Catalyst Partners

Author Archive: Gary S. Becker

Does Privatizing Airport Security Make Sense from a Customer Service Perspective?

TSA says there is no statistical difference in customer service between federal airport screeners and private contractors. Confirming or rejecting this statement takes data. So all we need to do is compare TSA data with contractor data, right? It's...

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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...

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TSA 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...

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Airport 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.

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From the Front Lines – Port of Entry Wait Times at San Ysidro

At the San Ysidro Port of Entry, passenger vehicles are waiting 50 minutes in the Ready Lanes and 55 minutes in the Standard lanes. Having to wait nearly an hour in some cases and two hours in others provides...

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Complaints Against TSA? Let Them Know!

If you have a complaint about how you were treated or concerning long processing times when going through Transportation Security Administration (TSA) airport security checkpoints, then contact the TSA Contact Center. Your complaints can help push Congress to allocate...

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TSA Needs to Do a Better Job of Managing Airport Wait Times

Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport have been experiencing long security lines. TSA needs a web page where everyone can observe how long it takes to clear security and plan accordingly.

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More Research Needed on Economic Consequences, Opportunities in Homeland Security

Little research has been developed on the economic security aspect of homeland security. This past week, I presented a paper at the Eastern Economics Association (EEA) 42nd Annual Conference in Washington, DC, and it afforded the kind of dialogue...

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Apple Fights Court Order – Security v. Privacy Debate Continues

Apple is fighting a federal magistrate's order in connection with the investigation of the San Bernardino shootings. This is another instance of consumer privacy potentially conflicting with homeland security instances. Or is it?

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After Blizzard, Significance of Dependable and Emergency Response

The East Coast is still digging out after Winter Storm Jonas, some places faster than others. An important part of recovery from major weather events is reliable information, and there’s reason to think some areas hit by Jonas could...

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