March 20, 2012 - ALPA security representatives attended the Airport Law Enforcement Agencies Network (ALEAN) spring conference in New Orleans, March 13–14. During his remarks, keynote speaker John Pistole, administrator of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), addressed the need for a “risk-based” approach to aviation security and praised the partnership between TSA, labor, industry, and state and local airport law enforcement agencies. The administrator specifically cited the ALPA- and Airlines for America-sponsored Known Crewmember program as a successful example of risk-based screening and discussed the possibility of expanding similar programs in the future, such as PreCheck.

An FBI speaker offered an overview of the agency’s Civil Aviation Security Program and discussed counterterrorism efforts conducted by 42 different agencies within the National Joint Terrorism Task Force. In addition to panel discussions on current airport law enforcement resources and training issues, the agenda included a presentation by Immigration and Customs Enforcement.