Editorial::

Security lapse at airports

Monday, Feb. 5, 2007 | 7:15 a.m.

A report by CBS News last week should have prompted a high-level, on-camera response by the Transportation Security Administration, the federal agency that protects airports.

Instead, in response to the report that employees of Reagan National Airport were entering secure areas without being screened, a report augmented by hidden-camera video, the TSA simply issued a generic statement.

The report's larger message was that the nation's airports hire 700,000 employees, including cleaners and general maintenance people as well as ramp workers, who are issued identification badges that in most cases allow them unfettered access to airplanes, baggage and cargo - no screenings, no pat-downs.

The TSA's statement said that employees "are subject to multiple security layers ... including ... random screening at any time and without notice ... and are required to undergo extensive background checks."

But what if an employee's badge gets stolen or duplicated? With a badge that is rarely challenged, the potential for disaster is there.

Even authorized employees pose a security risk with such trust affixed to their badges. CBS interviewed a flight attendant who said, "These people are the lowest-waged people on the property. If approached and offered $5,000 or $10,000 to carry a knapsack, would they do it?"

In response to TSA's statement, CBS pointed out that just last year 65 illegal immigrants got through TSA's background checks and were working in some of the most secure areas of several U.S. airports before being arrested.

We believe the TSA should take the CBS News report seriously and ensure that any airport employee entering secure areas is thoroughly screened. Fully badged pilots are subject to pat-downs and screenings before entering secure areas. Why shouldn't the same apply to the people who are fixing door handles and cleaning windows and floors?