MSA Security Announces Pipeline for TSA Third-Party Canine Program (CCSP-K9)

NEW YORK, Nov. 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- MSA Security ("MSA"), a global high consequence threat protection firm, announced today that its pipeline of trained explosive detection canine teams is prepared for  the Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) Third Party Canine Testing and Certification process.

MSA is America's largest provider of explosive detection canine teams through its proprietary Windsor Program. Over 500 single-purpose, single handler Windsor Teams are actively deployed around the world. The program received Department of Homeland Security SAFETY Act Certification – the highest level of award – in 2004, and is the only one in the industry to have consistently maintained certification for 14 years running. MSA currently supports the air cargo industry with over 90 cargo trained Windsor Teams. As of 2018, the company has tripled its annual financial investment in canine training and staffing to prepare for the Certified Cargo Security Program – Canine (CCSP-K9), and anticipates continued programmatic growth over the next several years.

MSA's expansion includes the build-out of 10 regional training facilities from Connecticut to California, strategically located near major cargo hubs and designed to mimic a variety of cargo sort and freight environments. Each of these regional facilities will fall under MSA's current Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) license which permits storage of, and training on all five families of live explosives as well as homemade explosives. The company's in-house forensic explosive chemist monitors and replicates real world scenarios – such as the attempted printer cartridge bomb of 2010 – in a laboratory environment to train and sustain canines on threats unique to the aviation industry. Program expansion also includes the addition of 24 new full time employees to manage sustainment training, recurrent testing, operational deployment, and regulatory compliance.  

Glen Kucera, CEO of MSA, commented, "While supplying the most effective canines and handlers across numerous industries, we have committed ourselves to addressing the rising needs presented in the air cargo space. Experts in our canine training department have developed a meticulous curriculum for both canines and handlers which they have implemented and modified over the past several years to best address unique cargo industry requirements. "

Marc Murphy, MSA Director of Air Cargo and Aviation noted, "MSA commends the TSA for their initiative in rolling out the Third-Party Canine Program. We are proud to participate in a program designed to effectively protect the safety and security of the flying public."

The Third-Party Canine-Cargo Program was introduced by TSA under their Certified Cargo Screening Program (CCSP) as a means to provide explosives screening for air cargo in a safe and efficient manner. Under the new program, non-government entities, acting under TSA's approval, can certify explosive detection canine teams from third-party providers. Certified canine teams can be deployed to screen cargo for TSA-regulated parties operating under the CCSP program.

About MSA Security
Founded in 1987, MSA Security is a global security firm with more than 30 years of experience protecting enterprise-level facilities from high consequence threats. MSA is headquartered in New York City and has over 1,000 employees—including over 500 explosive detection canine teams—operating in 42 states and 42 countries. The firm offers a range of customizable solutions, including explosive detection, protective services, intelligence, investigations and consulting. For more information, visit msasecurity.net.

SOURCE MSA Security

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