![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20121020070949im_/http://www.tsa.gov/blog/uploaded_images/evo_screen-711781.jpg)
Your grandchildren will love it.
Technology is a wonderful thing but it's not an overnight process - it must be invented, funded, built, tested, bought, and deployed. Unfortunately, the security technology field has not sufficiently fired the imagination of scientists or the private capital markets to the point where truly breakthrough technology will soon transform the checkpoint experience. Yet the current security threat environment requires that we get smarter and more nimble, now.
We have some significant changes in store for the checkpoint starting this spring. I would like your thoughts and I hope TSA will earn your support in our common mission. Please take a look at our Checkpoint Evolution micro-site.
TSA has taken a fresh look at our checkpoint operations to see if we can improve security and the passenger experience with what we have today. We took what we know from the intelligence and security communities, we listened to our employees, we learned from passengers (including on this blog), we evaluated readily deployable technology, and have come up with changes that we have begun piloting.
There are three elements to what we are calling Checkpoint Evolution: people, process, and technology.
People. The threat environment makes it clear that we need to add layers of security to be effective against adaptive terrorists. This means adding a capability to detect a potential problem even if they are not carrying anything prohibited - in other words, more focus on people, not just things. That means deploying more officers specially trained in behavior detection and document checking to identify people that intend to do harm, not just waiting to find their prohibited item in a carry-on bag.
Process. We're making improvements to the checkpoint process, including better signs to tell you what's going on at the checkpoint and why, and what you need to do at various stages. There will be areas to divest - or prepare - for screening and also an area to get everything back together after you're done. You have seen some pilots with our Diamond Select and Family lanes and we will continue to make improvements.
Technology. We don't have the end-all-be-all machine yet, but there are some technologies we will be installing in many airports throughout the year that are an improvement to what currently exists, including multi-view x-ray for carry-on bags and whole body imaging for passengers. The deployment of these machines will represent the first significant addition to the checkpoint since metal detectors and X-ray machines were introduced in the 1970s.
Our enemies have the advantage of picking their time, place, and method of attack. Those advantages are more pronounced if our defenses are rigid and predictable - they could use our standard operating procedures and technology against us.
We do have some advantages. First, airports are our turf; we have the home field advantage and can set the rules. Keeping an element of randomness and calming the checkpoint are critical.
Second, TSA's officers have experienced more passengers and bags than anyone else on earth and that knowledge is priceless. They know what doesn't seem right. In a calmer checkpoint environment, hostile intent stands out from the behavior of regular passengers just trying to navigate the system. Behavior detection officers and document checkers will use their training and skills to identify people and things that stand out from the norm and give them added scrutiny.
Third, the advantage we need to bolster most is the fact that the numbers are overwhelmingly in our favor - two million people a day fly, every one of them with a vested interest in assuring the safety of our system. We know the overwhelming majority of passengers pose no threat, so we want to improve your checkpoint experience and get your help in making those who do pose a threat stand out.
In short, we are seeking to reduce our weaknesses while improving our strengths until the futuristic checkpoint with seamless security screening becomes a reality.
Please visit our Checkpoint Evolution Web site to find out more, and share your feedback. If we partner together, we can make flying safer and a lot easier - right now. Thank you for your participation and partnership with TSA in keeping travel safe.
Kip
169 comments:
I have a question about medication. Our doctor has given my husband medicine samples, since some of his medication is expensive.
These samples do not have his name on them,can he put them in his carry-on or does it have to be in his checked on luggage?
I had almost 30 years of experience in law enforcement in investigations and management of maximum security facilities, jails and prisons. I have travelled through numerous airports around the country. Logan Airport in Boston, MA where the terrorist operation of 9/11 began is still by far the worst in terms of security. I travelled to Tel Aviv, Israel last summer and saw what airport security is all about. Keep in mind that they have been in high alert for terrorist activities for 60 years. First of all the airport is secured in the same manner as a correctional facility.Double layers of hard security, walls or fences, with sensors and detectors. All access to planes or the tarmac area is through double, sally port traps for controlled movement. Not beat one door and your through. All luggae is x-rayed in the terminal and is placed in the machine by the passenger who then subsequently places it on a table for internal inspection. You don't take your shoes off, you carry on as much water as you want to drink, no 3-1-1 nonsense. To me the TSA is nothing more than a federal jobs welfare program.
