Web of agencies at US airports could hinder security overhauls

Travellers passing through NY JFK this week witnessed a show of force following the Brussels airport attack: US Army soldiers in khaki camouflage, police officers in black bullet-proof vests and private security guards directing traffic in neon-yellow vests. The variety of uniforms is a sign of the overlapping jurisdictions that determine which federal, state or local agency - or even airline - is responsible for security on any particular patch of turf. The show of force may reassure travellers, but the patchwork of agencies could be a barrier to changes in security procedures, such as making airline terminals a single security zone. “It’s gotten a lot worse. There are a lot more law enforcement agencies involved now than there used to be," said an aviation industry consultant. <br/>