TSA undercover testing failures leads to retraining across the country

NEW YORK (WABC) -- Concern about security lapses at airports is leading to changes for all TSA workers.

An internal report showed a majority of TSA workers failed undercover tests, and workers in New York and around the country will soon be retrained as a result.

Earlier this year, Homeland Security members posed as passengers and were able to get mock explosives or banned weapons through checkpoints across the country 95% of the time.

Eyewitness News has learned that within the next few months, TSA workers across the country will be retrained.

New York State Senator Charles Schumer says the new head of the TSA has promised him that the agency will move forward with a complete overhaul of its employee training procedures.

"I think it's a great thing. They should definitely do it, make sure everyone, you know, is still sharp on the lookout," said Rui Amorim, a Kearny resident.

The problem became apparent in June when ABC News learned exclusively that TSA agents at airports across the country failed to uncover 67 out of 70 staged threats.

For example, screeners failed to detect a fake explosive device taped to an undercover agent's back during a pat down.

"TSA should know what's going on in the airport so they should know what they have to look for and do their job properly," said Miguel Ayala, a Richmond Hill resident.

The TSA is saying it will do a review of all TSA operations specifically at New York area airports.

The Department of Homeland Security insists that security at our nation's airports is strong.

Jeff Yapalater of Long Island agrees. He works at JFK.

"TSA does a great job. I don't work TSA, but I'm there every day and I'm telling you these people do a good job," said Jeff Yapalater, a Merrick resident.