TSA
146-02
TSA Media Contact: Chris
Rhatigan (202) 385-1800
Monday, Dec. 23, 2002
TSA Explosives Detection Canine Teams Demonstrate How They Will Help TSA Meet Dec. 31 Airport Baggage Screening Deadline
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) continues to work toward its deadline of screening all checked luggage using explosives detection systems by Dec. 31. Among the multiple tools used by the TSA are the Explosives Detection Canine Teams at airports across the country.
These canine teams will play an important role in that accomplishment, TSA officials said today at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport as they demonstrated the expertise of dogs and their handlers.
Transportation Secretary Norman Y. Mineta has specifically cited the use of explosives detection canine teams as one of the congressionally authorized security screening methods that will be used in order to meet the Dec. 31 deadline mandated by Congress.
Adm. James M. Loy, under secretary of transportation for security, said, “Canine teams give us another highly reliable tool for ensuring the safety of the traveling public as we continue to press our war against terrorism.”
At Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport,
the skill of the canine teams was demonstrated in several “hide and seek”
exercises involving luggage and public areas.
The point was made that a team concept was in play, with handlers
directing their partners to search key areas.
“We have a high level of confidence in the teams,” said Dave Kontny, director of the TSA Canine Program. “Canine teams offer mobility and versatility, enhancing screening and explosives detection throughout the entire airport environment. They are an integral part of our multi-layered detection arsenal, and the best tool we have that can go directly to the source of an explosives odor.”
These canine teams must meet high standards. That includes 11 weeks of intensive training at TSA’s Explosives Detection Canine Handler Course at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, TX. After training at Lackland, teams continue training in the operational environment of an airport. To ensure these teams stay sharp, they are certified annually -- a stringent, three-to-four day process that include searches of aircraft, luggage, terminals, cargo and vehicles.
Currently there are
some 267 teams at 63 of the nation’s largest airports.
The TSA has requested additional resources to expand the program to 325
teams in 82 airports by the end of 2003.
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