DOT Begins Hiring Federal Airport Security Directors

Each of the nation's 81 biggest airports will receive a federal security director in phase one of a recruitment and hiring process announced late Tuesday by the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Directors will be responsible for overseeing federal security operations at their respective airports, including screening of passengers, baggage and cargo; securing the airport and aircraft; hiring and training federal security employees; and coordinating responsibilities of the federal and local law enforcement staffs. DOT is seeking recruits with law enforcement and security backgrounds.

Transportation secretary Norman Mineta called the new directors "front line leaders" who would work to "rebuild the confidence and comfort of the traveling public."

Phase two, which includes the hiring of security directors for the nation's remaining smaller airports, is expected to be completed before screeners are hired by the end of this year, at which time directors will number 510 nationwide, according to DOT.