Philly TSA Dogs Bomb Tests -- Again
Three dogs needed recertification after they were unable to detect explosive materials
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Officials from the TSA say several explosives dogs who serve at Philadelphia International Airport failed their recertification training.
It seems weeks of intensive retraining for decertified Philadelphia International Airport security dogs has done little to hone their skills.
Earlier this month, the Transportation Security Administration was forced to remove three canines from service after they failed to detect the scent of explosive materials during an annual recertification test.
The TSA came under fire after they continued to use the dogs as a "visual deterrent" inside the airport even though they were decertified.
Officials said the dogs would undergo an extensive training program to be recertified, but now it seems that program has failed for some of the dogs.
"TSA sets the highest canine certification standards in the federal government. As a result, some failures are expected, however, an established remediation program helps get these teams back into compliance," TSA spokesperson Ann Davis said.
Officials wouldn't say how many dogs were unable to pass the retest, but that they plan to continue to use the uncertified dogs as visual deterrents.
"TSA can assure the traveling public that Philadelphia currently has ample canine resources to meet security requirements," Davis said.
The TSA has 13 dogs assigned to Philadelphia International. In addition, Philadelphia Police has K-9 units patroling. The police dogs were never affected.
Posted Thursday, Jan 28, 2010 - 9:09 PM EST
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