Fall 2020 registration for the TSA Associates Program

Fall 2020 registration for the TSA Associates Program begins June 22 through August 17. Registrations will be on a first come first serve basis. Classes begin August 31, 2020.  If you are interested in registering for the fall 2020 semester, e-mail LGA.Associates@tsa.dhs.gov.  You must coordinate with your Education Coordinator PRIOR to registering with the College. The TSA Associates Program application process requires two steps –application through TSA and then formal admission by the College.

 

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

 

• Open to TSOs, LTSO, STSOs, BDOs, EBDOs, MBDOs, STIs, ESTIs, MSTIs, ECCOs, SCCOs, MCCOs, BAOs, uniformed K-9 officers, and if empty seats remain TSIs, STSIs, TSMs, TCs, DAFSDs, AFSDs, DFSD, FSD staff and FAMs can be considered
• Must be a TSA employee in good standing for at least six months
• No disciplinary actions in the last 12 months
• Willing to release grades to TSA
• Must submit a completed application by the stated deadline

 

Thank You!

 

Pedro L Sanchez

Training Specialist

U.S. Department of Homeland Security

Transportation Security Administration

(: 718-340-0059 | 7: 718-639-7322  |*:Pedro.L.Sanchez@tsa.dhs.gov

Weekly Update

DATE:        June 19, 2020

TO:            All Personnel, LGA, HPN, ISP, SWF

FROM:      Robert A. Duffy, Federal Security Director, LGA, HPN, ISP, SWF

SUBJECT:  Weekly Update

 

As I write this weekly update, we have opened the new Terminal B at LGA.  The building is tremendous and has all of the newest equipment in the checkpoint.  The checked baggage screening area is state of the art and the only inline system of its kind in the US.  The baggage belt system is as long as 18 city blocks.  It also has 55 robotic tables.  The checkpoint is not entirely finished as we still have a number of lanes to complete once the contractor, MacDonald/Humphries, can return to New York from London to complete the work.  The company had to leave when the international travel ban went into effect in March.  With the lower passenger volume, the current lanes are enough to handle the demand.  Once the MacDonald/Humphries team returns, it is expected to take about a month to complete the remaining 7 lanes for a total of 16 lanes. 

Since we won’t need all 16 lanes for a while, we plan to conduct pilot programs on the unused lanes to test new equipment and proposed new screening SOPs.  As with any new building, we have already identified some areas that need to be addressed to allow for maximum effectiveness and the greatest efficiency.  We already have initiated action to address the following concerns:

• We have ordered two KRONOS clocks for the wall to the right of the elevators behind Lanes 1 and 2.  Currently, the KRONOS clocks are in the SIDA area, and it is a challenge to get everyone through the SIDA door to clock in or out.  By placing the KRONOS clocks in the sterile area behind the checkpoint, clocking in and out will be far easier.
• We have requested ETD machines for the ends of the even numbered lanes.  Currently, we only have them at the end of the odd numbered lanes.  When an ETD test needs to be conducted on an even numbered lane, the officer must turn their back to the passenger and walk about 8 feet away.  That creates obvious concerns which we plan to correct with ETD machines at the end of all lanes. 
• We requested divesting tables and/or benches at the end of lanes 1 and 2.  There are no designated facilities for passenger re-composure after they complete screening.  This results in passengers either standing at the end of the rollers getting themselves put back together and delaying the flow of movement for other passengers, or sitting on the floor between Lanes 1 and 2, which then creates a tripping hazard to other passengers. 
• We are also planning to mount a camera outside of the SIDA door at the end of the KCM lane next to Lane 1.  That is a solid door with a lot of use.  Since there is no window on the door, people leaving the SIDA area behind the door could hit someone in the head who is entering their SIDA code to open the door.

I ask all of you working in the new Terminal B to let us know of other areas we need to address to improve the screening operation, safety and security of the checkpoint.  I have seen that the morale of everyone at Terminal B has been lifted by the new building and all that it offers.  If you haven’t seen the new terminal, I encourage you to do so.  You will be amazed.

