Revised airport security measures, including the retraining of officers, the retesting of screening equipment, and the appointment of a new Transportation Security Administration leader, were announced this week by Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson.
Acting TSA deputy director Mark Hatfield will head the agency temporarily, as acting administrator Melvin Carraway is being redirected to another job with the
Department of Homeland Security, The Associated Press reported Monday.
The reshuffling comes after Johnson was briefed on a new report that found various weaknesses at TSA checkpoints. The account reportedly focused on the issue of banned items getting through security checkpoints, the AP noted.
ABC News reported Monday that undercover investigators were able to smuggle prohibited items — mock explosives or banned weapons — past TSA agents in 95 percent of trials.
Johnson said he is taking the report's findings “very seriously.”
“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," he said.
The AP reported that Johnson has also recommended for the Senate to approve President Barack Obama's selection for TSA leader, Coast Guard Vice Adm. Pete Neffenger.
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