The new interior enforcement strategy represents the second phase of the Secure Border Initiative (SBI) - the Department of Homeland Security's multiyear plan to secure America's borders and reduce illegal migration.
"We are adopting biometric, electronically-based, and secure travel documents that are tamper-resistant, yet provide a very convenient way to move back and forth across our borders," said Deputy Secretary Michael Jackson.
TSA will begin implementing Registered Traveler as a pilot program in 10 to 20 airports. Before nationwide implementation, operations at these airports will be used to evaluate the impact of alternate checkpoint processes on screening and wait times.
The officers will be trained in spotting suspicious driver behavior, identifying fraudulent driver's licenses and counterfeit commercial vehicle documents, & the search techniques used to find suspected weapons of mass destruction.
The Department of Homeland Security plans to sponsor five regional Hurricane Preparedness Exercises in the Gulf area. The goal is to test & validate improvements made to hurricane plans since Katrina and Rita.
