Aviation Security

How does the United States approach to Aviation security differ from that of other countries? What is done differently for security screenings and in-flight transit? Are there any more vigorous or effective methods that could be utilized in the United States? Are there any methods that could not be utilized because of civil liberties and constitutional protections in the U.S.?

Aviation security in the United States is more rigorous than it is in most countries. Security in the United States is always a major concern. In spite of this, the United States is seemingly approaching aviation security the wrong way. Airport security workers are low wageworkers. However, in other parts of the world like Europe, airport security jobs are careers that people go to school and train for it. The United States is cultivating this problem because minimum wage employees are always quitting when they find better-paying jobs. It is also essential to understand that the higher the number of former employees an airport has, the less secure the entry points. It is also a matter of concern that the airport security is subcontracted to security companies who also use foreign security for their jobs. This leaves the aviation security vulnerable to foreign invasion.

The United States may have challenges handling security matters due to the issues of civil liberties and constitutional protections. The most common problem that is encountered in the United States on security issues is the issue of privacy. People want to maintain confidentiality and at the same time, want to be protected by the government (Fish, 2003). This makes it difficult for the United States to execute absolute security for its airports and at the same time, act in respect to the people of the United States and their privacy. This is an indication that the United States has created an air of mistrust between the authorities and its citizens. For instance, the United States cannot sustain the security checks that Israel uses because questioning a civilian without probable cause is seen as infringing the rights of the people or an invasion of privacy. Most of the airport security workers in the United States are only required to fit the profile while in countries like Belgium and France, their citizenship is essential.

References

Fish, M., (2003). Outside the U.S., a different approach to air security Tighter standards, better pay in Europe. Retrieved from CNN: http://edition.cnn.com/SPECIALS/2001/trade.center/flight.risk/stories/part3.mainbar.html