Hey Kip, OR you guys could hire some real security experts like Bruce Schnierer and implement some effective security measures, rather than wasting more time and money on new machines that do more to destroy our civil liberties by helping to transform airports into some cross between Orwell and P.K. Dick. In the meantime, your highly-trained agents can't tell the difference between a small laptop, a nipple piercing and a legitamate threat. One can only hope that the next administration can overhaul the TSA into an organization that can actually deliver what it promises, and the first step is to get rid of you, Kip.
I don't know what bothers me more about this -- the obvious effort put into "calming" passengers' dissatisfaction with the process without addressing the causes, or the lack of effort put into establishing more effective methods and procedures.
The first TSO that passengers see will still be focused on their "documents", not the passengers, the presence of "composure" benches indicates that we'll still have to remove our shoes, despite the new hassle of being irradiated with millimeter-wave radiation, humanizing the TSOs hasn't ever been a problem (and I hope I'm not standing in line long enough to read a stranger's bio) -- the issue is generally that TSOs don't see passengers as people with real lives outside of the 15-20 minutes that we suffer through their workplace and the continued (dare I say, expanded) list of banned items, including liquids, shows that the TSA seems much more interested in changing the curtains than addressing underlying issues.
But that's just the opinion of an experienced counter-terrorism professional, pay it no mind.
Checkpoint evolution is my biggest grief with TSA. I have no idea how business frequent flyers keep up with all the changes. So, here are my suggestions:
Rather than swiping the personal hygiene products - EVERY airport should offer a non-heat shrink wrap at the entrance for all suspect materials AND tools. This is better than a baggie and much harder to re-open during flight time. Any bad intentions would be easily recognized in the attempt to open the sealed package; I know you have experienced these food packages! Seriously consider this idea. At the other end, it would be hospitable and considerate of TSA to offer the use scissors to open the seal for passengers. Not just any scissors, but safety cutters – like the ones used for wrapping paper cutting. This has no open blade! You know destination refresher needs and what not. This is where available technology does meet the TSA’s needs in both arrival and departure process.
Second, the list of rules should be offered, via email or blackberry, to the passenger one day prior to scheduled flight. A checklist if you will, call it TODAYs CARRY ON procedures. At least then you have provided the passenger a chance to be informed.
Third, yes the inconsistency is real frustrating. I do understand that the terrorists are transformists - okay. But at least make this unpleasantry a little more appealing - music! I have suggested, "The Tease" when taking off my winter jacket was not enough, I had to remove my sweat jacket and my fleece sweater too! Plus, an award at the end of the maze of security check points would be gratifying - even a stamp on the back of a hand, or a sticker that says "I passed".
Congratulations! I think what you have started here is wonderful!
A great start and as time goes on I am sure you will find other enhancements to add!
Hey Kip thanks for showing up. I would like to commend your blog team, they have been doing a good job not over moderating the blog.
Everybody needs to click each dot to see the video for each feature.
Ok now that the pleasantries are out of the way.
STOP just STOP
Quit listening to overpaid phycobabblers.
I don't want to "own" my experience in a TSA line. I don't want to [insert buzz word here], I simply want to get through the line without being yelled at, harassed, molested, or stolen from.
We don't need or want pretty blue lights and new age music to make us calmer. It is not the scenery or the lines that are making us mad. It is the way YOUR TSOs treat us.
The chairs at the end... excuse me the "re-composure benches" are a good addition. I can tell that whoever bought those over priced benches do not have small children. Can you say slide... weeee boom waaa.
Placing the signs as you show in the video nobody will see them. People inline will be blocking the view by standing in front of them and polite people try to avoid looking at anything that is at crotch level.
One more word about signs, I do not need a sign to "prompt my behavior", I am not a lab rat. Give me signs that guide or inform. I know you are thinking "means the same thing", you are wrong. You prompt behavior on people that do not know how to behave like criminals. We are NOT criminals, we are your bosses and your fellow citizens, treat us as such. Think of us a such.
Mural wall is a good way to control access and escape with out being threatening. Good job on that one. P.S. can we get a x-ray of the Macbook Air on it? Blogger Bob already has the pictures.
Or better yet, sell ads on it to pay for the new screening area.
TSO biographies, sigh, I see what you are trying to do. You are trying to show us that your TSOs are real people too.
How about instead of that you put the picture and the name of your supervisors on duty. That way we know who to speak to when we are treated badly. Pat may be a great guy, but if he is not working the airport I am in, knowing he is a great guy is useless.
