Who has the authority to conduct tests of the Airport Security Program under Part 1542.5?

The authority to conduct tests of the Airport Security Program under Part 1542.5 is granted to the TSA Transportation Security Inspector. This individual is specifically trained and designated by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to assess and ensure compliance with federal security regulations at airports. The role of the TSA Transportation Security Inspector includes monitoring the effectiveness of security measures, conducting audits, and testing the overall security program, which encompasses the evaluation of various procedures and personnel involved in airport security.

The other roles mentioned, such as the Airport Operations Manager or the FAA Airport Inspector, do not possess the same specific authority under Part 1542.5. While these individuals may have important responsibilities within airport operations and safety, they do not have the direct authority to conduct security tests as mandated by the TSA. The Airport Security Officer is also primarily focused on enforcing security protocols and may not have the authority to test the security program at a regulatory level as a TSA inspector would. Thus, the TSA Transportation Security Inspector is the designated authority with the responsibility and expertise to effectively conduct these crucial security assessments.