TSA Launches Evolution of Security Blog

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) today announced the launch of an interactive blog, Evolution of Security. This blog will serve as a tool for travelers to share their ideas, thoughts and concerns about aviation security. In turn, TSA will post videos, innovative concepts and other helpful tools while charting feedback. Evolution speaks to the progression of airport security since it was first introduced in the 1970s, then federalized in the wake of 9/11 with the creation of TSA, and now the need to introduce innovations to enhance security and improve process.

"We at TSA understand the 'why' of the security process and the reasoning behind it, but the public's perception of TSA is based solely on their checkpoint experience. We need to do a better job of explaining the 'why," said TSA Administrator Kip Hawley. "This blog is aimed at providing an interactive forum where people can share feedback and get answers."

Nearly 2 million travelers a day pass through checkpoints at 452 airports nationwide. To some travelers, 9/11 seems long past and they have lost patience with the many requirements of checkpoint security. It is fair to say that many passengers find transiting the security checkpoint a necessary but frustrating step in their travels. The blog is intended to forge better understanding between the public and TSA.

Hawley said TSA is, "committed to being proactive in addressing evolving threats and consistently improving security." The blog will be a forum to discuss some of the elements that travelers may notice in coming months that will enhance security while improving process. For instance:

• Increased focus on behavior detection and checking travel documents pre-checkpoint
• Deploying improved technology including multi-view X-ray machines for carry-on baggage and whole body imaging technology to help Transportation Security Officers better detect threats
• Strengthening and reinforcing layers of security both at the checkpoint and elsewhere

While the first entry is from Administrator Hawley, a group of TSA employees from around the agency will contribute and moderate the blog. They include a local federal security director, a front line security officer, an intelligence analyst and an innovation team member that is exploring new and better ways to do things at the checkpoint. Their breadth of experience will provide unique perspectives on aviation security issues.