Understanding Visible Intermodal Prevention and Response [VIPR]: Legal Framework and Impact
Definition & Meaning
The Visible Intermodal Prevention and Response (VIPR) program is an initiative by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) aimed at enhancing security in rail and mass transit systems across the United States. VIPR teams are composed of various security professionals, including federal air marshals, surface transportation security inspectors, transportation security officers, behavior detection officers, and explosives detection canine teams. Their primary roles are to:
- Supplement existing security resources
- Provide a visible deterrent presence and detection capabilities
- Introduce unpredictability to disrupt potential terrorist planning activities
Over the past two years, VIPR teams have been deployed in major urban areas, such as New York City, Buffalo, Syracuse, Los Angeles, Boston, and Providence, to bolster transportation security.