9/11 and the Future of Transportation Security

(Hardback)

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Description

R. William Johnstone served on the transportation security staff of the 9/11 Commission, and wrote this book to build upon and supplement the Commission's work. In its pages, he explains the aviation security system failure on 9/11, uses that as a means for evaluating post-9/11 transportation security efforts, and proposes remedies to continued shortcomings. 9/11 and the Future of Transportation Security is based on information originally provided to the 9/11 Commission, augmented by unpublished reports and a wealth of other material that has come to light since the issuance of the Commission's own report in July 2004. Part One analyzes the aviation security system's history and institutions to explain why the system failed on 9/11. Part Two looks at what has been done in aviation and transportation security since 9/11, including the Commission's recommendations and the congressional response to them. Finally and most significantly, Part Three outlines a suggested approach for improving current U.S. transportation security. It begins with fundamental policy questions that must be answered if we are to optimize transportation security efforts, and concludes with both underlying principles for action and specific recommendations.

Reviews

Johnstone builds on his experience as a former transportation security staff member with the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States in an effort to explain the causes of aviation security failure in the September 11th attacks and to draw lessons and recommendations for continuing shortcomings in US transportation security. In formulating his recommendations, he pays attention to key questions of how security is to be prioritized in relation to fiscal responsibility, economic efficiency, and civil liberties; how it is to be organized in terms of federal, state, local, and private roles and responsibilities; and how it is to be funded. * Reference & Research Book News *
R. William Johnstone, a member of the 9/11 Commission, has written the best book on this topic we are likely to see for some time. The narrative covers past, present, and future transportation issues. Recommended. * Security Letter *

Author Bio

R. William Johnstone served on the transportation security staff of the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States (9/11 Commission) after working for over twenty years as a Congressional staff member. He is currently a consultant on homeland and national security matters.