PUBLIC SAFETY Federal screeners begin work...

PUBLIC SAFETY

Federal screeners begin

work at JWA

At John Wayne Airport, security measures changed again Wednesday

as federal screeners replaced those employed by private companies at

security checkpoints.

The screeners were officially introduced by U.S. Secretary of

Transportation, Norman Mineta, at the airport Wednesday. They were

hired by the Transportation Safety Administration, an agency created

by President Bush after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

Mineta said John Wayne will be one of the first airports in the

country to have screening technology in place and operating by the

end of the year to check 100% of all bags. Airport managers are

counting on the December installation of the $29-million

explosives-detection system. Airports have until Dec. 31 to install

the new machines.

John Wayne Airport now has 150 federal screeners. That number is

expected to go up to 193 by the end of next month, Mineta said.

The federal baggage screeners have undergone 40 hours of classroom

training and 60 hours of on-the-job training.

* DEEPA BHARATH covers public safety and courts. She may be

reached at (949) 574-4226 or by e-mail at deepa.bharath@latimes.com.