed for AI-driven traffic management thanks to a unique public-private collaboration led by Milestone Systems. Project Hafnia demonstrates how cities can transform urban mobility and safety through Responsible Technology—without costly infrastructure overhauls. Read Now

New Products

  • QCS7230 System-on-Chip (SoC)

    QCS7230 System-on-Chip (SoC)

    The latest Qualcomm® Vision Intelligence Platform offers next-generation smart camera IoT solutions to improve safety and security across enterprises, cities and spaces. The Vision Intelligence Platform was expanded in March 2022 with the introduction of the QCS7230 System-on-Chip (SoC), which delivers superior artificial intelligence (AI) inferencing at the edge.

  • 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.

  • A8V MIND

    A8V MIND

    Hexagon’s Geosystems presents a portable version of its Accur8vision detection system. A rugged all-in-one solution, the A8V MIND (Mobile Intrusion Detection) is designed to provide flexible protection of critical outdoor infrastructure and objects. Hexagon’s Accur8vision is a volumetric detection system that employs LiDAR technology to safeguard entire areas. Whenever it detects movement in a specified zone, it automatically differentiates a threat from a nonthreat, and immediately notifies security staff if necessary. Person detection is carried out within a radius of 80 meters from this device. Connected remotely via a portable computer device, it enables remote surveillance and does not depend on security staff patrolling the area.