Report: TSA Needs Proper Strategy for Body Scanner Roll Out
(WASHINGTON) – Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security, released the below statement in response to a Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General (DHS OIG) report on the Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) deployment of advanced imaging technology (AIT) – also known as full body scanners – to our airports' security checkpoints. The IG found that while TSA followed a deployment schedule, it did not develop a comprehensive strategy for deployment that would have ensured that resources were used appropriately and efficiently. The IG also found that TSA did not require its program offices to have strategic plans that are aligned with its goals. Because of these setbacks, TSA still relies on legacy metal detectors at many checkpoints. The IG made two recommendations to TSA.
"I am deeply concerned with TSA's failure to develop a deployment strategy and establish internal controls to ensure accurate data on the utilization of passenger screening technology for which over $150 million in taxpayer funds has been spent. For years now I have been calling on TSA to be a more prudent steward of the funds it receives for acquiring and deploying security technologies. This report reveals that significant work remains to be done before we can have confidence that TSA is doing just that. While I applaud TSA's decision to concur with both of the OIG's recommendations, I am troubled by the agency's failure to specify the steps it will take to implement the recommendations or a timeline for doing so."
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