Charlotte's airport plans security upgrades after TSA fails screening tests

The Transportation Security Administration is planning upgrades at the Charlotte Douglas Airport after a recent undercover operation from the Department of Homeland Security found airport screeners, other security equipment and TSA procedures failed more than half the time.

At a public hearing before the House Committee on Homeland Security Wednesday, TSA administrator David Pekoske, along with members of the Department of Homeland Security, revealed the results.

Though the specifics of the operation’s results remain classified from a prior private briefing, CBS News reported the committee was told that more than 70 percent of the time, undercover agents were able to walk through TSA checkpoints with mock knives, guns and explosives.

“This agency that you run is broken badly and it needs your attention,” Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Alabama) told Pekoske.

The DHS suggested eight classified recommendations following the operation and, according to CBS News, lawmakers and TSA officials plan to replace old check point scanners with new CT scanners, which Pekoske said are equipped with the most effective technology.

The technology, which has already been tested in TSA checkpoints in at least two airports, according to ABC News, includes 3D imaging for baggage, allowing more effective ways to spot threatening items.

However, that investment in CT technology requires funding above what TSA currently has, Pekoske said.

“We have the technology and resources to do it, but we're not doing it because ... we're paying for a wall,” Rep. Bill Keating (D-Massachusetts) said, questioning how the agency’s funding has been diverted to build President Donald Trump’s proposed border wall along the U.S.-Mexico border.

Frank Cilluffo, former director of the Homeland Security advisory council, told CBS News that as long as terrorism is a threat at airports, “the TSA cannot be complacent.”

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“They're looking for vulnerabilities that can be exploited, and we need to make sure that we can push that as far as we can to minimize the risk,” he said.

TSA officials said in a statement that the agency “concurs with the DHS OIG findings and is committed to aggressively implementing the recommendations.”

The report comes just two years after a similar operation found the TSA failed 95 percent of its tests.

Channel 9 discovered that the TSA scanners failing to catch dangerous weapons in airports across the country are the same scanners used at Charlotte Douglas Airport.

Thousands of families are now preparing to fly in and out of the airport for Thanksgiving, so Channel 9 asked the TSA why the technology that's supposed to protect families from terrorists and criminals is failing.

The TSA isn't saying how many security breaches may have happened at the airport, but it said it is increasing training for its agents.

"We're from Connecticut, where Sandy Hook happened, so (it's) very upsetting," traveler Kathy Cardino said.

At Charlotte Douglas Airport, the TSA just managed to catch its 53rd gun on Wednesday, which means another 212 weapons could have ended up on flights right next to families this year, based on the findings of the DHS undercover operation.

"It's absolutely concerning, but at the same time, it takes so long at TSA,” traveler Tyler Heun said. “I don't really want to spend more time in the security line."

Channel 9 discovered the TSA is now planning three new security upgrades at Charlotte Douglas Airport, in addition to increased training for security officers.

Eventually, automated screening lanes for bags will include larger bins with cameras that will photograph the contents of the bins.

Computed tomography will be used to scan bags with an X-ray camera. The scans will give agents a 3-D picture so they can easily see if there are any threats.

A third upgrade, called Credential Authentication Technology, will scan IDs to find old or fake cards.

"It's not going to be good enough until all the weapons and paraphernalia is stopped,” traveler Dennis Cardino said. “(It) seems like an overwhelming task and I don't think they're up to the challenge."

The TSA doesn't have a timeline for when it will roll out the new upgrades in Charlotte.

Here's the full statement the TSA sent Channel 9:

"Members of the Office of Inspector General (OIG) Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Administrator today appeared before the House Committee on Homeland Security to discuss the results of the most recent OIG covert testing at airport security checkpoints in a classified briefing. TSA concurs with the DHS OIG findings and is committed to aggressively implementing the recommendations as it continues to raise the baseline for aviation security at airports throughout the country.

"We take the OIG's findings very seriously and are implementing measures that will improve screening effectiveness at checkpoints," said TSA Administrator David Pekoske. "We are focused on staying ahead of a dynamic threat to aviation with continued investment in the workforce, enhanced procedures, and new technologies," he added.

"TSA is pursuing technology investments to include credential authentication technology, automated screening lanes and computed tomography as well as increased investment in training. The screening capabilities are complemented by additional layers, including vetting, Federal Air Marshals (FAMs) on flights, and the use of canines.

“In addition to the OIG tests, TSA conducted tens of thousands of internal tests in 2016, with a similar number of tests in 2017, and continues to make improvements needed to protect the traveling public. Continuous testing is necessary to ensure the agency is effectively protecting the nation's aviation systems.

“‘We will invest in our people, continue to improve our processes, and engage new technology to keep transportation systems secure,’ concluded Pekoske."

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