US congressional auditors doubt 100pc screening possible by 2012

A REPORT by the Government Accountability Office (GAO), the congressional audit and accounting office, doubts the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) can deliver 100 per cent air freight screening by the end-of-year deadline.


"There is no technology approved or qualified by TSA to screen cargo once it is loaded onto a pallet or container - both of which are common means of transporting domestic air cargo on passenger aircraft.


"As a result, questions remain about air carriers' ability to effectively screen air cargo on such aircraft," the GAO report, according to All Headline News.


It said there are also fears that the risk of terrorists planting bombs or toxins on board aircraft flying into the US could be heightened as the federal government implements cutbacks on spending. The budget reductions could result in fewer inspectors at airports, meaning the screening of cargo would be compromised.


"To me, it's going to be challenging to do," Stephen Lord, the GAO's director of homeland security and justice issues, was quoted as saying.


He said cargo such as food, sealed pharmaceuticals and household items are difficult to inspect even with enough inspectors.


John Sammon, a TSA assistant administrator, admits that in some instances, high-tech equipment that can peer through dense materials with microwaves is not always the best response. "Canines are effective," he said.


The deadline for 100 per cent screening of air freight was originally targeted for introduction in December 2010. The deadline was postponed to the end of this year owing to technical difficulties to screen all cargo.
(Source:http://www.schednet.com)