The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recently opened the TSA Academy West in Las Vegas, Nev., with a ribbon cutting event attended by TSA Administrator David Pekoske.
“The TSA Academy West expands our ability to train our new officers in an airport environment and provides them hands-on experience with our latest technology,” Pekoske said. “This is an impressive, best-in-class training facility made possible by our expert faculty and staff and our strong partnership with Harry Reid International Airport.”
The 26,000-square-foot facility features six classrooms; two large multipurpose rooms; and virtual instruction space. The location is near Harry Reid International Airport (LAS), providing Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) with easy access to a dedicated training checkpoint where they can apply what they have learned in the classroom.
According to the TSA, the training checkpoint is adjacent to the LAS Innovation Checkpoint that offers the latest upgrades in aviation security technologies as a means of enhancing security and the passenger screening experience.
TSA Academy West has the capacity to train 180 TSOs, per the TSA, accompanying what is currently offered at TSA Academy East at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers (FLETC) in Glynco, Ga.
The TSA indicated TSA Academy West curriculum includes threat detection and resolution; pat-down techniques; screening of personal property; adaptive thinking; customer experience; and training on our core values of integrity, respect and commitment.