alexmc22
Sept 25, 2012
Former TSA officer Jonathan Best, 31 years old, of Port St Lucie, FL was sentenced today in New Haven by U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall to 6 years and 4 months in prison and an additional 3 years of probation. Best plead guilty to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute oxycodone. Two other former TSA officers and one former New York police officer also plead guilty in the case. Christopher Allen, 45, of Palm Beach Gardens was also involved in the operation.
Best accepted cash to allow the oxycodone through airport security and also agreed to travel to Connecticut to help launder the profit. The drugs were smuggled through Palm Beach International airport where Best worked. Best and Allen helped move tens of thousands of oxycodone pills through Palm beach International starting in December, 2011 by allowing the traffickers to pass through security with the oxycodone.
the DEA Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force received a tip in April that kicked off the investigation into their drug smuggling operation. The leader of the operation was arrested and told police he would give
Best or Allen money or gift cards in exchange for passage. He admitted
to carrying up to 8,000 pills per trip. Best used the money to pay off his house and credit cards. Allen is to be sentenced in November.
Seattle Times
The Palm Beach Post
Showing posts with label TSA. Show all posts
Showing posts with label TSA. Show all posts
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Monday, September 24, 2012
TSA Complaint Letters
alexmc22
Sept 24, 2012
Because of a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request from February 11, 2011 a copy of complaint letters sent to the TSA has been released as of September 3, 2012.
This link will take you to the .PDF
TSA Complaint Letters
Sept 24, 2012
Because of a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request from February 11, 2011 a copy of complaint letters sent to the TSA has been released as of September 3, 2012.
This link will take you to the .PDF
TSA Complaint Letters
TSA Labor Contract
alexmc22
Sept 24, 2012
On October 1st the TSA will begin voting on it's first labor contract. This contract would end the Performance Evaluation and Standards System (PASS) system and replace it with a more quality based evaluation system rather than the current quantity based system.
The contract places strong emphasis on advantages for seniority and would reform the leave process and shift trading/bidding process. The contract will also create new awards for the officers at local and national levels and double the $232 per year uniform allowance.
Voting for TSA officers is set to take place at major airports and by mail. A majority vote will ratify the 3 year contract with the American Federation of Government Employees. the AFGE supported the bill saying the contract will help the TSA in their mission.
GovExec
Sept 24, 2012
On October 1st the TSA will begin voting on it's first labor contract. This contract would end the Performance Evaluation and Standards System (PASS) system and replace it with a more quality based evaluation system rather than the current quantity based system.
The contract places strong emphasis on advantages for seniority and would reform the leave process and shift trading/bidding process. The contract will also create new awards for the officers at local and national levels and double the $232 per year uniform allowance.
Voting for TSA officers is set to take place at major airports and by mail. A majority vote will ratify the 3 year contract with the American Federation of Government Employees. the AFGE supported the bill saying the contract will help the TSA in their mission.
GovExec
TSA Purchases Next-Gen AIT Body Scanners
alexmc22
Sept 24, 2012
The TSA has spent $490 million on next generation smaller and faster AIT body scanners. This newer system hides the passengers nude body by displaying a generic image of the human body while flagging suspected items that the scanner picks up.
The device is manufactured by L-3 Communications Corp. and American Science and Engineering Inc.who have both been awarded a $245 million 5 year contract.
Agency officials say the new machines will enhance threat detection and speed up passenger lines. They also say the new machines can distinguish between metallic and non-metallic items. It can explosive components and plastic threats.
The number of machines purchased and where they will be used has not been disclosed.
NextGov
Sept 24, 2012
The TSA has spent $490 million on next generation smaller and faster AIT body scanners. This newer system hides the passengers nude body by displaying a generic image of the human body while flagging suspected items that the scanner picks up.
The device is manufactured by L-3 Communications Corp. and American Science and Engineering Inc.who have both been awarded a $245 million 5 year contract.
Agency officials say the new machines will enhance threat detection and speed up passenger lines. They also say the new machines can distinguish between metallic and non-metallic items. It can explosive components and plastic threats.
The number of machines purchased and where they will be used has not been disclosed.
