Thu, Jan 15, 2009
VIPR Teams To Be Deployed At Airports, Other Transportation
Hubs
The Transportation Security Administration announced Wednesday
plans to support US Secret Service efforts to secure transportation
systems and events surrounding the 56th Presidential
Inauguration.
"We are ready to assist the US Secret Service with the important
task of keeping our transportation systems and inauguration events
safe," said TSA Administrator Kip Hawley. "This is a valuable
partnership that provides an added layer of protection to enhance
the security of the American public during this historic
event."
TSA plans to deploy Visible Intermodal Prevention and Response
(VIPR) teams in all modes of transportation, including in
commercial airport terminals, leading up to the inauguration. VIPR
teams work with local law enforcement officials to supplement
existing security resources by providing deterrent presence and
detection capabilities, and an unpredictable layer of security.
Airports in the national capital region have coordinated
staffing and are prepared to accommodate large crowds. Local
airports have increased the number of behavior detection officers
as an added element of unpredictability. Additionally, more than a
dozen TSA-certified explosive detection canine teams will
supplement existing capital region teams, enhancing mobile
detection capabilities in airports and mass transit systems.
VIPR teams are comprised of federal air marshals, surface
transportation security inspectors, transportation security
officers, behavior detection officers, explosives detection canine
teams, and local law enforcement.
TSA will also provide over 300 transportation security officers
from across the country to assist the Secret Service with screening
participants along the parade route and at the inaugural events
hosted at the Capitol. Much like their involvement in the
Democratic and Republican national conventions and on the campaign
trail, TSA officers will be part of the effort to ensure
potentially dangerous items are not allowed in secure areas.
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