Audit criticizes TSA screener training

[The Straight Story]

Audit criticizes TSA screener training

The Transportation Security Administration needs to better prepare airport screeners, in part by standardizing the training process, according to a report from the Homeland Security inspector general's office.

The report comes at a time of increased scrutiny for TSA because of controversy over body scanners in airports and other proposed security measures. Some groups concerned with privacy issues are urging passengers to boycott the scanners during upcoming holiday travel. TSA's process for updating screener training is informal and undocumented, and the agency lacks strong oversight of the program, which includes 40 hours in the classroom and 60 hours of on-the-job instruction.

The IG report said the agency's on-the-job training also needs improvement. While a TSA official "recognized the importance of a standardized, structured on-the-job training program ... TSA was unable to provide documentation of the accomplishments" of established work groups to improve the program. TSA also has failed to implement a formal program for selecting and dispatching qualified on-the-job training monitors.

On-the-job instruction also lacked consistency. At some airports included in the audit, one monitor oversaw trainees, while at other airports several monitors helped train new hires. TSA officials acknowledged in the report "the agency did not strategically plan and document ... training development from the onset due to the urgent need to initiate operations in the aftermath" of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

http://www.govexec.com/story_page.cfm?articleid=46574&oref=todaysnews

[Lindsay]

1. It's been 9 freaking years

since Sept. 11, 2001.

I think the urgency excuse for lack of training has worn a bit thin by now.