Officer's Vigilance Leads to Discovery of Suspicious Items
News & Happenings
July 1, 2008
Lead Transportation Security Officer Brandon Alexander recently identified a suspicious item hidden in a book while screening a passenger's carry-on bag at Newark-Liberty (N.J.) International Airport. The inside of the book was carved out and contained a concealed, two-piece electronic device with wires and other mechanical components.
Bomb Appraisal Officer Mike Walsh interviewed the passenger and learned that four identical pieces of electronics were concealed in a book in the passenger's checked bag, along with a separate box of electronic components. The passenger told Walsh that she was an art student and the discovered material was an art project she was taking back to Germany.
The items were cleared and the passenger was allowed to fly, with no flight delays.
"In the world of threats to civil aviation it is this kind of vigilance and detection capabilities that assist TSA in meeting those threats and keeping the traveling public safe. We are very proud of our Newark officers," said Federal Security Director Barbara Powell.
