The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) was created in the wake of 9/11 to strengthen the security of the nation’s transportation systems while ensuring the freedom of movement for people and commerce. Within a year, TSA assumed responsibility for security at the nation’s airports and deployed a Federal workforce to meet Congressional deadlines for screening all commercial airline passengers and baggage. In March 2003, TSA transferred from the Department of Transportation to the Department of Homeland Security.
TSA employs a risk-based strategy to secure U.S. transportation systems, working closely with stakeholders in aviation, rail, transit, highway, and pipeline sectors, as well as the partners in the law enforcement and intelligence community. The agency will continuously set the standard for excellence in transportation security through its people, processes, technologies and use of intelligence to drive operations.
TSA screens every passenger's baggage before it is placed on an airplane. There are times when TSA need to physically inspect a piece of luggage. TSA has worked with Travel Sentry to develop locks that can be opened by security officers using universal "master" keys so that the locks may not have to be cut. These locks are available in our outlets as well as provided in some of our luggage. The Travel Sentry logo on the locks indicates whether they can be opened by TSA.
(Source from www.tsa.gov)
