(COMTEX) Weapons still eluding airport security
WASHINGTON, Sep 26, 2003 (United Press International via COMTEX) -- Potentially
lethal weapons are still getting past airport screeners two years after the
Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, congressional investigators say.
Despite tighter security at airports nationwide and the deployment of
government-paid screeners, guns and knives, along with boxcutters like those
used by the terrorists, are slipping through checkpoints, USA Today reported.
A report by the General Accounting Office, the investigative arm of Congress,
said the transportation security agency doesn't adequately train screeners or
keep track of how well they are performing.
"We have a huge army (of screeners) that's not working well," said Rep. John
Mica, R-Fla., chairman of a House aviation subcommittee.
Congress ordered private airport screeners to be replaced with a government
force to increase federal oversight of screening procedures and improve training
and supervision.
A security agency spokesman says screeners have found more than 1,000 prohibited
guns, more than two million knives and 50,000 box cutters.
Copyright 2003 by United Press International.
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