Editorial: Airport security still riddled with mistakes

Thursday, Nov. 15, 2001 | 8:55 a.m.

The private companies that run security at airports have come under intense criticism following the Sept. 11 terrorist hijackings of four jet airliners. The privatized system is so broken that the Senate voted unanimously to federalize all 28,000 airport security employees, a move that would improve airline safety by creating a well-paid, professional security force.

Revelations of recent breaches of security demonstrate yet again why a complete overhaul is necessary. The Department of Transportation's inspector general told a Senate panel Wednesday that the private security firms still aren't screening checked baggage as thoroughly as they should. Bomb-screening machines are in place at 47 airports, and a survey of 30 machines at nine airports over the past weekend discovered that 73 percent weren't used continuously. And in one instance, investigators found a screener who had fallen asleep (he was working a 20-hour shift). Earlier this week security was compromised at Logan Airport in Boston, the originating airport of two of the hijacked planes that struck the World Trade Center. A screener left her post for four minutes, and during that time passengers walked through a concourse unchecked. In Miami, meanwhile, this week a man got past security with two meat cleavers.

Republican House leaders and President Bush contend that airport security should stay privatized -- but after the latest security lapses, it's amazing they continue to put up a fight to salvage this inept system.