U.S. tightens airport security after screeners fail undercover tests

U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson says he has ordered improved security at U.S. airports after media reports that checkpoint screeners failed to detect mock explosives and weapons in 95 per cent of tests carried out by undercover agents. Airport screeners, who are employees of the Transportation Security Administration did not detect the majority of the banned weapons in the 70 tests at which took place at dozens of airports, ABC News said, citing officials briefed on a report by Homeland Security’s inspector general. Johnson, whose department oversees the TSA, was briefed last week on the trials, which were completed recently.

The numbers in these reports never look good out of context but they are a critical element in the continual evolution of our aviation security.

Jeh Johnson, Homeland Security Secretary

In one test, the network said an undercover agent was stopped when he set off an alarm at a checkpoint but that TSA screeners then failed to find a fake explosive device taped to his back when they patted him down. Johnson issued a statement on Monday saying the results of the security checks were classified but assured that he had directed the TSA to revise screening procedures to address the specific vulnerabilities which had been identified in the undercover operation. Johnson also ordered training for all TSA officers and supervisors across the country and testing of airports’ screening equipment.

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