"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
