Section 2: Aviation Security The terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001 (9/11), focused attention on Americas aviation systems. By one count, there are 51,000 Transportation Security Officers (TSOs), Transportation Security Inspectors, and Behavior Detection Officers [who] serve on the frontlines at more than 450 U.S. airports (http://www.dhs.gov/aviation-security). This section will provide you the opportunity to consider the actions taken by agencies within the United States to secure the aviation network since 2001. Part of the underlying concern is the tradeoffs between additional measures that may be perceived as personal invasion, costs of such systems, and more importantly, the success of those systems. The failure of intelligence and law enforcement agencies to cooperate was a major issue that surfaced in the investigation following the 9/11 terror attacks. Required Reading: Please refer to each Activity for required readings within Activity Resources. Assignment 4 Aircraft Security Once passengers pass through airport screening, they are free to board their designated aircraft of travel. The airlines then begin to assume more responsibility with agents at the gates and finally, changes to the security of cockpit doors. Air marshals also accompany some flights. However, even with changes in security measures, no flight can be considered completely safe, as has been shown by terrorist attempts since 9/11 to down commercial aircraft (http://www.heritage.org/research/reports/2012/04/fifty-terror-plots-foiled-since-9-11-the-homegrown-threat-and-the-long-war-on-terrorism). Activity Resources National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States. (2004). U.S. Department of Homeland Security. (2013a). Aviation Security. Main Task: Assess the Current Level of Aircraft Security Assume you are an airline security staff person. Your supervisor has requested an assessment of aircraft security. Prepare a paper in which you address the following questions: What measures have served to make actual travel on aircraft safer than before September 11, 2001? Have threats in addition to terrorists posed a significant risk? How has the threat of terrorism affected air travel and aircraft safety? Interpret the level of aircraft security that now exists and the effect on business in general. What would the flying publics reaction be if another terrorist attack using aircraft occurs? Support your paper with at least 5 scholarly or professional resources. In addition to these specified resources, other appropriate scholarly resources, including older articles, may be included. Length: 5-7 pages not including title and reference pages Your paper should demonstrate thoughtful consideration of the ideas and concepts that are presented in the course and provide new thoughts and insights relating directly to this topic. Your response should reflect scholarly writing and current APA standards. Be sure to adhere to Northcentral Universitys Academic Integrity Policy. Submit your document in the Course Work area below the Activity screen. Learning Outcome: 4 Assignment Outcomes Evaluate the level of security surrounding airline versus general aviation travelers.
