Airport screeners fail to see most test bombs

[razors edge]

http://www.rawstory.com/showoutarticle.php?src=http%3A%2F%2Fseattletimes.nwsource.com%2Fhtml%2Fnationworld%2F2003327485_screeners28.html

By Ron Marsico

Newhouse News Service

NEWARK, N.J. — Screeners at Newark Liberty International Airport, one of the starting points for the Sept. 11 hijackers, failed 20 of 22 security tests conducted by undercover U.S. agents last week, missing concealed bombs and guns at checkpoints throughout the major air hub's three terminals, according to federal security officials.

The tests, conducted Oct. 19 by Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents, also revealed failures by screeners to follow standard operating procedures while checking passengers and their baggage for prohibited items, said the officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

"We can do better, and training is the path to improved performance," said Mark Hatfield Jr., the Newark airport's federal security director. The poor test results at Newark come after heightened security procedures that the TSA put in place at U.S. airports in August.

One of the security officials familiar with last week's tests said Newark screeners missed fake explosive devices hidden under bottles of water in carry-on luggage, taped beneath an agent's clothing and concealed under a leg bandage another tester wore.

[dkofos]

1. But they sure did collect alot of shampoo and perfume.

[magellan]

2. REGRESSION: the last six years under Bush**

Lots of laws that curb and intrude on our rights and liberties, but nothing tangible done regarding our security -- unless of course you count the two wars Bush** started that have only bred more terrorists.