The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is a division of the Department of Homeland Security. The agency and TSA jobs were created under the Aviation and Transportation Security Act of 2001. The TSA's role is to communicate policies to travelers and assist in improving airport security among travelers. The TSA improves public safety when traveling through major transportation areas. Many of the major airports maintain a TSA presence or are served by private agencies that operate as contractors for the agencies. 

The TSA is responsible for screening passengers and baggage at more than 450 U.S. airports. Transportation Security Screeners conduct screening of passengers, baggage, or cargo to ensure compliance with TSA regulations with basic security equipment such as x-ray machines and hand wands at screening checkpoints.

The TSA also oversees security for highways, railroads, buses, mass transit systems, pipelines and ports with state, local, and regional partners, but most of the TSA's efforts are in aviation security.