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The moves follow
media reports that checkpoint screeners failed to detect mock
explosives and weapons in 95 percent of tests carried out by
undercover agents.
Johnson said in a statement that Melvin Carraway would be
reassigned to serve in the Office of State and Local Law
Enforcement at Department of Homeland Security headquarters,
while TSA Acting Deputy Director Mark Hatfield would lead the
agency until a new acting administrator was appointed.
Airport screeners, who are employees of the TSA, did not detect
banned weapons in 67 of 70 tests at dozens of airports, ABC News
said, citing officials briefed on a report by Homeland
Security's inspector general.
Johnson, whose department oversees the TSA, was briefed last
week on the trials, which were completed recently, ABC News
said.
In one test, the network said an undercover agent was stopped
when he set off an alarm at a checkpoint but that TSA screeners
then failed to find a fake explosive device taped to his back
when they patted him down.
Johnson issued a statement on Monday saying the results of the
security checks were classified but that he had directed the TSA
to revise screening procedures "to address specific
vulnerabilities identified" in the undercover operation. He also
ordered training for all TSA officers and supervisors across the
country and testing of airports' screening equipment.
Johnson said there would be more random covert testing at
checkpoints.
"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," Johnson said. "We take these findings very
seriously in our continued effort to test, measure and enhance
our capabilities and techniques as threats evolve."
Johnson noted that President Barack Obama had nominated Coast
Guard Vice Admiral Pete Neffenger to be the next TSA
administrator, and urged the U.S. Senate to confirm his
nomination as quickly as possible.
(Writing by Bill Trott and Eric Walsh; Editing by Peter Cooney)
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