Sensitive Security Information (CRS Report for Congress)
| Release Date |
Feb. 5, 2004 |
| Report Number |
RS21727 |
| Report Type |
Report |
| Authors |
Mitchel A. Sollenberger, Government and Finance Division |
| Source Agency |
Congressional Research Service |
Summary:
In November 2003, the U.S. attorney's office in Miami dropped a criminal case against a former
federal baggage screener charged with stealing from a passenger's luggage. The case was dropped
because prosecutors feared that sensitive security information (SSI) would have to be disclosed. At
issue is the ability of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to prosecute other dishonest
agency employees in the future. Will the same dilemma that led to the dismissal of this particular
case occur again? In recent months, this and other important issues relating to SSI have been raised.
This report provides a brief background on SSI regulation, an overview of the current policy issues,
and a description of the criticism of, and support for, SSI policy. This report will be updated as
events warrant.
