United Kingdom
United States
Asia Pacific
Bomb sniffer dog teams fail dozens of tests at US airports
Friday, 19 Sep, 2016
0
Bomb sniffer dog teams failed multiple times in finding explosive materials during test exercises at some of the biggest airports in the country.
Data was released after a freedom of information request, calling into question the effectiveness of TSA K-9 teams at the nation’s airports.
An NBC News investigation found dogs failed annual certification tests 52 times between January 1, 2013, and June 15, 2015.
Dogs either failed to find planted explosives, or there were too many false alarms that would have resulted in unnecessary airport evacuations.
Dog sniffer teams failed 21 times at Los Angeles and 10 times at Washington Dulles, the report said.
Overall, the average pass rate of the tests was 87% but some airports, such as Dallas Love Field achieved much lower scores.
The country’s busiest airport Hartsfield-Jackson in Atlanta fared best with a 97% success rate, said NBC affiliate KXAS.
"If a team does not meet TSA’s rigorous guidelines, it is decertified and restricted from working," the TSA told KXAS in a statement.
"The team must successfully meet certification standards before returning to search duties. Dog teams that are unable to return to TSA’s high standards are subject to removal."
The agency said the pass rate improved to 93% for the second half of 2015 but declined to release official figures.
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
Walt Leger on New Orleans’ Resilience and Major Events Ahead
Cindy Mackin Shares Estes Park’s Winter Thrills
Mark Jaronski of Explore Georgia on FIFA World Cup 2026
Connecting Small Businesses to Global Tourism Markets: Nate Huff of Tourism Exchange
North Carolina’s Resilience: Wit Tuttell on Recovery and Tourism
Kittipong Prapattong’s Plan for Thailand’s Tourism Growth: Taxes, Visas, and Campaigns
James Jin: Didatravel’s Journey from China to Global Reach and the Impact of AI on Travel
Darien Schaefer on Pensacola’s Evolution: From Small Town to Global Destination
Florida Tourism’s Next Frontier: Dana Young on Expanding Beyond the Classics
Patrick Harrison on Tampa Bay Tourism’s Resilience and Marketing Strategy
Bubba O’Keefe on Clarksdale’s Vibrant Music Scene
Commemorating Elvis and Embracing Tupelo’s Culture with Jennie Bradford Curlee
BA suspending all Heathrow to Abu Dhabi flights
Unexpected wave rocks cruise ship
Report: Cruise guest died after ship lashed in heavy storm
British teen in serious condition after paraglider collision
JetBlue scraps London Gatwick flights