Reporting Anjali Hemphill
SACRAMENTO (CBS13) – The Sacramento International Airport is considering making a security change, and it could mean getting rid of TSA agents.
Long lines and long faces are usually what TSA security checkpoint employees see everyday.
But now the airport may be the third largest airport in the country to replace these government workers with ones from a private company.
“It’s a win-win for everything has no bearing on security procedure or the processes the public has become accustomed to,” said Linda Beech Cutler, Sacramento International Airport.
So far passengers at large airports like San Francisco and Kansas City are becoming accustomed to the same plan already in place.
Fourteen smaller airports around the country have also joined the screening partnership program.
“It might be better, less intrusive on us. I don’t like how the government runs their business,” said one flyer.
Airport officials say the change will in no way compromise passenger safety and won’t cost anyone less money.
In fact, TSA will still manage the new company coming in.
“They will issue proposals, evaluate the private security companies and ultimately choose the company that would operate here,” said Cutler.
Airport officials say them having more control means more flexibility and better customer service and faster lines.
“Makes us more flexible for staffing, for peak times and not being so staffed up for not so busy times,” said Cutler.
Passengers here don’t seem too worried. In fact, many say they’ll feel safer.
“I doubt they’ll get some rinky-dink company coming in and taking care of security. I don’t see that happening,” said Chad Harrison, airport passenger.
If approved, it could take up to a year to change over.
Any current TSA employees at Sacramento International Airport can apply and be trained to work for the new private security coming in.
