ORLANDO, Fla. — Privatization of the Transportation Security Administration is front and center as the agency launches a new program for airports to make the switch from public to private.
The new program, called TSA Gold Plus, would be overseen by TSA and include advanced technology, improved customer experience and new revenue opportunities, according to the TSA’s website.
Local TSA union representatives said they are keeping a close eye on Orlando International Airport and other airports across Central and North Florida as the program moves forward.
Orlando International Airport leaders are familiar with the program but do not have plans to implement TSA Gold Plus, according to an airport spokesperson.
The concept of private security screening is not new. TSA currently has another program, the Screening Partnership Program, with about 20 airports across the country enrolled. One of those airports is Orlando Sanford International Airport, where private screeners are used instead of TSA officers. Training and oversight remain with the TSA.
Chris Finlay, president of American Federation of Government Employees Local 556, said he is concerned about shifting security screening from public employees to private workers.
“Your safety should not be sold to a private entity,” Finlay said.
Finlay, who has worked for the TSA for the past 18 years, questioned the need for the change.
“I don’t see why we would fix something that isn’t inherently broken,” Finlay said.
Dave Benson, a retired diplomatic security special agent, said the program could be beneficial if safety standards remain in place.
“To me, there is two things: training, consistency in training and consistency in technology,” Benson said.
Airports have different security needs, Benson said.
“Every airport is different. They have different vulnerabilities, whether it be fencing, whether it be exits and entries, whatever it might be, so if they can find a way to tailor that in addition to streamlining the technology, I think that is a good thing,” Benson said.
TSA Gold Plus would keep oversight with TSA, but private investment could remove the federal government from some potential funding hurdles, including government shutdowns and the long process of acquiring new and standardized equipment.
Finlay said equipment can vary from airport to airport.
“If you travel airport to airport, the X-ray machine may not be the same at every airport, even here,” Finlay said.
But he said his primary concern is the people doing the screening and the commitment TSA officers make to protect travelers.
“I don’t think it is a good fit for most airports to be honest,” Finlay said. “The equipment part I see as a bonus. The personal screening aspect I see as not, because then you are going to end up with lower-paid staff who are not as dedicated as the men and women here.”
Finlay said he plans to attend airport board meetings to monitor any decisions in Florida and advocate for union members. It is not currently known how many airports across the country have applied to be part of TSA Gold Plus.