Official website of the Department of Homeland Security
To mark the 10-year anniversary of the September 11th terrorist attacks, TSA partnered with the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of American History for the display "September 11: Remembrance and Reflection." The display was open September 3rd through September 11th.
Remarks Prepared for Delivery by TSA Administrator John S. Pistole
GBTA Conference – Denver, CO
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Good afternoon. Thanks Mike, I appreciate that kind introduction. I’m grateful to share some thoughts with you on the state of transportation security – noting that as GBTA members, you comprise the world’s largest network of business travel professionals so it’s an honor to be here.
Ramadan, a religious event for persons of the Muslim faith, begins on August 1, 2011, and ends on August 29, 2011. TSA understands that this is a significant religious event for the Muslim community. TSA has reminded its security workforce that passengers may be observed in various areas in the airport - including in security checkpoints - or on aircraft, engaged in religious practices and meditations during Ramadan. TSA would also like to inform the traveling public that they may notice passengers observing Ramadan engaging in the following activities:
WASHINGTON – As part of its ongoing commitment to take smart steps to maintain high level security standards while also improving the passenger experience at checkpoints, Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Administrator John S. Pistole today announced that TSA will begin installing new software on TSA's millimeter wave Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) machines—making upgrades designed to enhance privacy by eliminating passenger-specific images. This new software, also referred to as Automated Target Recognition (ATR), will auto-detect items that could pose a potential threat using a generic outline of a person for all passengers. In the coming months, TSA will install the software upgrade on all currently deployed millimeter wave imaging technology units at U.S. airports nationwide.
WASHINGTON – Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Administrator John S. Pistole spoke today with aviation stakeholders to provide an update on TSA's ongoing efforts to implement risk-based, intelligence-driven security measures. As part of the discussion, Pistole provided details on the agency's plan to conduct a pilot program in the coming months to enhance TSA's identity-based, pre-flight screening capabilities and provide trusted travelers with expedited screening.
“TSA recently briefed air carriers and foreign partners to provide greater insights into recent intelligence indicating the continued interest of terrorists to target aviation. Due to the significant advances in global aviation security in recent years, terrorist groups have repeatedly and publicly indicated interest in pursuing ways to further conceal explosives.
“The Federal Labor Relations Authority (FLRA) has completed the initial counting of the ballots in the runoff union election at TSA. The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) has received a majority of the ballots that were cast. The results remain preliminary until they are certified by the FLRA.
WASHINGTON – The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced today that it has proposed the removal of more than 30 Honolulu International Airport (HNL) TSA employees following an extensive investigation into allegations of improper screening of checked baggage.
Address by
John S. Pistole
Administrator
Transportation Security Administration
on
Strategic Aviation Partnerships and the
Evolution of Aviation Security Challenges
before the
83rd Annual AAAE Conference & Exposition
May 18, 2011
(as prepared for delivery)
Thank you for that kind introduction. I had the opportunity to speak at AAAE’s annual Aviation Security Summit last December and it’s good to be back with you.
"TSA continually evaluates the latest threats and screening measures which are implemented based on the latest intelligence. As always, passengers may notice a variety of security measures at U.S. airports to include the use of physical bag checks, random gate screening, explosives detection technology, canine teams and behavior detection officers. We ask the traveling public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities."