NextGov
TSA To Roll Out the QS-B220 Quantum Sniffer
alexmc22
Sept 24, 2012
The Quantum Sniffer QS-B220 is a desktop explosives and drugs detector. The QS-B220 collects particulate matter and can detect a wide range of explosives and drugs down to the parts per trillion. This QS-B220 produces non-radioactive ions which make it cheaper to operate and easier to transport due to regulations relating to radioactive devices such as the AIT full body scanners.
It is manufactured by Implant Sciences Corp. who tout it's low cost, effectiveness, ease of use and automatic calibration. According to Implant Sciences possible errors are eliminated because the QS-B220 automatically calibrates itself according to it's environment. The device takes about 30 minutes to warm up and only takes about 10 seconds to "clear-down". The QS-B220 can collect a minimum of 180 samples per hour as long as there are no detections.
It is in the final testing phase before receiving certification from the Transportation Security Laboratory (TSL) which does testing for the TSA. The TSA will use the device to inspect cargo at airports. The QS-B220 is already in use by many corporations and governments around the world.
The Implant Services Corporation stock (IMSC.PK) has risen recently due to anticipation of the QS-B220's use by the TSA.
Implant Sciences
Seeking Alpha Financial News
Yahoo Finance
Sept 24, 2012
The Quantum Sniffer QS-B220 is a desktop explosives and drugs detector. The QS-B220 collects particulate matter and can detect a wide range of explosives and drugs down to the parts per trillion. This QS-B220 produces non-radioactive ions which make it cheaper to operate and easier to transport due to regulations relating to radioactive devices such as the AIT full body scanners.
It is manufactured by Implant Sciences Corp. who tout it's low cost, effectiveness, ease of use and automatic calibration. According to Implant Sciences possible errors are eliminated because the QS-B220 automatically calibrates itself according to it's environment. The device takes about 30 minutes to warm up and only takes about 10 seconds to "clear-down". The QS-B220 can collect a minimum of 180 samples per hour as long as there are no detections.
It is in the final testing phase before receiving certification from the Transportation Security Laboratory (TSL) which does testing for the TSA. The TSA will use the device to inspect cargo at airports. The QS-B220 is already in use by many corporations and governments around the world.
The Implant Services Corporation stock (IMSC.PK) has risen recently due to anticipation of the QS-B220's use by the TSA.
Implant Sciences
Seeking Alpha Financial News
Yahoo Finance
Flight Attendants Gun Goes Off At Philidelphia Airport
alexmc22
Sept 24, 2012
On September 24, 2012 Republic Airlines flight attendant Jaclyn Luby from West Goshen Township, Pennsylvania entered Philadelphia airport at around 6:50am ET with a .38 caliber Smith & Wesson in her carry on luggage.
The flight attendant is a licensed gun owner with a valid concealed weapons permit. She told police she forgot to remove it from her bag before going into the airport for work.
A TSA agent at terminal C noticed the gun when the bag went through an x-ray scanner and promptly notified police. Jaclyn was immediately taken into police custody and brought to another room. A Philadelphia police officer confiscated the gun. As the officer attempted to remove the ammunition from the gun it discharged and the bullet entered an occupied TSA employee break room where one agent was sitting. No one was injured as a result of the incident.
The flight attendant was given a citation for disorderly conduct and then released. The attendant works for Republic Airlines which operates flights for US Airways. The flight was headed to Dallas, TX and arrived on time since a replacement flight attendant boarded the flight. The incident is being investigated by Philadelphia police internal affairs and the officer is going through firearms retraining.
Video Report by NBC Philidelphia
NBC News
ABC News
Huffington Post
Sept 24, 2012
On September 24, 2012 Republic Airlines flight attendant Jaclyn Luby from West Goshen Township, Pennsylvania entered Philadelphia airport at around 6:50am ET with a .38 caliber Smith & Wesson in her carry on luggage.
The flight attendant is a licensed gun owner with a valid concealed weapons permit. She told police she forgot to remove it from her bag before going into the airport for work.
A TSA agent at terminal C noticed the gun when the bag went through an x-ray scanner and promptly notified police. Jaclyn was immediately taken into police custody and brought to another room. A Philadelphia police officer confiscated the gun. As the officer attempted to remove the ammunition from the gun it discharged and the bullet entered an occupied TSA employee break room where one agent was sitting. No one was injured as a result of the incident.
