- Published: December 21, 2021
- Updated: December 21, 2021
- Level: Undergraduate
- Language: English
- Downloads: 34
Hypothesis and Conclusion The 9/11 attack had a huge impact on all spheres of life. All sections of the society tasted the impact of the incident in one way or the other. All groups ranging from law enforcement agencies, airlines, judiciary, governments, and even airline passengers witnessed a considerable change in their own attitude, and also that of others towards airline safety. It seems that, as a result of the 9/11 attack there is a considerable rise in airline security. In order to prove this hypothesis, the data collection method is used. The first step is to identify the new legislations regarding security that took birth as a result of the attack. International Foundation for Protection of Officers point out that as a result of the attack, the Congress, on 19 November 2001, enacted the Aviation and Transportation Security Act. This Act, in turn, gave birth to the Transportation Security Administration which is meant to improve the quality of airline security. This was followed by the addition of 65, 000 more security personnel for the purpose (Taylor & Steedman, 2003). The second most important legislation that is intended to improve security is the Patriot Act. It is believed that this step would certainly give more power to government snooping on probable terrorist attacks. The second step is to prove the improvement in security check ups in airports that took place after the 9/11 attack. In fact, after the coming of the new legislation, more law enforcement personnel are deployed to check all passengers and baggage. In addition, all available means including X-ray machines are used to screen the checked baggage. Also, there is the addition of 5000 more air marshals. Furthermore, there is higher pre-screening of passengers followed by cross-checking with FBI in case of suspicion. In addition, many more items are included in the list of prohibited items on board as a result of the attack. To illustrate, knifes with blades up to 4 inches were allowed on board. However, the FAA regulation followed by the attack prohibited any knife in the airport areas and on board (“ Prohibited Items”). In addition, presently, passengers are not allowed to carry more than three ounces of any liquids, gels, and aerosols past the security screening. In addition, they should be put in transparent plastic bags and be screened separately. Also, the number of air marshals on board has increased to improve security. Additionally, pilots have the provision to carry a gun, and access to CCTV cameras to observe cabin activities. Furthermore, the passengers are not allowed to enter the cockpit during flights, and many flights now have bulletproof cockpits. The next major improvement is in identification checks. It is surprising to note that some hijackers of 9/11 did not have proper IDs. Still, they managed to get through the security checks. Presently, no one is allowed to board without valid identification except under special circumstances. Thus, in total, it becomes evident that there is a considerable rise in the efforts by criminal justice practitioners to improve airline security after the 9/11 attack. References “ Prohibited items: for travelers”. (n. d). Transportation Security Administration. Retrieved from http://www. tsa. gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitted-prohibited-items. shtm Taylor, A. B. & Steedman, S. (Dec 2003). “ The evolution of airline security since 9/11”. International Foundation for Protection Officers. Retrieved from http://www. ifpo. org/articlebank/evolution_of_airline. html