TSA Readies Security Systems Rollout

Computerworld - WASHINGTON -- The Transportation Security Administration last week announced a series of pilot tests of IT-based programs to bolster airport security. And TSA Administrator David M. Stone said the agency is only "days or weeks" away from deploying a revamped version of its controversial passenger-screening system.
The TSA selected two additional airports -- the Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport and the Helena Regional Airport in Montana -- to participate in its Access Control pilot program. That brings the total number of airports in the program, which began in April, to 10.
The pilot program will test a wide range of technologies, including radio frequency identification (RFID) systems, antipiggybacking systems, advanced video surveillance technology and various biometric systems. The goal of the tests, which will run through the end of the year, is to identify technologies that allow only authorized airport personnel and vehicles to access secure areas of an airport.
The announcement was welcomed by members of Congress, who expressed frustration with the pace of technology efforts to support homeland security. At a hearing of the House Transportation and Infrastructure aviation subcommittee last week, lawmakers urged Stone not to let a desire to find the perfect technology delay the deployment of something that is "good enough" for now.
Some lawmakers and airline industry executives argued that TSA programs have been hindered by a lack of standards for biometric technologies and a government bureaucracy that remains incapable of sharing information and setting priorities three years after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

A passenger is screened at a boarding gate at San Jose International Airport. Image Credit: The Associated Press

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