The GAO says VIPR was prompted by the 2004 Madrid train bombings . The program started up in December 2005 . The program was first created to work in a " non-aviation environment " . Bad initial planning caused " strained relations " with local law enforcement . In July 2007 VIPR teams carried out controversial operations in several cities for the holiday weekend ( see below ) . In June 2007 VIPR began working in " aviation environments " . In 2007 TSA reported there had been 84 missions in 18 months ; as of 2011 TSA was conducting about 8,000 VIPR operations per year . VIPR had an annual budget of $ 100 million and was growing rapidly
2004 Madrid train bombings
2004 Madrid train bombings
Visible Intermodal Prevention and Response team