Airport Security In NJ – And The Nation – Is Lacking, Report Shows

A new federal Airport Security report finds the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has failed to address security breaches at Newark Liberty Airport.

The Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General launched an investigation, following a string of reported breaches, including passengers being allowed to go through security screening even though a full-body scanner had malfunctioned, and a bag containing a knife was allowed to go through - because it was never checked.

Their report determined the TSA does not have a complete understanding of breaches that are occurring at the nation’s airports, and misses opportunities to strengthen aviation security.

New Jersey U.S. Senator Frank Lautenberg, who requested the probe, says the report “identifies a gaping hole in our airport security system, and gives us a framework for how to improve security at Newark Liberty Airport, and all across the country.”

The TSA has acknowledged there are problems, and has implemented a “Back to Basics” campaign to reinforce passenger and baggage screening procedures for its security agents.