A Risk-based Airport Security Policy

This paper argues for a risk-based security policy for our nation's airports. It reviews the two main tools necessary for a risk-based security model for U.S. airports. (1) A Pre-clearing system for a subset of low-risk air passengers. After passing the clearing system, these passengers can then have their boarding expedited. (2) A system for identifying high-risk passengers for intensified scrutiny. The system proposed for this high-risk scrutiny is called the Risk Screening System; and it would rely on information already in airline reservation systems. Therefore, it would not create any additional privacy concerns.