Note: due to issues with the dBase copy of this dataset, NICAR is now serving it in both dBase and MS Access 2000 formats. You get both with this purchase. Please call the library if you have any questions or concerns. The TSA Airport Crime Statistics Database contains 123,544 records reporting lost items at airports. TSA began reporting claims on April 30, 2002, but prior to that date screening was conducted by private companies. The database is current from 2002 through mid 2008. From TSA: The Claims Management System (CMS) is TSA's primary tool for recording and processing claims as wells as for managing and retrieving claims data. CMS was implemented in early 2004. Prior to the implementation of CMS, claims were maintained in a series of databases. Once CMS was implemented, the information contained in the earlier databases was migrated to the new system. Since CMS was implemented it has undergone multiple upgrades to enhance its performance and improve its recordkeeping abilities. Because of these improvements, claims data from earlier claims may not contain the same level of detail or be recorded in the same manner as claims entered after these improvements. For example, for earlier claims, the database does not list every item specified by the claimant as missing. Claims received after 2005, however, may list multiple items. The air carrier information was also not always maintained in the database in earlier claims. The term NULL is used in the database to indicate when no information was provided by the claimant for that field.

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• Story No. 13801: ABC News 20/20's story "Travelers Beware" examined the nature of crimes committed against travelers at the nation's airports. Through the use of hidden cameras, police "ride-alongs," and airport surveillance footage viewers had a first hand look at the methods and practices of organized, sophisticated, well-trained thieves. The report examined how these thieves took advantage of lenient penalties due to the non-violent nature of their crimes, lax enforcement of security by airline and airport officials, and untrained or under-staffed law enforcement agencies and the crowded confused environment of the airport to operate with impunity traveling from airport to airport. (November 1, 8, 1996)