New Study on Identity Verification Using Biometrics
DHS is funding a new study to understand how biometrics can be used to assist individuals who need to verify their identify at border crossings, airports, and in other U.S. transportation systems. I will be one of their test...
DetailsDC Metro Resilience – The Issue We Need to Talk about
Most organizations can perform well when conditions are at their best, but it’s those truly epic “bad days” when dependability and performance are most important. Given how poorly the Washington, DC, Metro system has been performing on its “good...
DetailsEmergency Exercises Are Essential Part of 2016 Transition Process
In a matter of months, the United States will have a new president. Leadership transitions are awkward affairs, but one of the most important parts of a successful process is understanding how to handle major emergencies on Day One....
DetailsFor TSA and VA, Time is a Valid Performance Measure
Given all of the recent controversies related to operational problems at TSA and the Department of Veterans Affairs, there has been a lot of talk about something that is of intrinsic value and practically unquantifiable—time. Unfortunately, timeliness does not...
DetailsTSA Checkpoint Wait Times Impact More than Aviation Security
The long lines at airport security checkpoints across the country are not just frustrating travelers but encouraging people to use statistically more dangerous modes of transportation, which has cascading social and economic costs. Improving wait times is not just...
DetailsTSA Blame Game Runs Wild But Effective Solutions Are Scarce
The announcement that TSA replaced former Assistant Administrator for Security Operations Kelly Hoggan got a lot of national attention. It might lead one to conclude that the recent “blame and shame” efforts of some members of Congress threatening TSA...
DetailsAirport Checkpoint Wait Times Driving Complaints Against TSA
Recently, a number of news articles have reported that long lines at our nation’s airports are getting longer. Is this having an impact on complaints against TSA year-over-year? Yup.
DetailsWoes Continue at TSA – Who Can Save the Agency?
For years, news headlines have reported the Transportation Security Administration is missing the mark. It is the same story every time; the only thing that changes is the date of the article. With outrageous wait times at airport security...
DetailsSecurity Mom Explains Security in a Way We Can All Understand
Juliette Kayyem’s new book, Security Mom, may be the most honest book I’ve read on how homeland security affects families and the communities in which we live. More importantly, it helps us understand, and explain to our family members,...
DetailsRisk-Based Solutions for Reducing Airport Wait Times
People are flying in record numbers across the country, which is good news for the airline and tourism industry but not for travelers enduring long wait times at airport screening checkpoints. Something needs to change, and it starts with...
Details