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Official website of the Department of Homeland Security

About TSA

Following September 11, 2001, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) was created to strengthen the security of the nation’s transportation systems and ensure the freedom of movement for people and commerce. Today, TSA secures the nation’s airports and screens all commercial airline passengers and baggage. TSA uses a risk-based strategy and works closely with transportation, law enforcement and intelligence communities to set the standard for excellence in transportation security.

Mission, Vision and Core Values

TSA has established guiding principles to maintain the security of the traveling public and continuously set the standard for excellence in transportation security.

Layers of Security

We use layers of security to ensure the security of the traveling public and the Nation's transportation system. Because of their visibility to the public, we are most associated with the airport checkpoints that our Transportation Security Officers operate. These checkpoints, however, constitute...

Innovation and Technology

TSA understands that threats to aviation security continue to evolve. They are more sophisticated and more complex than ever before. TSA must use every tool at our disposal to address those threats and develop methods of combating them. The use of new and innovative technology helps us stay ahead...