We found this at WCBSTV.com
For First Time, Airport Workers To Be Screened
Sources: Foiled London Plot Inspired New Protocol
(CBS) NEW YORK Airport workers are finding themselves subject to surprise screenings as the government issues new security tactics at airports nationwide. The changes are a direct response to this year’s foiled plot to blow-up America-bound airplanes.Baggage handlers, gate agents, ramp workers and other airport employees who in the past were not subject to any security searches before the enter restricted and secure areas are now being targeted in this latest government effort to make airports safer.CBS 2 was given exclusive access at Newark Liberty Airport as inspectors from the Transportation Security Administration performed random searches on airport workers for the first time ever.”We are entering a whole new arena of airport security mix here,” said Mark Hatfield, Newark Liberty’s Federal Security Director. “We’re looking for explosives and components of explosives, much the way we are screening passengers.”Hatfield says the new measures are being expanded to airports nationwide. “it’s not because we have suspicions about the employees, but we know they represent a body of people that terrorists can hide among,” he said.Sources say that the London terror plot foiled in August prompted U.S. officials to ramp up security after United Kingdom officials disclosed that some of the men arrested were airport workers. Until today, airport workers in the U.S. only went through an initial background check in order to get hired.
“I understood that they went through security background checks, but now I feel a lot better knowing that they are being screened,” said air traveler J.D. McGraw.“I do feel that all the people that escort you and check you in should be checked,” said another passenger.
Corra says it is really about time on this one. Not only search current employees but run periodic background checks to review their criminal and credit records. Credit records can help show behavior patterns and can often tell you who may be susceptible to smuggling or thievery in order to pay their debts. These are often the people who will often steal proprietary information, including databases and intellectual property.
As for the airport workers, at it takes is one rotten and subversive apple to affect millions of people while affecting the lives of hundred of families. With terror such a threat, we should monitor everything we possibly can. No one should be working or walking around an airport free of scrutiny.
Check them out before they hurt you.
