A319
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Other / Unknown
Conflict NMAC
Flight Crew FLC complied w / Automation / Advisory; Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Human Factors; Procedure
[We were] descending into our destination from 12;000 to 11;000 FT. At about 11;500 FT; got a TA followed by an RA at 11;300 FT for an aircraft below us at -300 FT on TCAS. Aircraft was supposed to be VFR at 10;500 FT. [It] passed under us at about 200 FT. Followed CLIMB RA to 11;500 FT. Advised ATC and returned to 11;000 FT. Cause [was] Approach descending us into known traffic with less than 1;000 FT separation. ATC should not descend aircraft into known VFR aircraft with less than 1;000 FT separation within 3 miles of our position.
Air Carrier Captain described a TCAS TA/RA event when they descended to an altitude separated by 500 FT from VFR traffic. The reporter suggested that ATC always provide IFR separation; i.e 1;000 FT and 3 miles.