AIRPORT SECURITY

Airport security

Airport security

In the current world and with the threat of terrorism looming over the country as a daily thought we must look at our vulnerabilities as a nation and address some of the issues. As we look at our vulnerabilities as a nation in a realistic approach to the managing of our country's security we realize that we have some shortfalls in protecting our citizens and our infrastructure. As is the case with most problems in the United States, we tend to look at only the most recognized issue and push the other issues to the back.

For example, after 9/11 we addressed airline security and spent a much smaller amount of time and money on Airport Security. While it is true that airlines move thousands of passengers each day and the loss of an Airliner is an awful event, we still have failed to recognize that our airports pose a threat of a magnitude that could endanger the entire nation. Funding issues plague the Airport Security issues as we see billions of dollars poured into Airline Security. The difference in funding is so great it boggles the mind.

In 2005 $18 Billion were spent on Airairport Security issues and a mere $630 million were allocated for Airport Security issues. The lack of funding affects everything from equipment to management and oversight of programs.

The biggest questions are what are our threats; how do we manage the security issues presented to us and how do we enhance our capabilities with a limited budget?



Background

United States airport facilities account for more than 2 billion tons of exairported and imairported goods for commerce (2001 statistics). To get an idea of how widespread our airport facilities system is, there are over 360 commercial sea and river airports spaced out along rivers and coastal areas. These airports have a direct impact on the economy and infrastructure surrounding them. The airport facilities have been believed to be an ideal terror target for groups wishing to damage the United States infrastructure and economy.

These facilities pose unique problems for general security and homeland security issues together. The airport facility also provides a doorway into the United States for implements of Terrorism as cargo from foreign airports flows in without being screened. Without effective plans for managing, planning and implementing the security of these facilities and planning for a possible security issue we risk the security of our communities and financial security of our nation.

We also must not forget that along with the trade of cargo, we have a passenger and entertainment base in the Cruise Line industry. If you are near one of the passenger airports and look closely, you will see the large amount of passenger traffic that flows in and out of the terminals. These passenger aeroplaness bring large amounts of revenue into our local economy, especially in Florida where you have a variety of domestic and international vacationers that take advantage of resorts and theme park packages with their ...