The flight attendant was given a citation for disorderly conduct and then released. The attendant works for Republic Airlines which operates flights for US Airways. The flight was headed to Dallas, TX and arrived on time since a replacement flight attendant boarded the flight. The incident is being investigated by Philadelphia police internal affairs and the officer is going through firearms retraining.
Video Report by NBC Philidelphia
NBC News
ABC News
Huffington Post
Sunday, September 23, 2012
TSA Less Effective than Private Contractors Study Shows
alexmc22
Sept 24, 2012
An article in the September 24th issue of Forbes magazine quotes a study conducted by the House Transportation & Infrastructure committee of how screening conducted at Los Angeles airport compares with screening conducted at San Fransisco's airport. At the Los Angeles airport screening is conducted by the TSA. San Fransisco, however, is one of only 16 airports that employs a private contractor for screening passengers.
The study found that in San Fransisco screeners processed 65% more passengers per screener than Los Angeles. They use the same type of equipment and procedures as Los Angeles. At both airports screeners are payed the same and receive the same benefits. The turnover rate is also lower in San Fransisco.
The article goes on to quote Robert Poole of Reason Foundation who says that the TSA has inherent problems because it is self regulated and has a conflict of interest. He says this because the TSA is appointed to but not hired by the airports and therefore the TSA has no competition. Poole quoted a USA today study that found Los Angeles security to miss three times as many hidden bomb materials as San Fransisco. The Government Accountability Office, however, claims these studies to be flawed.
Poole recommends the TSA not be in charge of directly managing airport security but rather they should set standards that airport security must meet. He thinks that privately contracted security companies should need a TSA certification in order to run airport security. The article also claims the "The U.S. is violating policy set by the International Civil Aviation Organization, of which the U.S. is a member." in regards to the TSA managing airport security.
Forbes
Sept 24, 2012
An article in the September 24th issue of Forbes magazine quotes a study conducted by the House Transportation & Infrastructure committee of how screening conducted at Los Angeles airport compares with screening conducted at San Fransisco's airport. At the Los Angeles airport screening is conducted by the TSA. San Fransisco, however, is one of only 16 airports that employs a private contractor for screening passengers.
The study found that in San Fransisco screeners processed 65% more passengers per screener than Los Angeles. They use the same type of equipment and procedures as Los Angeles. At both airports screeners are payed the same and receive the same benefits. The turnover rate is also lower in San Fransisco.
The article goes on to quote Robert Poole of Reason Foundation who says that the TSA has inherent problems because it is self regulated and has a conflict of interest. He says this because the TSA is appointed to but not hired by the airports and therefore the TSA has no competition. Poole quoted a USA today study that found Los Angeles security to miss three times as many hidden bomb materials as San Fransisco. The Government Accountability Office, however, claims these studies to be flawed.
Poole recommends the TSA not be in charge of directly managing airport security but rather they should set standards that airport security must meet. He thinks that privately contracted security companies should need a TSA certification in order to run airport security. The article also claims the "The U.S. is violating policy set by the International Civil Aviation Organization, of which the U.S. is a member." in regards to the TSA managing airport security.
Forbes
TSA Confronted by Courts Over AIT Body Scanners and Administrative Procedures Act
alexmc22
Sept 23, 2012
The TSA denied that it is stonewalling a July 15, 2011 federal appeals court decision that demands prompt implementation of public hearings about the AIT body scanning devices as well as the public adoption of rules and regulations regarding their use.
On August 1, 2012 the court ordered the TSA to explain why this has not been done. The TSA responded by saying that they expect to have a notice published in the Federal Register that will open up the AIT body scanning devices to public comments and hearings by February.
The court ruled that the TSA had violated the Administrative Procedures Act which requires a 90 day public notice and comment period prior to rolling out the AIT body scanners as the primary method of screening. The Act mandates that this period must be held prior to implementing any rules that substantially effect the rights of the public.
The TSA was not reprimanded for it's breach of federal law. The TSA argued that the 90 day notice and comment period would hinder their ability to fight ever evolving terrorist threats.
The AIT body scanners have been criticized for invading privacy as well posing a health risk due to the radiation involved with the AIT scanners. The TSA said that it has enhanced privacy protection through automated target recognition technology.
