Decreased comfort level for Phoenix fliers; Security administrator placed on leave
After a television report exposed lax enforcement at Sky Harbor Airport, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) put its Phoenix security director on administrative leave.
Local ABC affiliate KNXV-TV 15 aired footage taken during the pre-dawn hours each day when Sky Harbor security guards, not federal inspectors, checked employees entering secured areas. The hidden camera footage showed a guard repeatedly allowing workers to pass after merely showing badges. TSA inspectors conduct more extensive screenings.
Phoenix appears to be the only airport where none of the accepted screening practices have been taking place, according to TSA administrator Kip Hawley.
