Activity 4 ASCI 202, Essays (university) of Aeronautical Engineering

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Running head: GOVERNMENT VS. PRIVATIZED AVIATION SECURITY Government vs. Privatized Aviation Security Taylor Jolley Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University March 6, 2018

GOVERNMENT VS. PRIVATIZED AVIATION SECURITY

Government vs. Privatized Aviation Security Summary This case analysis’s goal is to identify the pros and cons of privatizing aviation security in comparison to the status quo. Currently, only 21 airports within the United States use contracted, privatized security. These contracts are still under the oversight of the TSA, and follow the guidelines they set. However, it is argued that a move to privatized security has the benefit of making security checkpoint lines faster and more effective, increasing the overall happiness and safety of passengers/workers. This case analysis will break down some of the problems currently facing aviation security, as well as potential solutions to them. Aviation Security Problems The issues of aviation security can be broken down into two main categories, safety and efficiency. Security problems have been found within the TSA that could potentially have fatal consequences. In an internal investigation, “undercover agents were able to sneak mock explosives or banned weapons through the agency's security checkpoints a whopping 95% of the time,” (Issa, 2016). This kind of failure in aviation security is ludicrous. On the other hand, while security is arguably a larger issue, “when long lines hit this summer, the discussion wasn't about labor or national security. It was about wait times,” (Harnett, 2016). The efficiency of airport security could be much better, as privatized security companies are showing faster lines and better customer/employee satisfaction. All in all, something needs to be done to solve the deficiencies of the TSA. Significance of the Problem This issue is significant because as more and more people fly each year, the issue will only become worse. We need to find a safer, more efficient course of action when it comes to

GOVERNMENT VS. PRIVATIZED AVIATION SECURITY

Advantages If the TSA were to implement privatized styles of management/staffing they could greatly increase their efficiency and effectiveness. David Inserra, a policy analyst for DHS, highlights that “a related factor in productivity could be better staffing measures, ranging from more flexibility in day-to-day scheduling to more efficient hiring and union practices” (Inserra, 2017). His article is in reference to why we should privatize security, however, his point holds in relation to government run security as well. With more flexibility and the introduction of part- time workers, the TSA could see benefit. Disadvantages A policy like this might not be possible to enact. The government works very slowly in making change in both policy and personnel. It is more difficult to fire a government employee than it is to do the same in the private sector. Assuming this could actually be accomplished, there are very few, if any, detriments. The largest being that the TSA still governs itself. There is no oversight organization or effective way of critiquing the organization to enact change. At most, this action is a short-term solution to long wait times. Recommendation This case analysis has explored the problems surrounding aviation security as well as some potential solutions to the problem. While these solutions are not perfect, they are a move in the right direction. In closing, any policy that increases efficiency and safety should be explored, as the status quo is not truly accomplishing the goal of keeping this nation safe. The second alternative provided, a change in policy within the TSA to add part-time workers, is merely a band-aid. To truly combat the threats we are facing we need to move to privatized security. It has

GOVERNMENT VS. PRIVATIZED AVIATION SECURITY

the benefit of having oversight from the TSA; it is cheaper, more efficient and more effective. There are very few options that work as well as this one does at working to solve the problem.