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If ever there was cause to reinforce my delusional suspicion that the airport "security" measures were intended, in whole or significant part, merely to instill fear and intimidation on the traveling public (http://guambatstew.blogspot.com/2005/08/nothing-to-fear-but-fear-itself.html), this is it:
"Security at Australia's airports is seriously flawed: no one takes control of policing, agencies fail to share vital information on threats and, if there is a terrorist strike, police and airport staff are unable to communicate effectively.
This is the disturbing assessment of the British security expert Sir John Wheeler, who says in his report commissioned by the Federal Government: "Bluntly put, in the everyday workings of airports, no one is taking overall charge of policing and security."
Four years after the September 11 terrorist attacks, the report reveals big gaps in the Howard policy on airport security.
It calls policing at main airports "often inadequate and dysfunctional" and security systems "typically unco-ordinated".
And it blames turf wars and fights between agencies over resources as the root cause.
Sir John also found organised crime rings operating at airports, stealing luggage, cars and equipment. He warns that "a culture of lax security or pretty criminality can provide opportunities for terrorists to exploit weaknesses in airport security"." http://smh.com.au/articles/2005/09/21/1126982127288.html
This is the disturbing assessment of the British security expert Sir John Wheeler, who says in his report commissioned by the Federal Government: "Bluntly put, in the everyday workings of airports, no one is taking overall charge of policing and security."
Four years after the September 11 terrorist attacks, the report reveals big gaps in the Howard policy on airport security.
It calls policing at main airports "often inadequate and dysfunctional" and security systems "typically unco-ordinated".
And it blames turf wars and fights between agencies over resources as the root cause.
Sir John also found organised crime rings operating at airports, stealing luggage, cars and equipment. He warns that "a culture of lax security or pretty criminality can provide opportunities for terrorists to exploit weaknesses in airport security"." http://smh.com.au/articles/2005/09/21/1126982127288.html
"Organised crime syndicates have targeted the nation's airports, especially Sydney's, stealing tourists' luggage, taking vehicles from car parks and systematically pilfering highly valuable equipment, the Wheeler report says.
All the main airports also remain transit points for heroin, cocaine and cannabis trafficking, but Sir John Wheeler singles out Sydney Airport, saying "it stands out in almost every category".
"A particular worry will prove to be the high number of professional criminal organisations with international criminal connections," the report says. It warns that "because of the substantial sums of money involved, it will probably turn out to be drug-related criminals who are most responsible for subverting or suborning airline and airport employees". "At its most basic, a culture of lax security or petty criminality can provide opportunities for
terrorists to exploit weaknesses in airport security. Staff can be bribed to ignore criminality or paid large sums to assist in drug trafficking or theft. Once compromised, such employees may be unable to stand up to terrorists. Any airport staff who are not thoroughly background checked and routinely searched are potential weak links." http://smh.com.au/articles/2005/09/21/1126982127294.html
All the main airports also remain transit points for heroin, cocaine and cannabis trafficking, but Sir John Wheeler singles out Sydney Airport, saying "it stands out in almost every category".
"A particular worry will prove to be the high number of professional criminal organisations with international criminal connections," the report says. It warns that "because of the substantial sums of money involved, it will probably turn out to be drug-related criminals who are most responsible for subverting or suborning airline and airport employees". "At its most basic, a culture of lax security or petty criminality can provide opportunities for
terrorists to exploit weaknesses in airport security. Staff can be bribed to ignore criminality or paid large sums to assist in drug trafficking or theft. Once compromised, such employees may be unable to stand up to terrorists. Any airport staff who are not thoroughly background checked and routinely searched are potential weak links." http://smh.com.au/articles/2005/09/21/1126982127294.html
Just try to carry a pair of tweezers on board, and you'll be bowled up and strip searched. But if you want to get heroine or god knows what else onto the tarmac, off you go, then. Who's in charge here?! http://guambatstew.blogspot.com/2005/09/buck-doesnt-stop-its-lying-in-wait-for.html
For a bit of © comic relief:
posted by Guambat Stew at Friday, September 23, 2005
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