Swalwell Tours San Jose Airport and Calls for Technology Solution to Airport Perimeter Security

SAN JOSE, CA – Following a tour of the Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC) perimeter, U.S. Representative Eric Swalwell (CA-15) today called for pilot programs to test various technologies to determine the best, most cost-effective methods to secure airport perimeters. Swalwell is the only Northern California member of the Homeland Security Committee. On April 20, a teenager flew from SJC to Hawaii in the wheel well of a Hawaiian Airlines flight after he trespassed undetected.

"Currently there is no way for airport security at San Jose Airport to be alerted immediately when someone crosses the perimeter, a threat to the traveling public," said Swalwell. "This airport is in the heart of Silicon Valley and the solution may very well be here – in technological innovation. I call on the TSA to implement pilot programs to test and deploy technologies so our airport perimeters are secure and passengers are protected."

During the tour, Swalwell surveyed the airport perimeter and viewed the gate where the Hawaiian Airlines plane took off. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) inspected SJC earlier this year and concluded the perimeter was in compliance with its security requirements.

Previously, Swalwell, a member of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Transportation Security, requested that the Government Accountability Office (GAO) conduct a nationwide assessment of our nation's airport perimeter security needs. The GAO last issued a report on airport perimeter security in 2009

Hi-res photos are available upon request

Swalwell being briefed by airport security personnel

Swalwell views the airport perimeter with John Aitken, Deputy Director of Aviation

Swalwell views the airport perimeter with John Aitken, Deputy Director of Aviation