Transportation Security Administration

A U.S. agency, created following the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, that is charged with developing policies [Page 735]to ensure the safety of U.S. air traffic and other forms of traffic. The mission of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is to protect the transportation systems of the United States, while ensuring freedom of movement for people and commerce. Airport security and preventing aircraft hijacking are important concerns of the TSA.

The public face of the Transportation Security Administration is seen in the form of uniformed screen-ers at airports as part of airport security. Screeners examine both passengers, through a rigorous screening process including X-rays, and luggage, through larger screening machines. Screeners and some of their administrative procedures, including the list of banned items (which has included items such as fingernail clippers and knitting needles), have been subject to criticism. Overall, Americans and other foreign travelers have accepted increased security measures, as expressed by the TSA, as part of the post-9/11 world.

The TSA is also concerned with threats—such as shoulder-fired missiles—at and around airports and the profiling or screening of passengers, sometimes using computers and information technologies. The policies and actions of the Transportation Security Administration have been and will continue to be subject to executive, legislative, and judicial scrutiny.