The US Transportation Security Administration says officers need to be armed at ticketing and airport security counters during peak hours.

The report, which is now being sent to Congress for approval, is the result of investigations following a major review of procedures related to the November 1 2013 shootings at Los Angeles Airport which killed one TSA officer, injured two others and also one passenger.

The report also recommends more intensive training and exercises to help prepare for deadly situations like last November’s tragedy. It also follows criticism from Los Angeles World Airports that communication could have been better between the various security agencies in the first stages of the incident.

The report, entitled: ‘Enhancing TSA Officer Safety and Security at Airports: Agency Actions and Path Forward,’ is aimed at improving security at all checkpoints nationwide.

 

 

TSA EMPLOYEE INPUT
Commenting on the report, TSA Administrator John S. Pistole said: “Following the incident at LAX last year, which shocked and saddened us all, I ordered a comprehensive review of policies and procedures at LAX and airports across the country.

“The report released today outlines the actions TSA took immediately following the shooting and new procedures to enhance the safety and security of TSA employees nationwide, especially those who work on the frontlines each and every day to protect the traveling public.

 

 

“We sought the input of all TSA employees through a variety of mechanisms such as town hall meetings and the online Idea Factory. Ideas were submitted from all levels of the organization, to include our frontline officers and Federal Security Directors,” said Pistole.

[Meanwhile, Paul Anthony Ciancia remains in custody facing charges of murder, attempted murder and other charges-Ed].

Any readers wishing to read the whole security report can find it here: http://www.tsa.gov/sites/default/files/assets/pdf/TSA_Report_EnhancingTSAOfficerSafetySecurity.pdf