At Kansas City International Airport, passengers may not notice a key detail. The officers scanning IDs and screening bags are not Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers. They are private contractors, easily identified by their badges and U.S. flag patches.
Private vs. Federal Security
This distinction often goes unnoticed. Travelers like Natasha Greenway heading to Philadelphia or Kim Eckels traveling to Portland were unaware of this setup. Many passengers, not questioning the process, remain uninformed about these private officers employed by VMD Corp from McLean, Virginia.
Gabe Murphy, VMD’s program manager, explains that private employees handle passenger and baggage screening. However, the TSA oversees these procedures to ensure compliance with set guidelines. “Their SOP is our SOP,” Murphy states, underscoring the commitment to adhering to TSA standards.
History of Privatization
The use of private contractors is rooted in the establishment of the TSA after the 9/11 attacks. Airports were offered a choice between federal officers and private firms under the Screening Partnership Program (SPP). Though most U.S. airports use the TSA, Kansas City and San Francisco remain notable exceptions. Other airports involved in SPP are scattered across the U.S., including in Florida, New Jersey, Mississippi, and Montana.
Recently, airports like Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International are contemplating privatizing their security. Tina Won Sherman from the Government Accountability Office (GAO) notes that changes could be significant if the initiative expands beyond the current 20 privatized airports, compared to 440 with federal security.
Impact of the Shift
The push for more private control comes amid debates on cost savings and potential impacts. The AFGE union opposes privatization, suggesting it might undermine federal security officers. However, federal law mandates private companies to offer wages commensurate with their federal counterparts. TSA officers’ wages improved significantly in 2023, but concerns remain about contractual changes proposed by the previous administration.
Sherman mentions that oversight by the TSA in expanded private settings would demand rigorous evaluation of technology and efficiency standards.
Passenger Perceptions
Despite the private operation, many passengers express satisfaction with their experience at the airport. The recent government shutdown highlighted the contrast between private and federal airport efficiency, with NPR reports indicating smoother operations at privatized locations. Regular traveler Eric Sauter realized the difference when traveling through Kansas City.
According to passengers like Carissa Brownlee, the focus remains on the efficiency and demeanor of officers. Dress code variances, such as VMD’s gray shirts versus TSA’s blue, typically go unnoticed.
A Future with Increased Integration
Kansas City’s security setup aligns with standard practices at various airports, featuring recent equipment upgrades for a smoother process. Local police collaboration ensures immediate response to security concerns.
Training is a cornerstone of these operations. During NPR’s visit, new VMD employees were undergoing extensive training to prepare for effective service. Kim Fisher, head of training, highlights that employees receive about two months of instruction, with additional training based on capability.
New employee Jada Price, 19, moved to Kansas City for a stable career in security. As airport security discussions continue, maintaining fair wages is emphasized for job satisfaction and security excellence.
VMD recently secured a significant contract with San Francisco International Airport, with the Government Accountability Office approving the proposal. Fisher plans to oversee the integration process, maintaining the current business approach while expanding on a larger scale.
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