Federal Air Marshals: The Last Line of Defense

The efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the current federal air marshal program is examined in this paper from the perspective of the effect of the program on government costs and the benefits to passengers. No consideration is given to the additional hidden costs that are born by passengers. The principal message of this examination is the need for more thorough analysis based on actual, currently unavailable data and a clearer statement of the objective of the program. The paper gives a brief history of the Federal Air Marshal Service (FAMS), examines its costs, and evaluates it relative to other options for the onboard passenger security structure.