Office of Global Strategies - TSA Background - TSA Mission and Transportation Systems - TSA by the Numbers - Airport Security Then and Now

Sep 18, 2026

Uploaded by Gloria

TSA Background outlines how the Transportation Security Administration was created after 9/11 to secure all transportation systems, with federalization completed by 2002 and TSA joining the Department of Homeland Security in March 2003. The mission focuses on protecting the nation’s transportation systems to ensure freedom of movement for people and commerce. It details transportation system types, key figures on screening and staffing, airport security changes from checkpoint-based to full-environment security, and major legal authorities supporting TSA responsibilities.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages26

Reading Time1 h 6 min

AccessFree to download

TSA Background

TSA Mission and Transportation Systems

TSA by the Numbers

Airport Security: Then and Now

TSA Primary Authorities

20 Layers of Aviation Security

Landside Security Layers

VIPR Operations

Office of Global Strategies TSA Background • TSA was created in the aftermath of 9/11 to oversee security for all transportation systems. • Federalization of security operations was completed by the end of 2002. • TSA became part of the Department of Homeland Security in March 2003, making up a quarter of the DHS workforce. Transportation Security Officers interact with approximately two million travelers everyday across the United States with a single goal in mind – ensuring the security of the traveling public. TSA Mission and Transportation Systems Mission Protect the nation's transportation systems to ensure freedom of movement for people and commerce. Transportation Systems • Commercial Aviation • General Aviation • Mass Transit Systems • Freight Rail • Passenger Rail • Highways • Pipelines • Ports TSA by the Numbers • Responsible for securing nearly 440 federalized airports. • During high volume periods, transportation security officers can screen approximately 300 passengers per hour. • Employs over 62,000 people • Over 42,000 transportation security officers. • More than 20% of the total workforce are veterans and active reservists. • Approximate screenings per day: • More than 2 million passengers • 1.3 million checked bags • 4.9 million carry-on bags. TSA by the Numbers (cont.) Other Transportation Modes: • More than 360 maritime ports • More than 4.2 million miles of roadways • More than 140,000 miles of railroad track • 25,000 miles of commercial navigable waterways • Approximately 2.6 million miles of pipeline • Approximately 600,000 bridges and tunnels OGS is responsible for ensuring the security of nearly 700,000 flights per year directly into the U.S. Airport Security: Then and Now Pre-9/11, airport security was checkpoint oriented. Now, TSA works with airports and local law enforcement to secure the entire airport environment. TSA Primary Authorities • Aviation and Transportation Security Act (ATSA) , P. L. 107-71 (2001): This legislation created the TSA and gave the Assistant Secretary for Transportation Security wideranging authority to carry out the security-related responsibilities covering civil aviation and other modes of transportation. • Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism (USA PATRIOT) Act , P. L. 107-56 (2001): This legislation created the hazardous materials (HAZMAT) commercial license endorsement program. • Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002 (MTSA) , P. L. 107-295 (2002): This legislation created the Transportation Worker Identity Credential Program (TWIC) . • Homeland Security Act of 2002 (HSA) , P. L. 107-296 (2002): This legislation created the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and transferred TSA to DHS from the Department of Transportation. • FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 P. L. 115-254 (2018): The FAA Reauthorization Act made additional requirements for the establishment of an air cargo division at TSA. It also provides for additional requirements for the integration of computed tomography for the screening of property. 20 Layers of Aviation Security Landside Security Layers VIPR Operations Visible Intermodal Prevention and Response (VIPR) Teams: – Employ targeted deployment of integrated TSA assets – Promote confidence in and protect our nation’s transportation systems – Utilize TSA’s screening, inspections, and FAMS/law enforcement capabilities – Coordinate activities with local law enforcement to augment security of any mode of transportation

FAQs

When was the TSA created and what major milestones followed?

TSA was created after 9/11 to oversee security for transportation systems, with federalization of security operations completed by the end of 2002. TSA became part of the Department of Homeland Security in March 2003.

What is TSA’s mission?

TSA’s mission is to protect the nation’s transportation systems to ensure freedom of movement for people and commerce.

How many travelers and screening activities does TSA handle daily?

TSA screens more than 2 million passengers, about 1.3 million checked bags, and 4.9 million carry-on bags per day. During high-volume periods, Transportation Security Officers can screen approximately 300 passengers per hour.

Sep 18, 2026

Uploaded by Gloria