Evolution of Airport Security
Evolution of Airline Security in the United States
Mike Matthews
Survey of Criminal Justice 1010
Mark Sundermeir
Written Assignment #2
3 / 13 / 12
Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to track the evolution of the system of airline security in the United States. A major turning point in Americas system of airline security was the terrorist attack on September 11, 2001. It is important to understand the history of airline security before 9/11 to then see how terrorists exploited the system’s weaknesses. It is then necessary to analyze how the U.S. federal government responded to 9/11 and how airline security procedures have evolved since then. This paper thoroughly outlines how airport and aircraft security protocol has adapted over the years to provide a background and understanding of Americas current system of airline security. It is also important to review the numerous controversies resulting from new security measures. Finally, this paper examines past trends to try and foresee future developments for airline security in the U.S.
One of America’s most important concerns in the 21st century is the threat of another terrorist attack. The events of September 11, 2001 have had a lasting affect on all aspects of society. One of the most drastic changes occurred within the country’s law enforcement system; mainly the security of America’s aviation system. The new model for airport and aircraft security has faced a lot of opposition from advocates for individual rights, who believe many of these new laws and procedures are unnecessary and in some cases illegal. To get a better understanding of the current system, it is important to first examine aviation security prior to 9/11 and how the system has changed since. The first recorded hijacking of an aircraft took place in 1931 when a group of Peruvian revolutionaries seized pilot Byron Rickards and his airplane. By the late 1950’s, the number of
Mike Matthews
Survey of Criminal Justice 1010
Mark Sundermeir
Written Assignment #2
3 / 13 / 12
Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to track the evolution of the system of airline security in the United States. A major turning point in Americas system of airline security was the terrorist attack on September 11, 2001. It is important to understand the history of airline security before 9/11 to then see how terrorists exploited the system’s weaknesses. It is then necessary to analyze how the U.S. federal government responded to 9/11 and how airline security procedures have evolved since then. This paper thoroughly outlines how airport and aircraft security protocol has adapted over the years to provide a background and understanding of Americas current system of airline security. It is also important to review the numerous controversies resulting from new security measures. Finally, this paper examines past trends to try and foresee future developments for airline security in the U.S.
One of America’s most important concerns in the 21st century is the threat of another terrorist attack. The events of September 11, 2001 have had a lasting affect on all aspects of society. One of the most drastic changes occurred within the country’s law enforcement system; mainly the security of America’s aviation system. The new model for airport and aircraft security has faced a lot of opposition from advocates for individual rights, who believe many of these new laws and procedures are unnecessary and in some cases illegal. To get a better understanding of the current system, it is important to first examine aviation security prior to 9/11 and how the system has changed since. The first recorded hijacking of an aircraft took place in 1931 when a group of Peruvian revolutionaries seized pilot Byron Rickards and his airplane. By the late 1950’s, the number of
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