Prep Area, good idea. The hole for the trash can needs to be bigger and outlined in a bright color. Black on black is hard to see and people will miss the can and litter the floor. You will need to keep constant watch on this area to keep it tidy.
Document checking station, needs a table I can set my stuff on so I can quickly retrieve my boarding pass and wallet. Trying to dig a wallet out when you have a coat over your arm and a bag is problematic.
Automatic conveyor system. Looks like the return system needs some work.
And last but not least the uniform. First I will say that is the best excuse for using a clip on tie I have ever heard, I wonder if my wife will buy that.
Before you change their uniforms, spend MY money on training them to behave. It was bad enough having wanna-be cops in spiffy white TSA uniform, now we will have wanna-be cops in police uniforms.
If you want the TSOs to be LEOs make them LEOs. I would not mind having certified, trained LEOs as screeners.
Ok I give the new set up a C+.
Don't waste money on the lights and the music, instead spend the money you save on cameras. We are tired of losing our stuff. Place the cameras in EVERY blind spot at the TSA line and baggage areas. Just yesterday three baggage handlers were arrested at Tampa for dealing in stolen goods like laptops and iPods.
"An arrest report said one of the men told investigators he bought laptops for $60, iPods for $10 and digital cameras for $50."
I will be VERY interested to see who the person works for that they bought the stolen goods from.
Bob, apparently quoting or ghost writing for TSA Director Kip Hawley wrote:
"[Adding layers of security in order to be effective against adaptive terrorists] means adding a capability to detect a potential problem even if they are not carrying anything prohibited -- in other words, more focus on people, not just things. That means deploying more officers specially trained in behavior detection and document checking to identify people that intend to do harm, not just waiting to find their prohibited item in a carry-on bag.
Kip:
1. What is an "adaptive terrorist"?
2. Please provide an example of a potential airline passenger who although not attempting to carry on anything prohibited, has such a great potential to cause a problem that he should be barred from traveling.
3. How does the punishment of being barred from air travel, not for a crime that has been committed or for the attempt to commit a crime, but for the perceived potential to commit a crime, judged by any one of thousands of TSA agents, without any indication of an attempt to commit a crime, much less conviction of such by a judge or jury, fit with your interpretation of the United States Constitution?
4. How do you expect that checking documents will identify people who intend to do harm?
I forsee security from "Total Recall" coming about. Which would make my job easier.
I have worked for TSA for over 4 years. The checkpoint of the future is security cubicles. Large Cat X airports may have as many as 20-25 cubicles with automatic exterior and interior doors. Smaller airports could probably get by with rows of 5-10 cubicles.
1. Passengers approach the checkpoint looking for the open doors. Implied consent for the search is given by entry into the cubicle.
2. The exterior cubicle door closes upon entry.
3. Passengers submit boarding pass and I.D. into a scanner and place carry-on items in a simulated aircraft overhead bin and sit in a simulated oversized airline seat (to accomodate all sizes)
3. Security officers scan the bag using x-ray technology and passengers are scanned for prohibited items by the chair itself. If there are no alarms to resolve, the interior cubicle door opens allowing passengers to continue to the terminal. No interaction with security is required. The process is seemless and thorough.
If alarms need to be resolved in either accessible property or on the person. TSO's wait in queue to handle the next same gender issue. Alarm resolution occurs when the TSO opens the the interior door and begins the screening process. Larger cubicles may be used for PWD's and parent's travelling with small children and infants.
"If we partner together, we can make flying safer and a lot easier -- right now."
Kip -- Just one fundamental question: How can you possibly expect us to "partner" with you when you believe everyone of us is a terrorist because we committed the simple act of attempting to buy an airline ticket?
Before you get too dillusional about millimeter wave technology, I suggest you re-read your high school physics book. Here: I'll make it easy for you, thanks to NASA's student web site: http://science.hq.nasa.gov/kids/imagers/ems/waves3.html.
(10-3) meters is one millimeter. Guess what? That's in the same band as a microwave oven. Slightly above 1mm is the infrared band -- sunburn. If you think for a nanosecond that I am going to allow you to fry my Irish-American posterior in a TSA-approved microwave oven, you are truly smoking something.
Sorry, you and your boss created the "us versus them" attitude, and there are those of us out there (the "them") that will do everything we can to ensure that this obscenely expensive attack on civil liberties becomes a dark spot in American history.
We are counting down the days until Jan 20, 2009, a day for which I assume you are polishing your resume?
Why do I find this so obscene? Your government placed me and thousands with my name on the no-fly list.
