April 4, 2014
By Neal Tepel
Washington DC – American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) National President J. David Cox, Sr. calls for the creation of a new armed law enforcement unit within the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to ensure consistent protection of screening areas at airports nationwide.
“As we have learned since November 1st, current airport law enforcement operations have gaps and inconsistencies that leave TSOs and passengers vulnerable. Many airports have no armed law enforcement officers stationed at or in the airport,” said AFGE President David Cox. "Our proposal would establish a new law enforcement unit within TSA.”
Following the tragic first ever killing of a TSA agent, AFGE began calling for an armed presence in screening areas to better improve security for both TSA Transportation Security Officers and the flying public.
AFGE is recommending the installation of raised platforms at check points to increase officer visibility. The union believes that bulletproof glass protective installations are needed at each checkpoint to allow armed officers to better observe the area. According to the union this would create a visible deterrent for those who might be planning an attack.
