The Transportation Security Administration: a Case in Social Responsibility

The Transportation Security Administration:

A Case in Social Responsibility

Hayden S. Segel

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Introduction

Americans have a general understanding of what the Transportation Security Administration, or TSA, does; however, it is much more than a federal organization that checks bags and passengers at airports. The question begging to be answered is whether or not this organization is socially responsible. Most might say the TSA simply provides protection for airports by screening passengers, their documents, and baggage. However, there is much more than meets the eye; as a member of the Department of Homeland Security, the TSA is not only responsible for the security of most modes of transportation to include railways and other types of surface movement, this agency also conducts highway inspections—all this, in addition to air travel.

In what way is the TSA a socially responsible government organization? Many contend that TSA is not “socially responsible” at all, but those with a solid understanding of the TSA know that this organization is surely a socially responsible entity. First, take in to consideration that like other governmental organizations, the TSA is a non-profit organization. It does not have the means nor the discretion to make charitable donations to worthy causes. More to the point, the TSA is a recipient of taxpayer dollars, and as such, it has a fiscal responsibility to be a good shepherd of those dollars. In the broader sense of determining social responsibility, and considering all it is that the TSA does, one could say the TSA is nothing but socially responsible. The sole purpose of the TSA, as vehemently conveyed through its mission statement, is to “Protect the nation's transportation systems to ensure freedom of movement for people and commerce.” (tsa.gov, 2013).

History

Although it would be historically accurate to say that the main purpose for generating the TSA came as a direct...