I'm sure someone will have commented on this already, but I feel a need to ask this right away:
The threat environment makes it clear that we need to add layers of security to be effective against adaptive terrorists. [...] That means deploying more officers specially trained in behavior detection and document checking to identify people that intend to do harm [...]
I'm sorry, but the two statements don't completely follow, at least in the case of document checking.
If I approach a checkpoint with an ID and the document checker approves the ID as valid, what have you established? You've proved that I am who I say I am, but have you proved anything about my intentions (malicious or otherwise) for that flight? Not really.
At the risk of repeating what others have said, repeatedly (and rather obnoxiously, I'm afraid) ... the 9/11 hijackers all had perfectly valid ID. Verifying their ID wouldn't have stopped them from boarding their aircraft that day.
Kip, I'm not trying to be shrill here ... but I've still not heard a convincing argument as to how verifying identity relates to identifying intention. (In that respect, BDO operations would seem to be much more productive.)
Actually I';d disagree when you say "...the fact that the numbers are overwhelmingly in our favour." They're not. You have a monotonus, repetitive task to perform on hundreds of thousands of travellers a day over all your airports. If there are undesirables out there looking to affect a flight in a negative way, they only need to be lucky once. In the words of the IRA after the Brighton Bombing in the UK "Today we were unlucky, but remember we only have to be lucky once. You [the british government] will have to be lucky always."
I still think that security should start at the cockpit and work out the way, rather than at the massive edges of the airport and work in the way.
I see you are choosing to dress up TSOs as LEOs, no doubt so they can more successfully impersonate LEOs and harass passengers into letting them pretend to have the rights there of. Or is the purpose of the LEOlike uniform so that TSOs can more effectively feel up pretty ladies by intimidation they see in the backscatter machine?
And calming people with blue lights and bios of TSOs? What are you smoking? If you spent a portion of this money on things of real value, like training or lawyers that understand the law we would be in a better place.
I like the changes, especially the new signage (it's amazing how many folks don't know the rules!).
One thing that wasn't addressed--will there be CARPET and perhaps more frequent floor cleaning? I don't have a problem with taking off my shoes, except that the floors are cold and DIRTY.
I also hope that some attention has been paid to making the overall checkpoint SAFER for barefoot souls--I actually cut my foot on my last trip, thanks to sharp exposed metal at the base of the X-Ray machine conveyor belt. Why on earth wasn't it covered with a rubber bumper of some kind?
What's an "adaptive terrorist," Phil asks.
Well, let's think about the last Al-Qaedaish terrorist plot executed on American or allied soil. It was the two bozos in Glasgow whose evil plan involved putting a tank of propane into a car, and then driving 30 mph into a security bollard at an airport. They immediately realized the error in their plan (propane burns--it doesn't explode, unless you mix a bunch with an oxidizer; 30 mph in a small car won't breach a concrete barrier) and adapted by setting themselves on fire and running around the car screaming and flapping their arms while flames danced across their bodies. Oooooh, imagine how terrifying that must have been--I bet everyone who saw and smelled that was unable to eat bacon for at least a week after.
I guess that's what they mean by "adaptive terrorists."
PS: Terrorists are idiots. I'm far more afraid of surrendering my rights to the jackbooted thugs of my own government, than I am in the deluded ravings of a bunch of Islamic malcontents.
Just one simple question;
What was Kip's background in the security arena prior to joining TSA?
I still vote for a no line cutting policy by TSOs and other TSA personel. Such a simple move - put you guys in the line with us. Seems only fair. And wouldn't cost you a penny.
I'm an airline pilot, with a vested interest in keeping flights as secure as possible. I happily leave my water-bottle behind, crumple my jacket in the bin, and go without my pocketknife.
Here's my gripe: In most travellers opinions (I've interviewed many) TSO's don't look or act like a viable security force.
I believe the uniform sets the tone. You would give a much better impression if you all looked more like prison guards and less like the folks behind the counter at Baskin-Robbins.
Oh, and how about a restriction on maximum body-fat percentage? I mean really, with a lot of TSO's as I approach the checkpoint all thoughts of the flight leave my mind, I'm trying to prepare myself mentally to give CPR!
If changing uniforms & diets is impossible, here's something that you could do:
Quit goofing off!
I know it's a tough gig, but the general public would be much more impressed if you stopped gabbing all the time, quit leaning on the machine with your eyes closed, and completely ban childish jokes and laughter from the kiosk.