As with any new venture, there was a lot of teamwork that went into the opening of the building, and I want to acknowledge all who worked so hard to make the opening so successful.  Thank you to the entire training staff.  We had to train 260 officers with a total of 12,000 hours of classroom and practical training for all of the new equipment in the new terminal.  Training started on March 1, stopped at the end of March due to the pandemic, re-started in May, and finished on time for the opening.  Outstanding effort to all of our Training team.  Thank you to the Scheduling team.  They managed to schedule all 260 officers in Terminal B for the 12,000 hours of new checkpoint training while still maintaining full staffing to screen passengers in the old Terminal B.  As if that wasn’t enough, the Scheduling team also conducted the first ever virtual shift bid at LGA so that we will have a new schedule starting July 5.  The Scheduling team is currently working on a bid for Managers and Supervisors.  Great work to the team.  Thank you to Kevin Dowling and the Facilities Services Unit (FSU) for facilitating the move from the old terminal to the new terminal, directing the delivery of new furniture, and then setting up that many rooms with tables, chairs, lockers, training aids, food vending machines, etc., to make the start-up a success.  Thank you to Stakeholder Manager Kristen Jonus for coordinating the transition of buildings with TSA-HQ, LGP, PANYNJ, etc., the opening of the checkpoint last Saturday, and the numerous other details she tended to in order for us to have a successful start.  Thank you to the Screening leadership for coordinating the events needed to close out screening operations in the old Terminal B and the opening of the new terminal.  Thank you to the Rapid Response Team for stepping in late in the game to help finish some of the work started by the FSU, which suddenly stopped when the FSU went into quarantine due to a COVID-19 exposure in the unit.  Thank you to Ricardo Mora-Usuga and Ed Harmon for getting all of our IT infrastructure operational in time for the opening.  Thank you to the Mission Support team for their behind the scenes support in procurement of required supplies and equipment needed for a successful opening.  Thank you to the Regulatory team for reviewing the volumes of ASP amendments over the past 4+ years.  Lastly, thank you to all of you now working in Terminal B who went through the training and opened the new screening facilities at the checkpoint and baggage room.  Our success in effectively screening passengers and their property is on your shoulders.  You have the best and newest equipment and training in the TSA.  You have my complete confidence that you will be successful in carrying out the TSA mission at LGA every day.  

As great of an opening as we have had so far, we are not finished.  We will fine tune the new terminal with the punch list items I described above and we will add to that list of improvements to give you a world class facility to work in.  We will now prepare for the opening of the new Terminal C which is about 18-24 months away.  We will apply the lessons learned in the planning and opening of the new Terminal B to the new Terminal C.  We also expect to see some new equipment in the new Terminal C not available for Terminal B.  We are going to open a remote screening room next to Lane 16 in the new Terminal B so the x-ray operators will be out of the lanes and the many distractions that can affect their ability to focus on the images on their screens.  This will set the standard for a similar set-up in the new Terminal C.

I lastly want to thank all of you for your dedication and devotion to duty over the past 5 months.  Since February, we have been hit with the worst pandemic in 102 years which caused illness to our personnel at LGA and ISP and many of your family members.  Sadly, some of your family members passed after being afflicted with the Corona Virus, may they rest in peace.  You have all been required to have your work schedules significantly disrupted due to the airlines reducing their schedules or ceasing all flight operations.  Your flexibility and willingness to change work hours is greatly appreciated.  Those living in New York City have had to endure the closure of the MTA subway from 0100 to 0500 every day which has affected many of you getting to work.  Those in New York City have also had to endure the rioting and civil unrest which affected your ability to safely commute to work, and exposed you and your families and friends to significant danger.  Through all of this, you have all persevered and pressed on through those challenges. 

In talking to many of you over the past months, I am inspired as you continue to keep your heads up, still have a quick smile and a positive attitude as if in defiance of the many events that dampen the spirits of most people.  As the highway signs state, you all really are “New York Tough”.  You are all very special people, and I am very privileged to serve all of you.  Happy Father’s Day to all of our fathers at LGA, ISP, HPN and SWF.

With greatest respect,

FSD Bob Duffy                           

TSA Issued Guidance for Cloth Mask Use

Cloth face coverings prevent the person wearing the mask from spreading respiratory droplets when talking, sneezing, or coughing. If everyone wears a face covering, the risk of exposure to SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, can be reduced for the community. Face coverings worn by others protect you from getting the virus from people who are carrying the virus.

TSA Guidance pertaining to Employee Use of Cloth Face Coverings

Cloth face coverings are NOT the same as medical face masks, surgical masks, or N95 respirators. They are not classified as personal protective equipment (PPE).

