TSA Gives Head of Security the Boot

TSA Gives Head of Security the Boot

  • By Sydny Shepard
  • May 24, 2016

The Transportation Security Administration moved on May 24 to address the issue of long lines at the nation’s airports, dramatically deciding to replace the head of security and creating a centralized incident command team at TSA headquarters.

Kelly Hoggan, the agency’s assistant administrator for security operations since 2013 has been replaced by Darby LaJoye who previously worked as a deputy assistant TSA administrator and a top security official at two of the world’s busiest airports, Los Angeles International Airport and JFK in New York.

Hoggan, who has been the focus of many security debates including staffing and pay decisions, was reassigned to new duties.

TSA Administrator Peter Neffenger and Homeland Security Jeh Johnson promised that more than 300 extra TSA officers would be reassigned to Chicago’s airports by mid-August, a move that was a direct result of the hundreds of passengers stranded in Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport this month. 58 of those TSA agents will be arriving within the next three weeks.

In addition to the reassigned workers, 100 part-time workers at O’Hare will be promoted to full-time. Neffenger also said a new leadership team has been put in place at O’Hare, bolstered by screening experts from airports across the country.

TSA has also established a National Incident Command Center at the agency’s headquarters in Washington, D.C. The center will track daily screening operations and will have the authority to shift officers and other resources as passenger volume increases.

About the Author

Sydny Shepard is the Executive Editor of Campus Security & Life Safety.

Featured

  • The Evolution of IP Camera Intelligence

    As the 30th anniversary of the IP camera approaches in 2026, it is worth reflecting on how far we have come. The first network camera, launched in 1996, delivered one frame every 17 seconds—not impressive by today’s standards, but groundbreaking at the time. It did something that no analog system could: transmit video over a standard IP network. Read Now

  • From Surveillance to Intelligence

    Years ago, it would have been significantly more expensive to run an analytic like that — requiring a custom-built solution with burdensome infrastructure demands — but modern edge devices have made it accessible to everyone. It also saves time, which is a critical factor if a missing child is involved. Video compression technology has played a critical role as well. Over the years, significant advancements have been made in video coding standards — including H.263, MPEG formats, and H.264—alongside compression optimization technologies developed by IP video manufacturers to improve efficiency without sacrificing quality. The open-source AV1 codec developed by the Alliance for Open Media—a consortium including Google, Netflix, Microsoft, Amazon and others — is already the preferred decoder for cloud-based applications, and is quickly becoming the standard for video compression of all types. Read Now

  • Cost: Reactive vs. Proactive Security

    Security breaches often happen despite the availability of tools to prevent them. To combat this problem, the industry is shifting from reactive correction to proactive protection. This article will examine why so many security leaders have realized they must “lead before the breach” – not after. Read Now

  • Achieving Clear Audio

    In today’s ever-changing world of security and risk management, effective communication via an intercom and door entry communication system is a critical communication tool to keep a facility’s staff, visitors and vendors safe. Read Now

  • Beyond Apps: Access Control for Today’s Residents

    The modern resident lives in an app-saturated world. From banking to grocery delivery, fitness tracking to ridesharing, nearly every service demands another download. But when it comes to accessing the place you live, most people do not want to clutter their phone with yet another app, especially if its only purpose is to open a door. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • FEP GameChanger

    FEP GameChanger

    Paige Datacom Solutions Introduces Important and Innovative Cabling Products GameChanger Cable, a proven and patented solution that significantly exceeds the reach of traditional category cable will now have a FEP/FEP construction.

  • 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.

  • Connect ONE’s powerful cloud-hosted management platform provides the means to tailor lockdowns and emergency mass notifications throughout a facility – while simultaneously alerting occupants to hazards or next steps, like evacuation.

    Connect ONE®

    Connect ONE’s powerful cloud-hosted management platform provides the means to tailor lockdowns and emergency mass notifications throughout a facility – while simultaneously alerting occupants to hazards or next steps, like evacuation.