The Obama Administration has announced several recommendations made to the President for improving the technology and procedures used to protect air travel from acts of terrorism.
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano, White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs, and Assistant to the President for Counterterrorism and Homeland Security John Brennan have announced several recommendations to improve the technology and procedures to protect the traveling public from acts of terrorism. The five recommendations were developed in response to the security reviews which President Obama ordered after the attempted terrorist attack on December 25, 2009. “The attempted attack on Christmas Day is a powerful illustration that terrorists will go to great lengths to try to defeat the security measures that have been put in place since September 11, 2001,” said Secretary Napolitano, “These recommendations will strengthen aviation security – at home and abroad – through new partnerships, technology, and law enforcement efforts.”
The five recommendations proposed by DHS include:
Re-evaluating and modifying criteria and processes used to create terrorists watch lists – including adjusting how names are added to the “No-Fly” and “Selectee” lists.
Establishing an aviation security partnership between DHS and the National Laboratories of the Department of Energy to develop technologies to deter and disrupt known threats and proactively anticipate and protect against new ways terrorists board an aircraft.
Accelerating deployment of advanced imaging technology to provide better explosives detection capabilities – and encouraging foreign aviation security authorities to act likewise to identify materials such as those used in the Christmas attack. The Transportation Security Administration currently has 40 machines deployed throughout the United States, and plans to deploy at least 300 additional units in 2010.
Strengthening the presence and capacity of aviation law enforcement by deploying law enforcement officers from across DHS to serve as Federal Air Marshals to increase security aboard U.S.-bound flights.
Working with international partners to strengthen international security measures and standards for aviation security.
Secretary Napolitano travels to Spain later in January to meet with her European counterparts as part of a series of global meetings designed to develop consensus on new international security standards for aviation security.
Stewart Rabinowitz is President of Rabinowitz & Rabinowitz, P.C. Mr. Rabinowitz is Board Certified in Immigration and Nationality Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. To contact a Dallas immigration lawyer or Dallas immigration attorney visit Rabinowitzrabinowitz.com.
