In a recent trial by the Red Teams of DHS, officials disguised as passengers and underwent security checks at airports. Almost 95% of the times, the screeners failed to detect potential weapons and banned items on the agents, reported ABC News.

The report stated that in one of the incidents, the screeners stopped an undercover agent after an alarm was set off, but failed to find a fake explosive device on his back during a follow-on pat down. Reportedly, the screeners failed 67 of the 70 tests.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Premium Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Related Company Profiles

View all

DHS secretary Jeh Johnson said he had instructed TSA to revise its standard operating procedures for screening immediately and also carry out more tests to re-evaluate the situation in all airports across the country.

"We take these findings very seriously in our continued effort to test, measure and enhance our capabilities and techniques as threats evolve."

Airports will also go through random covert tests to validate their measures.

Johnson said: "The numbers in these reports never look good out of context, but they are a critical element in the continual evolution of our aviation security.

See Also:

"We take these findings very seriously in our continued effort to test, measure and enhance our capabilities and techniques as threats evolve."

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

The federal directors of all airports across the country will be informed about the findings of the tests.

TSA will also need to conduct training programmes for both transportation security officers and supervisory personnel to make them better prepared to deal with the vulnerabilities revealed through the tests.

The two agencies will overlook the status of the measures and would ensure that the steps are being implemented.