TSA Assumes Identification Check Duties At JFK Airport
The Transportation Security Administration has assumed responsibility for validating passenger identification and boarding passes at a number of security checkpoints at New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). The Port Authority Police Department provides law enforcement support.
TSA's document checking adds an important layer of defense for aviation security beyond the existing checkpoint. Currently, TSA security officers are conducting document checking at more than 200 smaller airports, as well as Baltimore-Washington International (BWI) and Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX) in addition to JFK. Airline contract employees previously conducted document checking at these facilities.
"Now trained security officers will have the capability to detect individuals who attempt to board an aircraft with suspect documents," said TSA Administrator Kip Hawley. "Fraudulent IDs and boarding documents can subvert the security process and this effort sends someone with a fake ID to law enforcement and not the boarding gate."
In addition to fraudulent document detection, TSA officers serving in this role are also trained in interview techniques and methods to identify suspicious behavior. These positions are being funded by efficiencies gained through lower attrition and fewer injuries and are consistent with the agency's evolving use of transportation security officers beyond the security checkpoint.