Extra TSA screeners at DIA not searching passengers

DENVER - As thousands of people moved through Denver International Airport, a handful of Transportation Security Administration screeners positioned outside designated security checkpoints allowed those passengers to pass without hesitation.

As part of what TSA officials are calling an "added layer of security," the extra screeners are only looking for airport employees to search.

"We're looking at all kinds of threats, and many different layers of security," said TSA spokesperson Carrie Harmon.

There are roughly 30,000 airport employees at DIA. They are all now subject to random identification checks, searches and pat downs.

"We all know we need security here and that's what we're doing. If I was picked for random screening I'm okay with it, I want us to be doing this," said TSA screener Nancy Walker.

Walker is one of the special screeners. On Friday, 9NEWS found her near one of the escalators near the terminal shuttle trains. With a smile she and her colleagues would pull employees aside.

"Hey, how are you doing? Can I see your Denver badge please," Walker asked one employee.

During another random stop she asked another employee to place his box on a table and open it. The search took less than 90 seconds. For the most part, employees have been receptive being screened.

"Occasionally we'll have someone who objects to these random searches, but it's rare. Everyone understands that security is a group effort," said Harmon.

Harmon says in several airports across the country special personnel who deal with bombs and suspicious behavior detection are in place. She could not reveal whether those specialists are at DIA. She said that such extra layers of security are meant to protect passengers from threats, whether they come from inside or outside the airport.