Case Study: Random Security Screening Selection at U.S. Airports

This case study was produced by myself and several classmates for our Homeland Security: Social and Ethical Issues at Penn State University.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA.gov) is a division of the Department of Homeland Security and was created after the events that occurred on September 11^th, 2001. One of the primary functions of the TSA is passenger screenings at U.S. airports. Currently, across the United States and its territories, passenger screening is conducted at about 450 airports. (APSBIC, 2009) One of the multiple layers within the Aviation Security Apparatus is Random Security Screenings. This approach permits TSA to select passengers at will for additional, on-the-spot security checks. (TSA.gov)

Advocates of Random Security Screenings argue the following: (1) This process results in better security at airports in the United States and is part of the security process that has prevented additional terror attacks since 9/11. (2) Airline travel is not a required form of travel, and alternative methods can be used for transportation if security processes make travelers uncomfortable.  (3) This process speeds up security lines at the airport, as only randomly selected passengers have to undergo lengthier checks. (4) This practice empowers TSA agents to focus on those who show signs of posing a threat to travelers.

Opponents of Random Security Screenings counter this argument with the following: (1) It is a clear violation of the Constitution, in particular the Fourth Amendment right to be free from unreasonable searches and seizures. (2) This policy allows for Government-sanctioned profiling, and minorities and foreigners are frequently the ones selected, while the excuse of “random” selection can always be claimed.  (3) Complaining about security practices is considered an “indicator” of possible ill-intent for TSA, meaning that exercising the First Amendment right to freedom of speech could subject you to additional security checks. (4) Finally, the strategy is proving to be ineffective. A large-scale test overseen by TSA’s parent agency, the Department of Homeland Security, showed massive failures at TSA check points in June of 2015.

In closing, the Random Security Screening mechanism is a controversial issue among civil liberty and national security advocates. TSA argues that this method provides an additional layer of security by requiring additional screening for potential threats within the pool of passengers, but still struggles to justify this tactic. Critics continue to argue that Random Security Screenings are a violation of the Constitutional rights of the American public, and subjects certain parts of the population to further scrutiny unjustly. Just as the debate surrounding the TSA’s random security checks practice will continue, so will the practice itself. TSA and its security processes continue to exemplify Americans’ constant search for the perfect balance between their safety and their rights.  

I felt this was a good post considering the article that I posted about BDO's and TSA yesterday.

Good Luck and Good Hunting