Fayetteville Regional Airport hires Transecure to update security plans

March 22--The Fayetteville Regional Airport has hired a consultant to update its security plans.

Last year, the Transportation Security Administration, or TSA, asked airport officials to update their security program for detecting and preventing individuals or vehicles from entering secured areas.

The airport in August hired Transecure, a professional aviation security consulting service, to update the plan and provide facility assessments and recommendations to comply with TSA regulations.

In response to a recent records request by The Fayetteville Observer, city officials said the contract cost $20,000.

Airport Director Brad Whited said federal rules prohibit him from discussing anything about the airport's security measures or TSA requirements.

The North Carolina public records law says risk assessments, emergency procedures and plans for responding to terrorist activity are confidential.

TSA was formed in the wake of the 2001 terrorist attacks. Its employees are responsible for the security checkpoints at more than 450 airports nationwide.

Jon Allen, a TSA spokesman, said in an email Wednesday that, while the federal agency has established regulations and security directives for airport security, each airport has a unique building layout and location that requires tailored security measures.

It's unclear if Fayetteville Regional will see security changes as a result of the updated plan.

The checkpoints at the airport don't have the controversial advanced-imaging scanners that have raised privacy concerns elsewhere.

Allen said TSA continues to install the equipment at airports.

"Currently more than 150 airports have imaging technology machines," Allen said. "TSA works closely with the airports to identify candidates based on risk, airport readiness and operational suitability."

On Christmas Eve, a Fort Bragg soldier from Hope Mills flew out of Fayetteville Regional Airport unaware that he had C-4 explosive in his carry-on bag, according to TSA investigators. The soldier was arrested when he arrived in Texas, but the charges were dropped in February.

Staff writer Andrew Barksdale can be reached at [email protected] or 486-3565.

Copyright 2012 - The Fayetteville Observer, N.C.