Even tighter security?
 

Transportation chief orders crackdown on air security lapses
October 30, 2001 Posted: 6:12 PM EST (2312 GMT)


WASHINGTON (CNN) -- U.S. Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta has ordered federal security officials to crack down on "unacceptable" screening failures at the nation's airports.

"I want confidence restored in the screening system, and the way to accomplish that under the current system is to show that when people fail to meet the current standards, there's going to be a sting," Mineta said Tuesday at the National Transportation Security Summit.

Banned items reportedly have gone undetected by airport screeners several times since the September 11 terrorist attacks, including last week when a handgun was carried aboard a flight from New Orleans, Louisiana, to Phoenix, Arizona. Officials said a passenger took the gun on the plane by accident.

"Unfortunately, it is a system where deficiencies exist. Someone may undergo strict screening in Kansas City, while someone else can slip a pistol by the screeners in New Orleans, and this is intolerable," Mineta said.

Mineta said flights will be held and passengers and luggage rescreened if secure areas are compromised or improper screening discovered.

He said Transportation Department special agents will help monitor the screening efforts, and he has asked the Federal Aviation Administration to explore hiring more agents to help in the effort.

Travelers can expect some inconveniences as surveillance and searches are intensified at airports, train stations and other locations, Mineta said.

"The public, however, must also understand the need for patience," he said. "That patience is the new form of patriotism."

Security has been beefed up in the nation's airports since September 11 when hijackers managed to get box cutters past screening checkpoints.

Lawmakers are debating legislation that would give the federal government greater control over airport security. The Senate unanimously passed a bill that would put airport screeners on the federal payroll, but the White House and Republican leaders of the House of Representatives favor keeping them in the private sector.

Where is the line between security and patience and paranoia?

Is anyone home in DC? Sounds like they will shut down the whole dam* airline industry if they have to. And why?

I love how the media keeps suggesting that the 9/11 hijackers somehow "smuggled" or "snuck" these weapons past the checkpoint, when in fact, it was legal to do so under federal law.

Mike

So right. Everyone keeps yelling for Federal control, but as you stated, what happened on 9/11 (as to knives)was legal. By the way, I am sure you could still get this by security, even after after someone goes through your dirty underwear. Not a slam at security, just a reality.

you'll notice that mr. mineta did nothing to help clarify the current "standards" and spell out to travellers and security personnel just what should be done. so for the time being you can expect the power hungry ex-burger flipper at your local airport to take away your nail clippers, and to have your i.d. checked time after time, by people who don't have a clue what they are looking for.

my wife and i just got back from europe. CO trasocean, AF intra-europe. AF was consistent at all points. I.D. at check in, uniformed police officer in the jetway checking ID again before boarding. My wifes passport is in her maiden name, but the back page of the passport was endorsed to show her name change. the europeans knew to look, but not one american questioned why my wifes passport did not match her name. flipped it open looked at the picture waved us on. they just don't get it....