March 31, 2006
Media Advisory: Aviation Security Conference
Experts will discuss the latest in aviation security methods, technology and philosophy in the post-Sept. 11 world during a daylong conference at Southern Illinois University Carbondale next week. Reporters, photographers and camera crews are welcome to cover the event, which is set for Monday, April 3, at the SIUC Student Center.
Aviation security leaders from the state and federal governments and the private sector will be on hand to discuss the issues as American commercial aviation approaches a pivotal time. Julie Raines, an instructor in the public administration program in the political science department, said airports soon will choose whether to privatize security forces as legislation federalizing all such security employees expires. Experts expect fierce debate over which kind of security force provides the best protection. At the same time, new technologies may influence the nation's approach to aviation security.
A schedule of events follows:
8:30 to 9:30 a.m., Old Main Lounge, welcome, continental breakfast
9:40 to 11 a.m., Fourth Floor Video Lounge, panel discussion
New Aviation Security Technology: A discussion regarding the latest technologies being tested in airports, or that are about to be unveiled.
11:10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Fourth Floor Video Lounge, panel discussion
Implementation of New Aviation Security Technology: A discussion regarding which technologies are useful and reliable.
12:30 to 2 p.m., Old Main Lounge, keynote speaker
• Matthew Summy, deputy director, Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Homeland Security Market Development.
• David Streicker, acting general counsel and base re-alignment closure coordinator, DCEO.
2 to 3:30 p.m., Fourth Floor Video Lounge, panel discussion
Privacy and Civil Liberties Issues: A discussion regarding legal problems that arise as a direct result of aviation security techniques including passenger screening with and without the use of technology.
3:40 to 5 p.m., Fourth Floor Video Lounge, working discussion group
Participants will discuss potential solutions to existing security concerns within the field of aviation, how academics might serve policy and practitioners more effectively and how they can positively impact aviation security policy in the United States.
7 p.m. Ballroom D, keynote address
R. William Johnstone, who served on the transportation security staff of the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States (9/11 Commission) after working for more than 20 years as a Congressional staff member. He currently is a consultant on homeland and national security matters.
8 p.m., Corker Lounge, reception
Partners presenting the conference include the SIUC Paul Simon Public Policy Institute, Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Homeland Security Market Development, SIUC College of Liberal Arts, Provost's Office, Department of Political Science and Public Administration, Department of Aviation Management and Flight and the College of Applied Sciences and Arts.
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