By Bob Burns & Jennifer Lapidow, the TSA
There are a lot more than 10 things we could tell you, but we kept the list at 10 for brevity.
We don’t want to stray into “Too Long Didn’t Read (TLDR)” territory.
We hope we teach you something new today!
1. The Federal Air Marshal Service is part of TSA
Federal air marshals fly millions of miles each year while patrolling our skies.
Watch this video to learn about the men and women of the Federal Air Marshal Service who are highly trained law-enforcement professionals dedicated to making the nation’s transportation systems safe and secure.
(Courtesy of the TSA and YouTube)
2. We work around the world to keep all direct flights to the United States secure
Just because you’re flying from abroad doesn’t mean TSA isn’t still protecting you!
Although best known for our work INSIDE the United States, we are also working around the world to ensure a high level of security for flights into the United States.
This includes our work with other nations to strengthen global aviation security.
Watch this video to learn more about international aviation security.
(Courtesy of the TSA and YouTube)
3. We train our own explosives detection canines
We have over 900 fuzzy canine colleagues working hard to detect explosives in our airports around the nation.
Watch this video to learn how TSA trains canine teams to be a reliable resource at detecting explosives.
Highly trained, these teams operate in the aviation, multimodal, maritime, mass transit and cargo environments.
(Courtesy of the TSA and YouTube)
4. The airport isn’t the only place TSA exercises counterterrorism measures
Approximately 26 million daily trips are taken on public transportation.
We inspect countless miles of roadway, railroad track, bridges and tunnels to ensure safety and security.
Within the surface transportation systems, our primary security focus is oversight, cooperation and regulation.
Along with industry partners, we safeguard all four general modes of land-based transportation: mass transit, freight rail, highway motor carrier and pipeline; and support maritime security efforts.
(Courtesy of DHS Science and Technology Directorate and YouTube)
5. Security measures begin long before you arrive at the airport
We work closely with intelligence and law enforcement communities to share information.
Additional security measures are in place from the time you make a reservation until you get to your destination.
We adjust our processes and procedures to meet the evolving threat and achieve the highest levels of transportation security.
Because of this, you may notice changes in our procedures from time to time. View our transportations security timeline to learn more.
(TSA has 20 integrated components, that we call the Layers of Security, working together to keep you secure . The layers are both seen and unseen and work like a very complex combination safe designed to keep our adversaries at bay and our transportation systems safe. Courtesy of the TSA and YouTube)
6. The time your baggage spends with TSA is relatively short
Compared to the entire journey to your flight, the time your checked baggage spends with TSA is not that long.
Watch this video to learn about inline baggage screening systems, which remotely screen and clear a bag no physical inspection.
We screen approximately 1.3 million checked and 4.9 million carry-on bags for explosives and other items daily.
(Courtesy of the TSA and YouTube)
7. TSA has an Innovation Task Force
It’s no secret that the threat from terrorism is continuously evolving and imaginative.
That’s why TSA is working aggressively and creatively to counter terrorist operations and protect the nation’s transportation systems.
Read our blog post to learn more about the task force, or view the video below.
(This TSA innovation task force manager works with industry partners to develop and deploy new technologies for enhanced security at U.S. airports. Courtesy of the TSA and YouTube)
8. Over 5 million trusted travelers are screened in 5 minutes or less with TSA Pre✓®
TSA Pre✓® is a component of our intelligence-driven, risk-based security approach used to provide the most effective security in the most efficient way.
With a 5 year, $85 membership, you can speed through security and you won’t need to remove your shoes, laptops, liquids, belts and light jackets.
Learn more about TSA Pre✓® and sign up today!
(The TSA Pre✓® application program allows U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents to directly apply for TSA Pre✓® expedited screening. Be part of an expedited security screening program that helps take the stress out of travel. No need to remove shoes, laptops, liquids, belts and light jackets. Courtesy of the TSA and YouTube)
9. TSA officers discovered an average of 9 firearms a day in carry-on bags in 2016
You read that correctly.
In 2016, TSA officers detected 3,391 firearms in carry-on bags at airport checkpoints around the nation. 2,815 of the 3,391 firearms were loaded.
See which airports discovered the most firearms and other interesting information by reading our 2016 Year-In-Review blog post.
(Our officers have kept a lot of dangerous and often times wacky items off of commercial aircraft this year. We’d like to share some of those items with you in our #TopTen Most Unusual Finds of 2016! Courtesy of the TSA and YouTube)
10. We train new hires at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center
TSA training of new hires used to occur at the airports.
In January 2016, we centralized our training for new-hires at the TSA Academy within the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center to centralize our training.
The transition to the TSA Academy provides a common level of training for TSA officers while, achieving stronger consistency across airports.
Watch this video to learn more about the academy.
(Learn about the TSA Academy at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center. Located in Georgia, this basic training is now required for all new TSA officers. Courtesy of the TSA and YouTube)
Original post https://www.tsa.gov/blog/2017/10/13/10-things-you-might-not-know-about-tsa