Leave that stuff at home or in the break room, and act like your nation's security is your responsibility.
Because... ...IT IS!!!
Kip,
First of all, thanks for this blog. I think the concept is excellent.
Second, will you please address the MANY questions about identity document checking? You must know what I am talking about.
I am of the opinion that it is a worthless, privacy invading, time consuming exercise to provide the illusion of security through theatrics. That is my opinion. I would love to hear a well thought out, logical, reasoned argument from an opposing viewpoint.
Please stop ignoring the issue. There are enough people clamoring about this one topic that it deserves a response.
Originally posted by Bob:
This means adding a capability to detect a potential problem even if they are not carrying anything prohibited -- in other words, more focus on people, not just things. That means deploying more officers specially trained in behavior detection and document checking to identify people that intend to do harm,
Two words: thougtcrime, facecrime
Seriously, everyone at TSA should be mandated to read Orwell's 1984.
What legal grounds are you going to use to deny travel to someone who you *think* intends to do harm based on subjectively observed behaviors, but is not carrying anything prohibited? Or are you just going to harass them so much with secondary and tertiary screening that they miss their flight and have to go home?
My thoughts and intentions are none of TSA's business. I may or may not be stressed at any given moment. I may have problems at work, or problems with my family. Or I may just be pissed off that TSA prohibits me from carrying harmless everyday items (i.e., water) and subjects me to annoying procedures (removal of non-alarming shoes and jackets) that do nothing to improve security.
Futerhmore, having a non-standard ID or one with valid address-change stickers or a passport with stamps is NOT SUSPICIOUS BEHAVIOR or "intent to do harm" you morons! How many more reports do we need of people with valid drivers licenses, military IDs, passports, and misc. federal/state/local IDs being subjected to secondary haraSSSSment by power tripping screeners.
Seriously TSA, buzz off and stay out of our heads. Go do something productive instead: learn how to detect guns, large knives, and real bombs (not fantasy liquid bombs) without your current abysmal failure rates.
I admire your courage for continuing to post, despite all the hateful comments. I, for one, am grateful for the important work you do. This blog has been a great source of information. It also explains a lot of the procedures and makes them more intelligible—and bearable—to those of us who travel.
Because of this blog, I always go out of my way to thank TSA employees. Ninety percent of the time I find them pleasant and helpful. This is more than I can say of most businesses.
Keep up the great work and don't let your detractors get you down. (Or stop posting!)
In the body piercing entry, I predicted that the blog would soon have a new entry posted. This is because the TSA blog team never responds to comments on old entries, only the most recent. They don't want to respond to that one anymore because the TSA is so clearly in the wrong yet admitting error is not possible.
So yes, we have a new entry about technology so they don't have to discuss the old issue.
Phil:
3. How does the punishment of being barred from air travel, not for a crime that has been committed or for the attempt to commit a crime, but for the perceived potential to commit a crime, judged by any one of thousands of TSA agents, without any indication of an attempt to commit a crime, much less conviction of such by a judge or jury, fit with your interpretation of the United States Constitution?
I think perhaps you are under an incorrect perception when you say "thousands of TSA agents". In fact your everyday TSO never has the ability restrict someone from flying. The very lowest rank of someone who can make that call is a Supervisor, and the majority of the time if someone is barred from flying, it is either by an Airline representative called in by TSA, or a LEO.
4. How do you expect that checking documents will identify people who intend to do harm?
Working under the assumption that those people on the FBI's terrorist watch list would be unable to obtain a legal form of identification and/or a boarding pass. Since all airlines check their fliers against this list, it is a reasonable assumption that they would not be able to obtain a boarding pass, and would be attempting to use a fraudulent/forged one.
Of course, a lot of people are happy to point out that the 9/11 terrorists had valid ID's, but keep in mind that the Federal Government's processes for watching for terrorists are more thorough than they used to be, both within DHS and in other law enforcement realms.
"In the body piercing entry, I predicted that the blog would soon have a new entry posted."
Wow, you predicted that a blog that adds new posts about every other day would...wait for it...add another post! Thank you NostraAnn, your talents are wasted here.
Rick said:
I still vote for a no line cutting policy by TSOs and other TSA personel. Such a simple move - put you guys in the line with us. Seems only fair. And wouldn't cost you a penny.
