TSA's Actions in Response to DHS Inspector General's Recommendations
News & Happenings
September 7, 2007
OIG Recommendation: Establish guidance and training on intent of regulations.
- TSA hosted intensive 3-day training in October '06
- TSA continually publishes Q&A documents for inspectors
- TSA Headquarters conducts bi-weekly teleconferences
- TSA posts Q&As on industry web boards
OIG Recommendation: Establish specific procedures on how to improve inspections.
- TSA holds four weeks of core inspector training
- TSA's New Cargo Inspectors complete a 2 week on-the-job training program
- TSA Fiscal year 08 inspection plan directs nighttime and weekend inspection activities; increases use of observation and interview
- TSA has increased the frequency and scope of cargo strike "surge" activities
OIG Recommendation: Establish what aspects of the security program requirements should be inspected and how often.
- TSA inspection plan has no limit to the frequency of inspections
- TSA developed higher-risk inspection protocols
- TSA has directed an increased focus on passenger air cargo operations and has established minimum annual inspection requirements
- TSA has increased the frequency of covert testing activities
OIG Recommendation: Establish quality control program for inspections.
- TSA reiterates the importance of consistency to field staff at bi-weekly teleconferences
- TSA inspection plan contains specific quality control directions for field supervisors
- TSA has begun a spot-check review process
OIG Recommendation: Provide sufficient resources to the cargo program.
- TSA is hiring 150 more cargo inspectors
- TSA is deploying 170 more canine teams
- TSA has provided 110 vehicles to its cargo inspectors
- TSA has furnished Personal Digital Assistants to all cargo inspectors
- TSA has provided high visibility jackets to all inspectors for easy identification and to provide a visible deterrent
OIG Recommendation: Upgrade PARIS to accommodate inspection reporting enhancements.
- Proposed modifications of PARIS application to:
- Facilitate reporting
- Evaluate reporting risks and trends
- Released new version of PARIS in April with enhanced reporting capabilities
OIG Recommendation: Educate the PARIS Users.
- Propose (in FY08) new Internal Quality Assurance Manual to be used in reviewing and approving PARIS records
- A supplement to the PARIS user manual has been provided that illustrates all changes associated with the new version of PARIS
