Airport security has long been a focus of OIG's criminal investigators. We investigate cases involving the falsification of documents required by law or regulation to comply with aviation security requirements; such as aircraft and airman's certificates, airport security and identification badges; and training and background standards for airport security checkpoint personnel.

OIG's aviation security investigations generally fall into three categories. We investigate:

* Airport security firms that do not conduct federally mandated background checks on employees guarding secure areas of airports;
* Airport workers who use security badges to gain access to secure areas of airports to steal items from cargo or luggage;
* Workers who lie about their criminal history, their immigration status or provide false or inaccurate Social Security numbers on their application for security clearances.Our investigations over the years have shown that people who lie about their criminal history in order to get airport security clearances can pose a threat to public safety. We have uncovered numerous cases of people who fraudulently obtained airport security badges so they could participate in illegal activities, such as drug smuggling or theft of checked luggage or air cargo. In addition, our audit work has shown that an effective security program requires that only individuals who have undergone extensive background checks should have access to secure areas.

Beginning March 1, 2003, DOT OIG will no longer have primary oversight over the enforcement of aviation security regulations. That jurisdiction will be transferred to the Department of Homeland Security OIG.