TSA frontline employees performing security screening operations and Federal Air Marshals in flight status are still required to wear surgical masks or may elect to voluntarily wear KN90 or N95 respirators, as these functions require personal protective equipment.

TSA employees who work in office settings or locations away from TSA frontline operations in airport settings are permitted to use cloth face coverings in place of surgical masks. Employees may wear their personally-acquired cloth face coverings; however, they must be workplace-appropriate and cannot feature political or offensive images or content.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides instructions on how to make a cloth face covering.

Instructions for Use

When using a cloth face covering, make sure:

Your mouth and nose are fully covered

The covering fits snugly but comfortably against the side of the face so there are no gaps

It is secured with ties or ear loops to prevent slipping

The covering allows for breathing without restriction

You avoid touching your face as much as possible.

Clean hands with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer immediately before putting on, after touching or adjusting, or after removing the cloth face covering.

You are the only one handling your covering.

 

Curfew lifted

Notification issued 06-07-2020 at 6:03 PM.

Today, Mayor de Blasio announced the citywide curfew in New York City has been lifted. All traffic restrictions in Manhattan, and restrictions on Citi Bike and for hire vehicles are lifted. 

Personnel should still be cautious traveling to/from work. 

Federal Employee responsibilities

Good Afternoon Team,

 

In light of the civil discourse currently taking place throughout the Nation, it is important that we remind ourselves that as Federal Employees we are bound by certain restrictions.  Please read through the guidance below, which has been provided by our LGA Field Counsel.   As we exercise our own personal civil liberties, please use the information below to guide your actions.

 

This guidance is to remind all TSA employees of our obligations under the federal regulations and TSA Management Directives.  Regarding protest participation, as employees of the federal government, you:

• Can participate in lawful, nonviolent protests and mass gatherings during your personal time.
• Can, in a civil and professional manner, express your personal opinion about societal happenings, be they national, state, or local.
• Must be mindful of how the expression of your personal opinion may be received by your colleagues. Comments that are viewed as political activity are not allowed.
• Need to comply with state and local ordinances, including the wearing of facemasks.

 However you:

• Cannot participate in such gatherings during your official hours, or while wearing a TSA uniform, badge, or insignia.
• Cannot participate in unlawful, violent protests at any time.
• Cannot harass, speak ill of, or otherwise demean a TSA colleague for their participation in – or disagreement with – the protests.

Such activities can potentially be in violation of law and result in criminal prosecution.  In addition, these activities violate TSA policy regarding performance and conduct which can result in disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. 

In addition, many cities across the country have temporary curfews in place, which must be obeyed.

• If stopped or questioned while on your way to or from work, remember TSA employees are considered essential employees.
• The TSA PIV card can be used as a source of ID if you are stopped while on your way to or from work.

 

 

V/r,

Matt McKeon

Deputy Federal Security Director

Transportation Security Administration

LaGuardia/Long Island MacArthur/Westchester County/New York Stewart Int’l Airports

75-20 Astoria Blvd, Suite 300

East Elmhurst, NY 11370

W: 718-340-0039

C: 718-734-8843

matthew.mckeon@tsa.dhs.gov

Essential Connector

As you already know MTA shut down subway service between 0100-0500hrs.  During the curfew, the subway will continue to close during those hours, but buses will continue to run all night for essential workers. 

 

Another option is the ‘Essential Connector’:

Essential workers are eligible for one free trip in a for-hire vehicle per night if:

·         A bus trip would take more than 1 hour and 20 minutes

·         A bus trip requires more than two transfers, or

·         The walk to or from a bus stop is more than 1/2 mile (10 minutes)

 

Essential workers can download the ‘Essential Connector’ app at the Apple App Store or Google Play .  Through the app, it can connect workers with a free ride and provide data on tran and bus status.

 

 

Note: Some for-hire vehicle services are suspended from 2000-0030hrs during the curfew.  For-hire vehicles are permitted to resume at 0030hrs to assist essential workers returning home or going to work in the overnight hours.  Yellow or Green Taxis are permitted to operate during these hours (2000-0030hrs) if they are transporting an essential worker.  Proof from passenger (PIV or SIDA) may be required if the taxi is topped by law enforcement.

 

Additional information to include the last scheduled departures for subways and the overnight bus maps can be found at https://new.mta.info/coronavirus/ .  You are also able to use “trip planner” on the website to show you the route to take at specific hours.

