America's airport security is a failure, and a complete failure at that. One would think that after the disastrous events of 9/11, our country should be at the global cutting edge of airport security. Unfortunately, it is almost the complete opposite scenario. Recent failures include an attempted bombing on a Christmas day flight, multiple (yes, multiple) security breaches at our nation's top airports, and colossal oversights such as guards leaving their posts and video cameras recording, well, nothing. Aggressive security measures, especially full body scanners, need to be implemented in our nation's airports.
The Christmas day bomber, Nigerian Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, managed to go through security scanners with a bomb strapped to his underwear and then attempted to ignite the bomb on the plane, which fortunately did not fully detonate. President Barack Obama recently released his report on the incident, citing a "failure to connect and understand intelligence." American intelligence knew that an al-Qaeda terrorist intended to attack America, but because of a "larger failure of analysis," the intelligence failed to connect the dots and thwart the bomber. Abdulmutallab was also somehow not placed on the no-fly list, although all evidence indicates he should have been. Ultimately, this was an American security lapse that could have had far more dire consequences.
In the wake of the failed bombing, agencies around the world have called for more advanced security measures to protect the skies. One of the most prevalent reforms involves the use of controversial full body scanners that essentially reveal passengers' naked bodies. So far, only the United Kingdom has officially decided to institute these new scanners in their airports, starting next week. However, these scanners are an integral aspect of any proposed security overhaul. Many people claim that the full-body scanners, with their ability to screen a person's naked body, violate a fundamental right to privacy. Passengers are concerned, rightfully, about this overt exposure of their body to airport security. But quite frankly, this issue of privacy shouldn't override the much more serious issue of threats to national security. I for one would much rather give up my right to privacy in favor of much more stringent and effective airport techniques. When it comes down to it, would you rather have a few seconds of uncomfortable airline scanning or would you rather board a plane with the knowledge that not every available measure was taken to ensure your security? Granted, America has beefed up security since the attempted bombing. I experienced this when I traveled back into the country after spending winter break abroad. While boarding in Dubai, all flights to the United States required that you be at your gate at least three hours before departure time, for "advanced security measures." I came to the gate expecting the worst - a couple body-scanners, maybe a full body pat down, bomb-sniffing dogs, basically the works. However, the new measures, though somewhat exacting, weren't the high-tech terrorist thwarting procedures I was expecting. Arriving at the gate, I merely presented my passport and boarding pass, underwent a cursory pat down and had my bag checked. Hardly an intense search.
Another aspect of increasing security needs to involve more airport personnel accountability. In one of the most prevalent recent security breaches, a security guard at Newark Airport was videotaped leaving his post, allowing a civilian to duck under the barrier to the secure side of the airport. When the Transportation Security Administration attempted to review the videotapes, they discovered that the security cameras only recorded live images and couldn't provide valuable recorded images of the event. This is, quite frankly, absurd. How can we expect to have any sort of advanced security when guards are leaving their posts and video cameras don't allow for any sort of review? Another recent incident saw a civilian actually walk through a restricted door at John F. Kennedy airport, prompting a massive security shutdown as the terminal was evacuated and police searched the building for the perpetrator. Evidently, no one was watching this door and there were not enough measures put into place to make sure that access to restricted areas was minimized.
Terrorists are getting smarter and more innovative. These colossal breaches and security lapses truly illuminate America's failing airport security system. We need to take every measure possible to ensure the safety of the thousands of passengers who fly every day. It is completely unacceptable to risk the lives of innocent people by omitting important procedures in the name of either privacy or efficiency. Simply put, America needs to take a far more aggressive stance on airport security.
Danny Di Guilio's column appears Thursdays in The Cavalier Daily. He can be reached at d.diguilio@cavalierdaily.com.
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