TSA and the Liberia Civil Aviation Authority Partner to Enhance Aviation Security

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Transportation Security Administration

Aug 30, 2010, 03:00 ET

MONROVIA, Liberia, Aug. 30 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and the Liberia Civil Aviation Authority (LCAA) today announced the successful implementation of cooperative efforts to enhance aviation security. Flights between the United States and Liberia could begin as early as fall 2010.

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TSA has worked closely with LCAA to implement the necessary security protocols for sustainable aviation security institutions and practices, and to ensure the safety of passengers traveling between the two countries. In 2009, TSA and LCAA – by signing a Joint Statement of Intent – agreed to work together to develop and enhance aviation security programs as well as share best practices.

"TSA's efforts to assist Liberia demonstrate our commitment to aiding in the development of aviation systems throughout the world," said John Halinski, assistant administrator for TSA's Office of Global Strategies. "Through this partnership, TSA and LCAA have built a sustainable Liberian transportation security system — not only aiding travelers in our respective countries as flights begin this fall, but also demonstrating our shared commitment to the international aviation security community."

To support this partnership, TSA deployed an Aviation Security Sustainable International Standards Team (ASSIST), a group of veteran security experts, to collaborate with Liberian aviation security officials. The ASSIST group and their LCAA counterparts assessed aviation security programs such as training and equipment as well as current aviation security laws and regulations.

The ASSIST program is part of TSA's ongoing efforts to promote the secure movement of people and commerce worldwide. Through ASSIST, TSA has identified a number of international lessons-learned and best practices regarding aviation security. TSA plans to expand this program to additional nations in the future.

To learn more about TSA and ASSIST, please visit www.tsa.gov.