AVIATION SECURITY: Terrorist Acts Demonstrate Urgent Need to Improve Security at the Nation's Airports
Abstract
A safe and secure civil aviation system is a critical component of the nation's overall security, physical infrastructure, and economic foundation. Billions of dollars and a myriad of programs and policies have been devoted to achieving such a system. Although it is not fully known at this time what actually occurred or what all the weaknesses in the nation's aviation security apparatus are that contributed to the horrendous events of last week, it is clear that serious weaknesses exist in our aviation security system and that their impact can be far more devastating than previously imagined. We are here today to discuss the vulnerabilities that we have identified throughout the nation's aviation system. Our testimony is based on our prior work and includes assessments of security concerns with (1) aviation-related computer systems, (2) airport access controls, and (3) passenger and carry-on baggage screening, including how the United States and selected other countries differ in their screening practices. Our testimony will also offer some observations about improving aviation security in these various areas.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 20, 2001
- Accession Number
- ADA394647
Entities
People
- Gerald L. Dillingham
Organizations
- United States Government Accountability Office