WLBT - Three On Your Side Follow up: Airport Security Leadership Changes

Three On Your Side Follow up: Airport Security Leadership Changes

By Marsha Thompson
marshathompson@wlbt.net

The top official in charge of airport security throughout Mississippi is being re-assigned following a federal probe. Federal Security Director Larry Rowlett will be replaced with an acting director. The Federal Transportation Security Administration has not publicly named an acting director for that position. But U.S. Congressman Bennie Thompson, the ranking Democrat on the House Homeland Security Commission told us Tuesday afternoon it's a matter of time. Word came on his Blackberry from a TSA official in Washington.

Congressman Thompson read the message loud: "We are in the process of identifying a replacement, but we want to get 100 percent confirmation from that individual before we announce anything." TSA officials e-mailed the Congressman they intend to have someone in place as an Acting Federal Security Director before Mr. Rowlett leaves the post.

Rowlett is responsible for overseeing security at 7 Mississippi airports, he is in charge of everything from x-rays, bag searches, employees and passenger safety. His 4- year tenure came under fire when employees allegedly complained of lax security, even skilled screeners were tipped off by superivors in advance of unannounced security checks. Another possible security breech; Allegations Jackson's Mayor boarded commercial aircraft armed.

The Congressman said "My concern is whether or not our system of passenger security was compromised and if in fact those individuals that provided the weaknesses should be disciplined." Congressman Thompson says he's been informed the federal investigation of airport security is on-going.

Rowlett did not return our phone calls. He has been re-assigned to a position overseeing disaster prepardness in the southeast.

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