Forensics Journal - Stevenson University 2011 | Page 28

STEVENSON UNIVERSITY

On February 17, 2010, Cable News Network broadcast new TSA
security countermeasures applicable to trace evidence testing, i.e.
Explosive Trace Detection (ETD) scanners (Meserve and Ahlers).
Using the tables listed to the left, this new application can be quantified using the assessment components. First and foremost, the possible threat of transporting an explosive device must be identified.
Failure to do so will result in consequences that are catastrophic,
including complete detection system failures (Table 2 / Severity level
1). The next step is to identify system vulnerabilities which include
explosive detection capabilities solely reserved for baggage. These
vulnerabilities have been known to produce significant false positives
and invalid alerts. Finally, the ultimate risk is the successful transportation of explosive substances onto aircrafts. Considering the fact
that it has already been demonstrated, the necessary actions begin at
the probable level (Table 2 / Will occur several times), and include
a security level pre-determined as catastrophic. The risk level assessment required would be 1B – Unacceptable, indicating mandatory
use of the countermeasures (Table 3 - Reduce risk through countermeasures). In the new trace evidence function, TSA demonstrates a
more analytical approach to risk assessment. Although information
is limited, it appears trace detection is applied only after a passenger
has been moved for secondary inspection. This means the passenger
has triggered pre-established security protocols that warrant a more
in-depth inspection.

TABLE 2
Thomas, A. R. (2003). Aviation Insecurity: The New Challenges of Air
Travel. Amherst: Prometheus Books. 177 – 178
PROBABILITY LEVELS OF AN UNDESIRABLE EVENT:
Probability Level
A Frequent
B Probable
C Occasional
D Remote
E Improbable

Characteristics
Likely to occur
Will occur several times
Likely to occur sometime
Unlikely but possible
Highly unlikely

SEVERITY LEVELS OF AN UNDESIRED EVENT:
Severity Level
1 Catastrophic
2 Critical
3 Marginal
4 Remote
5 Negligible

Characteristics
Death - System Loss
Severe injury, major system damage
Minor injury, minor system damage
Isolated injury, isolated system damage
Less than minor injury

Ultimately, the cost of aviation security is borne by the American
public, be it in the purchase of a ticket ܈H[