Aviation Security
GSN looks at efforts by the Transportation Security Administration, better known as TSA, to enhance airport security with the help of metal detectors, security cameras and various biometrics, while paying close attention to the privacy issues that surround each governmental step to improve security.
Predator B to expand its maritime surveillance role
June 2nd, 2008
The Predator B unmanned aircraft, which is already being used over Iraq, Afghanistan and the U.S.-Mexican border, may soon begin flying over the Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean and the Great Lakes to enhance the surveillance of the maritime borders of the U.S.
TSA to deploy advanced X-ray, body imager systems
May 30th, 2008
The Transportation Security Administration announced that it intends to deploy hundreds of "next generation" X-ray machines and whole body imagers to improve inspections and reduce air passenger lines during the summer vacation season.
US-VISIT plans public hearing on exit biometrics on June 13
May 30th, 2008
Because the US-VISIT program has received so many requests to extend the 60-day comment period about its proposed plan to ask commercial airlines to collect fingerprints from foreign travelers exiting the United States, the program has instead scheduled a public hearing at a hotel in Arlington, VA, on Friday, June 13.
DHS announces $844 million critical infrastructure grants
May 19th, 2008
The Department of Homeland Security plans to award more than $844 million in grants this year to help secure the nation’s critical infrastructure.
The awards are being made as part of the DHS Infrastructure Protection Activities (IPA) grant program.
DHS has no formal process to add names to terrorist watchlist
May 1st, 2008
DHS is a major user of the federal government’s terrorist watchlist, but the department actually nominates fewer than one percent of the alleged terrorists who wind up on that list.
DHS announces enhanced, streamlined air security screening
April 28th, 2008
The Department of Homeland Security unveiled a series of improvements aimed at strengthening aviation security while decreasing the hassle factor for travelers. Among the key improvements, DHS and the Transportation Security Administration will now permit airlines more flexibility to allow passengers to check in remotely, even if they have been unable to do so in the past because they have a name similar to someone on a watch list.
TSA better at conceiving improvements than implementing them, says GAO
April 17th, 2008
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) deserves a good grade for its effort to secure the nation’s transportation system, but a rather weak grade for actually implementing needed improvements, according to a GAO expert who testified on Capitol Hill on April 15.
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CBP to launch International Registered Traveler pilot program
April 14th, 2008
Customs and Border Protection plans to launch a six-month pilot to test whether an International Registered Traveler program can speed up the process by which pre-cleared, low-risk U.S. citizens, nationals and permanent residents can re-enter the U.S. from overseas when arriving at three major U.S. airports.
