A report published by a government accountability group states that the TSA is jeopardizing the safety of travelers and aircraft because it is not adequately maintaining security equipment.
The report, by the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General, states that the TSA does not know which screening equipment is working correctly or in need of repair because maintenance procedures have not even been implemented.
“Because TSA does not adequately oversee equipment maintenance, it cannot be assured that routine preventative maintenance is performed or that equipment is repaired and ready for operational use,” the report said. “Without diligent oversight … TSA risks shortening equipment life and incurring costs to replace equipment.”
In addition to warning of unnecessary delays and queues at airports, the report suggests that “Consequently the safety of airline passengers and aircraft could be jeopardized.”
The Office of Inspector General wants to see policies put into place for contractors to maintain screening equipment, and punishments to be dished out for those who fail to do so.