With the Global War on Terror more than fifteen years old, the US cannot afford its airport security officers to be so irresponsible…
An investigation conducted by KGW in Portland revealed that over 850 Transportation Security Administration agents tested positive for drugs or alcohol between 2010 and 2016. This staggering figure is incredibly disconcerting considering that TSA does random drug and alcohol tests on their employees. In that line of work, it’s one-hundred percent necessary to conduct drug tests. The military has similar random drug tests on a regular basis where serious consequences are in store for those who test positive.
What is of further concern is the fact that some of the busiest airports in the United States had the highest number of TSA workers test positive. Perhaps not surprisingly, Los Angeles International Airport had the highest with 51 agents testing positive for drugs or alcohol. According to officials, employees who test positive are immediately fired. TSA employees have also faced criminal charges for using cocaine on the job, having involvement in human smuggling, and engaging in child pornography. This information comes from a 2016 report from the US House Homeland Security Committee regarding TSA employee misconduct.
Considering that TSA agents are the first line in security at airports, they have very important jobs that can mean the difference between life or death when dealing with serious threats, such as terrorism. With the recent discovery that terrorists could possibly have the capability to breach airport security, it’s even more vital to the nation that TSA employee’s remain clear-headed and vigilant.
While the environment poses high levels of stress for TSA employees, it’s troubling to discover that the numbers are so high where substance abuse is concerned. To me, this equates to police officers under the influence while on the job. Many people may not realize just how important TSA workers are and what goes into carrying out such an important job that may seem menial to some—including the employees themselves. They are charged with protecting the United States and ensuring the safety of those traveling via commercial airline. It is well-known that terrorist organizations aim to target commercial airlines in efforts to not only cause maximum casualties, but to turn aircraft into a weapon to cause as much devastation as possible.
Air travel can be very nerve wracking for some who are complacent about their surroundings and are unaware of how to spot red flags, something TSA workers are charged with identifying. Among the TSA cadre are a great number of Veterans who are employed by the organization because they are well trained and have significant experience in protecting the country. While I commend TSA for their random drug test policy and quick action to dismiss any officers who test positive, it’s clear that other preventive measures need to be put in place to quell such damning statistics. Terrorism has taken ahold of many areas across the globe and threatens the United States on a daily basis. Keeping competent individuals employed by TSA to carry out their duties is a critical first line of defense for our nation.
Angelina Newsom is an OpsLens Contributor and U.S. Army Veteran. She has ten years experience in the military, including a deployment to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. She studies Criminal Justice and is still active within the military community.
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