TSA's ID Badges Plagued with Errors, Inaccuracies, Report Finds

More than 10 percent of the TSA’s identification badges have errors that could compromise airport security, according to a report by iWatchNews, a non-profit news site that quoted a report from the Department of Homeland Security inspector general. 

The omissions and inaccuracies ranging from birthdates and birthplaces to incorrect assessments of security threats abound in identification badges assigned to the approximately 900,000 people who have unescorted access to secure areas of airports, the report said.

 “The safety of airport workers, passengers, and aircraft is at risk due to the vulnerabilities in the airport operator badging process,” the DHS report said.

Each year, the Transportation Security Authority oversees the vetting of approximately 550,000 badge applications but HAS no quality controls in place to ensure that vetting is thorough and done correctly, the IG report said. There is also no way for inspectors to verify data as they conduct their reviews.

Secure access

“Individuals who pose a threat may obtain airport badges and gain access to secured airport areas,” the inspector general’s report said.

The report cited several examples, including a case from 2007, when customs officials conducted a search at one major airport and arrested 23 workers with unauthorized airport access. The search also turned up more than 100 temporary employees who possessed fraudulently obtained airport security badges.

While aware of the program's shortcomings, TSA does not always take active steps to change them. While the agency recognizes the need for recurrent background checks, it has not yet required them, the report found.