Monday, July 09, 2007

We're from the Government, and We're Here to Help You

Fake bomb eludes airport test -- Page 1 -- Times Union - Albany NY
COLONIE -- Federal inspectors were able to slip a fake bomb through a checkpoint at Albany International Airport during a test of the facility's Transportation Security Administration screeners, according to individuals familiar with the incident.


The unannounced inspection by TSA officials took place early last week. The airport's security measures failed in five of seven tests, most of the problems occurring at the passenger checkpoint, the sources said.

In one test, TSA inspectors hid the components of a fake bomb in carry-on luggage that also contained a bottle of water. Passengers are prohibited from carrying containers holding more than three ounces of liquids, gels or aerosols through airport checkpoints.

The screeners at Albany International confiscated the water bottle but missed the bomb. In all, the inspectors slipped four banned items through the main checkpoint during the test, sources said.


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3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Reminds me of a test my FAA-facilities engineer father and one of his colleagues were detailed to do in the latter '70s, wherein they (successfully) carried mysterious wrapped packages into a crucial facility, with SLA Industries labels slapped on them (this not too long after the Hearst kidnapping and conversion; my father's whimsy). We've been Very Safe for a very long time.

Unknown said...

Right. And that's why I don't mind all the delays and hassle at the airport. I know that well-trained professionals are keeping me safe at every turn.

Anonymous said...

It must have been in a zip-top see-through quart-sized plastic bag.

Or else the screeners were too busy body searching the 90 year old lady with the walker to catch it.