Link to this article
Sept 23, 2012
The TSA denied that it is stonewalling a July 15, 2011 federal appeals court decision that demands prompt implementation of public hearings about the AIT body scanning devices as well as the public adoption of rules and regulations regarding their use.
On August 1, 2012 the court ordered the TSA to explain why this has not been done. The TSA responded by saying that they expect to have a notice published in the Federal Register that will open up the AIT body scanning devices to public comments and hearings by February.
The court ruled that the TSA had violated the Administrative Procedures Act which requires a 90 day public notice and comment period prior to rolling out the AIT body scanners as the primary method of screening. The Act mandates that this period must be held prior to implementing any rules that substantially effect the rights of the public.
The TSA was not reprimanded for it's breach of federal law. The TSA argued that the 90 day notice and comment period would hinder their ability to fight ever evolving terrorist threats.
The AIT body scanners have been criticized for invading privacy as well posing a health risk due to the radiation involved with the AIT scanners. The TSA said that it has enhanced privacy protection through automated target recognition technology.
Link to this article
TSA Detains Woman for Bad Attitude
alexmc22
Sept 23, 2012
ABC news reported that a woman who was detained by TSA agents for having a bad attitude has lashed back by posting a video of the incident on youtube.
The woman was detained and not allowed to board her plane because she drank her water instead of allowing the TSA agent to probe it for explosive material.
According to the TSA's statement this was in compliance with standard procedures. The woman had purchased the water after she had already been through airport security.
Sept 23, 2012
ABC news reported that a woman who was detained by TSA agents for having a bad attitude has lashed back by posting a video of the incident on youtube.
The woman was detained and not allowed to board her plane because she drank her water instead of allowing the TSA agent to probe it for explosive material.
According to the TSA's statement this was in compliance with standard procedures. The woman had purchased the water after she had already been through airport security.
TSA Gets a Bigger Budget for 2012
HStoday reported that although the overall Department of Homeland Security budget was cut to $39.6 billion the TSA received a bigger portion for 2012. The TSA budget this year is $7.85 billion which is a $153 million increase from 2011.
The TSA will use this money to help purchase 250 more full body scanners or "Advanced Imaging Technology" devices. A congressional conference committee approved the purchase and roll out of the new machines. This effectively shot down a house bill that would have denied the spending before it even went to vote.
In addition to the AIT devices the money is set to be used for "140 new behavior detection officers, 12 additional multi-modal Visible Intermodal Prevention and Response (VIPR) teams, 20 additional explosives detection canine teams, and 53 air cargo security staffers."
The TSA is allowed to employ 46,000 people in full time positions this year.
The TSA will use this money to help purchase 250 more full body scanners or "Advanced Imaging Technology" devices. A congressional conference committee approved the purchase and roll out of the new machines. This effectively shot down a house bill that would have denied the spending before it even went to vote.
In addition to the AIT devices the money is set to be used for "140 new behavior detection officers, 12 additional multi-modal Visible Intermodal Prevention and Response (VIPR) teams, 20 additional explosives detection canine teams, and 53 air cargo security staffers."
The TSA is allowed to employ 46,000 people in full time positions this year.
What is the TSA?
TSA stands for Transportation Security Administration. It was founded under the Aviation and Transportation Security Act after being passed by the 107th congress and signed into law by president George W. Bush on November 19, 2001 . It was originally part of the Department of Transportation and as of March 25, 2003 is now part of the Department of Homeland Security.
According to their website www.tsa.gov the Transportation Security Administration's mission statement is to protect the Nation’s transportation systems to ensure freedom of movement for people and commerce.
The TSA's official vision statement is to continuously set the standard for excellence in transportation security through its people, processes, and technology. Their main purpose is to look for bombs at checkpoints in airports, inspect rail cars, patrol subways with law enforcement partners, and work to make all modes of transportation safe.
According to their website www.tsa.gov the Transportation Security Administration's mission statement is to protect the Nation’s transportation systems to ensure freedom of movement for people and commerce.
The TSA's official vision statement is to continuously set the standard for excellence in transportation security through its people, processes, and technology. Their main purpose is to look for bombs at checkpoints in airports, inspect rail cars, patrol subways with law enforcement partners, and work to make all modes of transportation safe.
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