In 2004, an estimated 23 billion pounds of air cargo (AC) was transported within the U.S., about a quarter of which was transported on passenger aircraft. Within the Dept. of Homeland Security, the Transportation Security Admin. (TSA) is responsible for ensuring the security of commercial aviation, incl. AC. To evaluate the status of TSA's efforts to secure domestic AC, this report examined: (1) the extent to which TSA used a risk management approach to guide decisions on securing AC; (2) the actions TSA has taken to ensure the security of AC & the factors that may limit their effectiveness; & (3) TSA's plans for enhancing AC security & the challenges that TSA & industry stakeholders face in implementing these plans. Illustrations.

A practical, global-centric view of how to make the worldwide supply chain safer, more resilient, and efficient. With more and more enterprises managing supply operations that reach farther and farther from headquarters, Supply Chain Security: International Practices and Innovations in Moving Goods Safely and Efficiently could not be more timely or well-targeted. This comprehensive two-volume set is the first look at the present and future of supply chain management, and the full range of threats to supply chain security. Each volume of Supply Chain Security focuses on a specific area: the first explores the historic context and current operational environment in which supply chain security must function. Volume Two is a look at emerging issues that includes proven, innovative steps companies and governments can take to counter the inherent risks of moving goods and people more safely and efficiently. Reflecting its subject, this resource is truly global in perspective, with contributions from 18 countries and over two-thirds of its contributors from outside the United States. No company that does business internationally should be without this essential resource.

PHOTONIC SENSING A cutting-edge look at safety and security applications of photonic sensors With its many superior qualities, photonic sensing technology is increasingly used in early-detection and early-warning systems for biological hazards, structural flaws, and security threats. Photonic Sensing provides for the first time a comprehensive review of this exciting and rapidly evolving field, focusing on the development of cutting-edge applications in diverse areas of safety and security, from biodetection to biometrics. The book brings together contributions from leading experts in the field, fostering effective solutions for the development of specialized materials, novel optical devices, and networking algorithms and platforms. A number of specific areas of safety and security monitoring are covered, including background information, operation principles, analytical techniques, and applications. Topics include: Document security and structural integrity monitoring, as well as the detection of food pathogens and bacteria Surface plasmon sensors, micro-based cytometry, optofluidic techniques, and optical coherence tomography Optic fiber sensors for explosive detection and photonic liquid crystal fiber sensors for security monitoring Photonics-assisted frequency measurement with promising electronic warfare applications An invaluable, multidisciplinary resource for researchers and professionals in photonic sensing, as well as safety and security monitoring, this book will help readers jump-start their own research and development in areas of physics, chemistry, biology, medicine, mechanics, electronics, and defense.

GAO-06-76 Aviation Security: Federal Action Needed to Strengthen Domestic Air Cargo Security

" In 2010, passenger flights transported about 3.6 billion pounds of cargo into the United States from foreign locations. According to TSA, the introduction of explosive devices in air cargo shipments is a significant threat, and DHS was mandated to establish a system to screen 100 percent of cargo transported on all passenger aircraft traveling to, from, or within the United States by August 2010. Individuals identified as matches to the No Fly List are generally prohibited from boarding commercial aircraft because it has been determined they pose a threat to civil aviation or national security. GAO was asked to examine (1) TSA actions taken since October 2010 to enhance the security of inbound air cargo transported on both passenger aircraft and all-cargo carriers; and (2) any associated challenges TSA faces. GAO reviewed relevant requirements and documents, interviewed federal officials, and visited three airports based on cargo volume. The visits provided insights, but were not generalizable to the entire industry. This is a public version of a sensitive security report GAO issued in March 2012, which also addressed U.S. Customs and Border Protection's and TSA's use of the No Fly List to secure inbound air cargo. "

GAO was asked to examine (1) TSA actions taken since October 2010 to enhance the security of inbound air cargo transported on both passenger aircraft and all-cargo carriers; and (2) any associated challenges TSA faces. GAO reviewed relevant requirements and documents, interviewed federal officials, and visited three airports based on cargo volume. The visits provided insights, but were not generalizable to the entire industry. This is a public version of a sensitive security report GAO issued in March 2012, which also addressed U.S. Customs and Border Protection's and TSA's use of the No Fly List to secure inbound air cargo.

By deploying armed air marshals onboard selected flights, the Federal Air Marshal Service (FAMS), a component of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), plays a key role in helping to protect approximately 29,000 domestic and international flights operated daily by U.S. air carriers. The Government Accountably Office (GAO) was asked to examine (1) FAMS's operational approach or "concept of operations" for covering flights, (2) to what extent this operational approach has been independently evaluated, and (3) the processes and initiatives FAMS established to address workforce-related issues. GAO analyzed documented policies and procedures regarding FAMS's operational approach and a July 2006 classified report based on an independent evaluation of that approach. Also, GAO analyzed employee working group reports and other documentation of FAMS's processes and initiatives for addressing workforce-related issues, and interviewed the FAMS Director, other senior officials, and 67 air marshals (selected to reflect a range in levels of experience). This report is the public version of a restricted report (GAO-09-53SU) issued in December 2008.--Highlights.