What’s a “TSIF” you ask? Well, it’s one of several hundred acronyms I’ve had to learn since I’ve been here—but this one is special. The TSA Systems Integration Facility is a newly renovated 128,000-square-foot test facility located at Ronald Reagan National Airport. Here’s a little tour through the facility. Enjoy!
http://www.tsa.gov/weekly/033009_tsif.shtm
Blogger Paul
EoS Blog Team
25 comments:
Very interesting...I'm quite curious to see what will come of this new facility in the near future. Hopefully it will be put to good use and become a tool to quickly and efficiently move technologically advanced equipment from a stage of planning stage to one of implementation.
Nicely presented Paul, thanks!
Too bad some of us technoids couldn't see a longer version with some more tech detail and descriptions.
Tom
Tomas,
A longer version is on its way. Check the link to the tsa.gov site below my vlog early next week for a 10 minute in-depth video.
Blogger Paul
Friday puppy post alert.
Tomas said...
Nicely presented Paul, thanks!
Too bad some of us technoids couldn't see a longer version with some more tech detail and descriptions.
Tom
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I agree a longer video would be nice. I heard about the 'TSIF' today. From what I originally heard from a few people, the tech at TSIF is what TSA really needs to operate in terms of technology.
And how much is this facility costing American taxpayers?
Paul, when you made your very first post on this blog you were asked what peer-reviewed scientific research supported TSA's liquid policies. When do you plan to respond to this question?
Anonymous said...
And how much is this facility costing American taxpayers?
American taxpayers. You do know Most of the TSA pays them selves right? Taxes is what pays them.
Also, I assume you're one of the many workers who don't get part of the stimulus package?
If anyone can decipher what this Anonymous person is trying to say, please let me know 'cause I sure don't understand:
Anonymous, 10:14 a.m.:
"Anonymous said...
And how much is this facility costing American taxpayers?
American taxpayers. You do know Most of the TSA pays them selves right? Taxes is what pays them.
Also, I assume you're one of the many workers who don't get part of the stimulus package?
And how does this address the fact that to effectively shut down ANY TSA Checkpoint at ANY airport in the US all that has to happen is for 10 people in a row who are selected for either wanding, patdowns or bag searches simply say "I want a private screening".
The Checkpoint would grind to a halt. Luckily, even though signs are posted, the majority of travelers will not ask for this option (which is of course, thier right).
I wonder what would happen if someone organized a nation wide "Ask for a private screening" day?
Hmmm........
Anonymous, where did you get that information stating that it would take 10 people calling for private searches for a checkpoint to effectively shut down? I'm sure it would take more than a few minutes to clear them, but I highly doubt that 10 is some sort of magic number that automatically initiates the shut down.
Also, I highly doubt the checkpoint would "grind to a halt". The length of time it would take to clear them would rest on how many people are working that day. If they become overburdened with private screenings, employees from other checkpoints would more than likely come over to assist.
Having a national day for asking for private screenings would just result in major delays and headaches for all travelers and anyone else inside the airport. Besides, do you really think that many people would literally go through with it? I would bet against even 3 out of 10 random passengers agreeing to do something like that.
I wonder what would happen if someone organized a nation wide "Ask for a private screening" day?
---------------
Anonymousm, if I miss my flight because of your "private screening day", I'd get an attorney so you can refund my fare and any losses thereof.
Anonymous @"I wonder what would happen if someone organized a nation wide "Ask for a private screening" day?"
Simple answer: TSA would organize a "Not if you want to fly today day."
I am unclear what the purpose behind your “ask for a private screening day” protest would be. Are you upset that TSA is considerate to people who feel uncomfortable? Are you angry that most people don’t really mind being searched quickly and easily in front of others? Being given extra screening myself I can tell you the experience was concise, effortless and painless. I cannot imagine why you would want to try to make security lines longer, what is the point of your protest?
"Anonymousm, if I miss my flight because of your "private screening day", I'd get an attorney so you can refund my fare and any losses thereof."
Citizens asking TSA to comply with its own rules would in no way be at fault in such a case. The fault would lie with TSA's inability to comply with its own rules. If you want to sue TSA, go right ahead.
Anonymous said...
"Anonymousm, if I miss my flight because of your "private screening day", I'd get an attorney so you can refund my fare and any losses thereof."
"Citizens asking TSA to comply with its own rules would in no way be at fault in such a case. The fault would lie with TSA's inability to comply with its own rules. If you want to sue TSA, go right ahead."
Please stop trolling
And how does this address the fact that to effectively shut down ANY TSA Checkpoint at ANY airport in the US all that has to happen is for 10 people in a row who are selected for either wanding, patdowns or bag searches simply say "I want a private screening".
The Checkpoint would grind to a halt. Luckily, even though signs are posted, the majority of travelers will not ask for this option (which is of course, thier right).
I wonder what would happen if someone organized a nation wide "Ask for a private screening" day?
Hmmm........
Anonymous,
I can tell you that your private screening scenario will not shut down a checkpoint. Yes it would make it unusually busy but we would still be processing passengers that need to make their flight. The process just can not stop for 10 people wanting a private screening. We must continue operations for the many passengers needing to make their flight. TSOs are in more places than just a checkpoint and a simple phone call or call on the radio can bring in more TSOs to help out at a busy checkpoint. Granted if there were that many private screenings to do in a row then passengers awaiting a private screening would be waiting for room access. At my airport we get many jewelers that come through after tourism is done here. Private screenings happen often during this end of season and some do wait in line for their bag to be screened in private. Normal operations are still going during all of this.
Nice job Paul, very professional and informative! I hope that we can use this facility or similiar facilities to assist in the training of our folks. It is awesome to see that we are actually testing some things in simulated settings prior to deplying them. I will look forward to more info generated by TSIF.
Anonymous said...
And how does this address the fact that to effectively shut down ANY TSA Checkpoint at ANY airport in the US all that has to happen is for 10 people in a row who are selected for either wanding, patdowns or bag searches simply say "I want a private screening".
The Checkpoint would grind to a halt. Luckily, even though signs are posted, the majority of travelers will not ask for this option (which is of course, thier right).
I wonder what would happen if someone organized a nation wide "Ask for a private screening" day?
Hmmm........
___________________________________
What exactly is your point and what would this prove? The only thing that would happen is the lines would move extra slow that day. No big deal for the TSA. They are there whether things are backed up or not. So I am not sure I get the point of doing this, but go ahead, like you said anyone can have a private screening. And it would be slow but it would not "shut down a checkpoint" as you say.
Anything else you want to add?!
Great VLOG Poster Paul.
GSOLTSO said...
"I will look forward to more info generated by TSIF."
Same here.
-H2H
very good job introducing the new system. With technology like this it will be a safer environment for people. I believe good technological advances will come from the tsa.
H2H I think it will be an important tool in the future. Can you imagine how many innovations this can lead to?
GSOLTSO
H2H I think it will be an important tool in the future. Can you imagine how many innovations this can lead to?
Makes my head spin :)
-H2H
Hi, Anonymous. I think you are stressing fictional thing a bit much. "What if" does not count, the thing is what happens. If the majority is benefited by the system why not put yourself in their shoes and see the system their way!
Can TSA employee visit TSIF facility???
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