TSA EASES CARRY-ON SHARPS REGULATIONS                 [Top Of Page]

The U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recently announced that as of December 22, 2005, passengers will once again be able to carry small tools and scissors onboard aircraft.  Specifically, metal scissors with pointed tips and a cutting edge four inches or less, as measured from the fulcrum, are now allowed.  Metal scissors with blunt tips, plastic scissors and ostomy scissors will continue to be permitted.  Screwdrivers, wrenches, pliers and other tools (except crowbars, drills, hammers, and saws) seven inches or less in length are now permitted.  [For more details concerning TSA permitted and prohibited items, please see http://www.tsa.gov/public/.]

Passengers will continue to walk through metal detectors and have their carry-on and checked baggage screened.  The TSA expects to increase the number of random searches of individuals and their property, as officials believe that the unpredictability of searches is a key tactic to thwarting potential terrorists.  TSA Assistant Secretary Kip Hawley said that these changes would allow the Administration to focus resources on more serious threats, such as explosives.

To summarize, beginning December 22, travelers should expect:
- More checked and carry-on bags pulled aside, opened, and inspected
- More secondary searches after bags have been searched and you have passed through metal detectors
- Increased pat-downs
- More random searches using multiple search methods

If you plan to travel with one or more of the newly permitted items in your bags, check the TSA Web site for updateslobbying and legislative efforts may effect change to the Prohibited Items list quickly.  Realistically, it would be wise to heed pre-12/22 guidelines for a while, especially during the upcoming holiday travel season, and leave even more time for potential slowdowns at airport security checks.

It may seem at first consideration that the timing of these measures represent lax enforcement.  However, the TSA, which now has more experience, information and resources than when current policies were first put into place, may have a different mindset: introducing unpredictability to the screening process makes it tougher for anyone to beat the system.  These measures, combined with hardened aircraft cockpits on most planes, armed pilots on some flights and an extremely alert traveling public will to be limiting factors against anyone attempting to take control of an airplane.

If you are planning to travel to a destination where you have questions about your security, contact SecurAssist at info@securassist.com for further information.

The role of federal air marshals is expanding beyond airplanes:  in mid-December they engaged in a three-day test program of undercover counter-terror surveillance at train stations and other mass transit facilities.   According to an air marshal spokesperson, the goal of the program was to develop capabilities to enhance security outside of aviation.
The security teams consisted of two air marshals, a bomb sniffing canine team, one or two transportation security inspectors and a local law enforcement officer. 

Called VIPER (Visible Intermodal Protection and Response) teams, the patrolsboth public and covertdescended on rail lines in the Northeast and in Los Angeles; ferries in Washington state; bus depots in Houston; and mass transit systems in Atlanta, Philadelphia, Washington D.C. and Baltimore.

The efforts are not in response to new intelligence of terror threats, but rather as a means of expanding the role of marshals in securing all forms of transit.  Air marshals stepped outside of their usual role of flying undercover on airliners after Hurricane Katrina struck New Orleans. They were sent to keep order at Louis Armstrong International Airport, where thousands of evacuees converged after the levees were breached.

Thousands of air marshals were rushed into service after the September 11 terrorist attacks.  The exact number of currently-active air marshals is classified, but pilots estimate that they cover only a small percentage of flights. Prior efforts were made to expand coverage by cross-training other law enforcement officers to perform air marshal duties, but Congress put a stop to it.

The Transportation Security Administration hopes the test program will lead to new ways to deploy their resources quickly in the event of an actual threat.
 

FROM OUR FILES                         [Top Of Page]

Mishap in Mexico City

It was October 2005 in Mexico City when Marcus*, rushing for his return flight home, slipped and fell at the airport, wrenching his knee with a cry of pain. Medical staff at the airport evaluated his condition and recommended that he seek immediate treatment for his injury. 

Marcus coworker called Assist America to alert us to the situation. Within minutes, Marcus had a referral and transport to the best local advanced-care medical facility for evaluation.  He was admitted to the hospital as a patient without delay and underwent surgical repair for a fractured knee.  Assist Americas team monitored his progress and care throughout his stay.

Upon discharge, Marcus was not strong enough to handle the rigors of travel alone.  Assist America arranged for his wife to serve as a non-medical escort, in first class commercial airline seating to ensure enough room for leg extension.  Upon arrival to the U.S., Marcus and his wife found waiting ground transportation at the airport to take them home, courtesy of Assist America.

Services rendered: Medical consultation and evaluation; medical referral; hospital admission guarantee; medical monitoring; repatriation; non-medical escort; transportation assistance.

*name has been changed for privacy