Transportation Security Administration
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is an agency of the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that has authority over the security of transportation systems within, and connecting to, the United States. It was created as a response to the September 11 attacks to improve airport security procedures and consolidate air travel security under a combined federal law enforcement and regulatory agency.
Some of the key events about Transportation Security Administration
- 2001Established to strengthen transportation security in response to the September 11 attacks
- 2002Implemented 100% checked baggage screening at airports nationwide
- 2002TSA screeners failed to detect fake bombs and weapons in undercover tests at several major airports
- 2003Launched the Federal Flight Deck Officer program to arm and train pilots
- 2006Introduced the Behavior Detection Officer program to identify suspicious behavior in airports
- 2006TSA implemented controversial liquid restrictions on carry-on items, inconveniencing travelers
- 2007Implemented new liquid restrictions for carry-on baggage to enhance security
- 2008Expanded the use of full-body scanners at airport checkpoints
- 2010Full-body scanners introduced, raising privacy concerns and health worries over radiation exposure
- 2011Introduced the TSA Pre✓® program for expedited screening of low-risk travelers
- 2011TSA faced criticism for invasive pat-downs, including touching of sensitive body areas
- 2013Expanded the TSA Pre✓® program to include more airlines and airports
- 2013TSA abandoned plans to allow small knives on planes after public and airline industry backlash
- 2015Undercover investigators smuggled fake explosives and weapons through TSA checkpoints 95% of the time
- 2016Implemented new screening procedures for electronics larger than cell phones
- 2016Long security lines at airports caused thousands of passengers to miss flights
- 2017TSA failed to detect test weapons and fake explosives at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport
- 2019TSA officers called in sick en masse during government shutdown, causing airport delays
- 2020Adapted screening procedures to address COVID-19 safety concerns in airports
- 2021TSA faced scrutiny for mask enforcement policies during COVID-19 pandemic
Disclaimer: This material is written based on information taken from open sources, including Wikipedia, news media, podcasts, and other public sources.