 

Ron Arroyo

Acting-Assistant Federal Security Director  

Force Protection

FROM:      Robert A. Duffy, Federal Security Director: LGA, HPN, ISP, SWF 

SUBJECT: Force Protection 

As I write this e-mail, we are now confronted with another challenge in addition to the ongoing corona virus.  As you have all seen on the news, and in some cases seen personally, we now have widespread rioting and looting taking place in New York City and other areas. 

As we press on through both of these challenges, please know that in the end, we will prevail.  However, until the rioting ends, we all must take precautions to safeguard ourselves and our families just as we have with the corona virus.  With respect to the rioting, sound judgement and common sense will serve as your personal protective equipment.

I strongly recommend you to avoid all areas in which rioting, looting and protesting is taking place.  The volatile nature of large gatherings under the present conditions can lead to danger and trouble.  Please follow the below recommendations to keep yourselves and your families safe during this time of unrest. 

1.   If you haven’t already done so, program your cell phones with the numbers to 911, your local 

police department or NYPD precinct, the Port Authority Police (PAPD) at LGA and the LGA 

Coordination Center. 

   

2.  Always inform your family where you are going and who you will be with when leaving your 

home.  Ensure they have the contact information of those you will be with or the location where you are going.

 

3.  Keep your cell phones charged and on your person when away from home for immediate access and reliable service. 

4.  Maintain full situational awareness at all times.  Know where there is trouble and avoid those 

areas.  Plot out alternate routes to work or anywhere else you need to go in order to avoid 

those dangerous areas. 

5.  Cover your uniform with regular civilian clothing during you commute to and from work so as 

not to draw attention to yourselves.

    

6.  In light of the New York City curfew starting at 2000 through 0500, keep your PIV card with you 

during your commute to and from work.  Also, keep a copy of the Federal Emergency Response 

Official (FERO) letter on your person at all times while commuting to and from work.  We issued those letters to everyone at the outbreak of the corona virus.  Those letters are still valid for this time of civil unrest.  If you are stopped by the police, follow their instructions as directed, and 

advise them that you work for the TSA at LGA and you have your TSA ID (PIV Card) and FERO 

letter authorizing you to be out during the curfew hours.  If you did not receive a FERO letter, or if you can’t find it, see your STSO or TSM immediately, and we will arrange to get a letter for 

you.

7.  If you need to take an alternate route to work to avoid a problem area, and that detour will 

cause you to be late for work, call the Coordination Center and advise them that you are on the 

way to work but needed to take an alternate route to avoid trouble and will be cases, you will not be charged with being late, but rather we will document the time as Weather and Safety Leave. 

8.  If you unexpectedly come across rioting or looting, call the police and go in the opposite 

direction to avoid getting caught up in the violence.   

9.  If you live in an area in which there is violent actively occurring around your home, call the 

police, then call in to the LGA Coordination Center and let us know that for your own safety and that of your family, you will not be able to come in to work.  We will place you on Weather and Safety Leave for that shift.  Do not try to be a hero or take an unnecessary risk by trying to press through an active riot or violent activity for the sake of coming to work.  Your life is not worth the risk. 

10. Please ensure we have the correct contact information for you, both your phone number and 

address. 

11. If you need help, call the police and Coordination Center and we will get you help. 

I appreciate your dedication and devotion to duty, but during this dangerous time, please use good 

judgement and be responsible.  I care about all of you.  Your safety and well-being is my primary 

concern, both on and off duty. 

Thank you and stay safe.    

New York City Imposed Curfew

UPDATE: NYC Curfew from 8pm-5am in effect for remainder of the week. 

TSA Employees,


Please be advised New York City Governor and Mayor have imposed a curfew beginning this evening, June 1st, from 2300hrs to 0500hrs. Please ensure you have your PIV ID with you and essential worker letter in case you are stopped by the police. Advise them you are on your way to or from work. If they need to verify that please have them call the LGA TSA Coordination Center at 718-340-0001

Coordination Center

LaGuardia Airport – LGA

Long Island MacArthur Airport – ISP

Westchester County Airport - HPN

Stewart International Airport - SWF

US Department of Homeland Security

Transportation Security Administration

Office:  (718) 340-0001,0002,0003,0004

Fax:       (718) 424-0231

LGAcoordinationcenter@dhs.gov