Visible Intermodal Protection and Response (VIPR) teams consist of a combination of STSIs, Federal Air Marshals, explosive-detection canine teams, Aviation Security Inspectors, and Transportation Security Officers. The teams provide a random, announced, high-visibility surge into a transit agency, in addition to enhancing agency resources during special events. More than 50 mass transit deployments have occurred since the program was initiated in December 2005. Regional planning and execution is increasing the frequency of deployments and enhancing local expertise, thereby increasing the terrorism deterrent effect.

Here is the statute authorizing VIPR teams. It is the January, 2011 version, which provided funds from 2007 through 2011. When did the funds get renewed for 2012? The 2012 DHS Budget asked for:

Visible Intermodal Prevention and Response (VIPR) Teams: $109 million requested supports 37 VIPR teams and includes 12 new multi-modal VIPR Teams proposed in the FY 2012 request in addition to the 10 existing teams in Aviation and the 15 VIPR teams dedicated to surface transportation added in the FY 2010 budget.

The conference report for the DHS budget authorized:

$11,755,000 for 12 new Visible Intermodal Prevention and Response (VIPR) teams, with the assumption that personnel for the teams will not be hired until late in fiscal year 2012. TSA shall provide an expenditure plan to the Committees no later than 60 days after the
date of enactment of this Act detailing where and how new VIPR teams will be deployed.

The 2010 Homeland Security Budget asked for an increase of $50 million:

Visible Intermodal Prevention and Response Teams: An increase of $50 million is requested to fund 15 Visible Intermodal Prevention and Response (VIPR) teams dedicated to guarding surface transportation. The VIPR teams contain multi-skilled resources, including Transportation Security Inspectors, canine teams, Transportation Security Officers, Bomb Detection Officers, and Federal Air Marshals.

According to DHS:

These teams enhance the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) ability to screen passengers, identify suspicious behavior, and act as a visible deterrent to potential terrorists in surface transportation environments

In all, for 2012, TSA got $7.8 billion, including funds for:

• 250 additional Advanced Imaging Technology machines;
• 145 new behavior detection officers;
• 12 additional multi-modal Visible Intermodal Prevention and Response (VIPR) teams;
• 20 additional explosives detection canine teams; and
• 53 new positions to strengthen international air cargo security