So the TSOs who show up for their 10 am flight to find that Southwest had a special going and there are unexpected 30 minute wait times...you would prefer these TSOs wait 30 minutes in line and are late for work. Rather than walking to the front of the line, getting to work on time, and getting out on the checkpoint floor to help passengers get screened that much quicker?
You can deny that this is how the situation is, however I'll tell you that here at SeaTac, that's exactly how it is today, March 31st.
The cutesy tone of this blog is quite grating considering the way citizens are treated by your employees. It's clear that this blog is nothing but a cheap public relations stunt and probably a manufactured job for the people who write it. So not only are the tax dollars of all citizens going to pay for worthless, illusory "security" measures such as confiscating shampoo and making even airplane pilots remove their shoes(I mean, really, they are about to PILOT THE PLANE, who cares what is in their shoes), but now we have to pay for TSA employees to amuse themselves with chatty, chummy blog entries that are, from what I can tell, merely lip service. "Someday your grandkids will get through screening much faster!" Oh, whoop de doo. It will take you 25 years to figure out how to speed up security? Let me do it for you right now: drop the liquids ban (if the liquids are potentially dangerous, why do you drop them in a big bin right next to security lines? Oh, because you know THEY'RE NOT DANGEROUS), conduct a visual inspection of shoes instead of making people strip them off, let us all lock our luggage again (which will cut down on the number of carry-ons, speeding up the screening process), and for pete's sake stop letting your screeners wand and poke and prod at passengers. Real police officers would never get away with the invasive and humiliating "search" techniques that high-school-educated TSA screeners perform. I should be able to get on a plane without being told to unbutton my pants or having someone grope my bra because they can't figure out what an underwire is.
If TSA still exists when my grandkids are flying, it will be a tragedy. It is a job welfare program for people who have no education but like having power over others. You could accomplish much better security by ditching 99% of your screeners and hiring 1/4 the number of personnel, pay them a decent wage and make sure they are educated and experienced with REAL security.
Ayn R. Key said...
In the body piercing entry, I predicted that the blog would soon have a new entry posted. This is because the TSA blog team never responds to comments on old entries, only the most recent. They don't want to respond to that one anymore because the TSA is so clearly in the wrong yet admitting error is not possible.
So yes, we have a new entry about technology so they don't have to discuss the old issue.
Yes, yes you did. When you said it I thought "yep right on the money", but what I did not expect was for them to hold the posts made yesterday on the piercing blog until this blog had sufficient posts.
I made several posts yesterday on the piercing blog and I see today others had made posts (approximately 50 posts), but the only thing that got posted after Chance was one deleted post at 8:02pm Sunday.
In the body piercing entry, I predicted that the blog would soon have a new entry posted. This is because the TSA blog team never responds to comments on old entries, only the most recent. They don't want to respond to that one anymore because the TSA is so clearly in the wrong yet admitting error is not possible.
Ayn, you noticed that too, huh? Quick, look over there, something shiny... is it keys?
You know, it really chafes me when I have to throw away a bottle of water or shampoo for "security" reasons but screeners let a guy wearing a jacket that proclaimed "KILL 'EM ALL" was allowed through. I even pointed the gentleman in question out to a security agent (a supervisor/training officer, no less), and he kin of grunted in amused assent, but did nothing. A guy wearing a "KILL 'EM ALL" jacket is allowed on a plane but my 3.3 oz shampoo is not. My iPod and bra straps get a thorough visual inspection by screeners but the "KILL 'EM ALL" jacket is no problem whatsoever. A blog entry about how TSA is right about that and "did nothing wrong" would be pretty amusing, would you write one please? It seems that you're paid to amuse us (because you sure aren't paid to provide real security) so I'd like to see some spin put on this situation. Thanks!
Anonymous wrote: I had almost 30 years of experience in law enforcement in investigations and........in Israel, you carry on as much water as you want to drink, no 3-1-1 nonsense.
On August 10, 2006, authorities in Great Britain announced that they had arrested several people in connection with a plot to attack airplanes with liquid explosives. The attackers planned to disguise the explosives as ordinary liquids and smuggle them aboard. For this reason, authorities in both the United States and Great Britain warned all passengers that liquids would not be allowed in carry-on luggage.
I for one don't mind checking my liquids if it ensures I get to my destination alive and in one piece. If they discover other types of bombs, I'll check those items as well. It really doesn't bother me at all.
Did nobody think to test the new uniform shirts and their color against liquids? The slightest amount of wetness drastically changes the color of the shirt in the places that get wet. So soon, everyone will see the slightest and heavest amounts of sweat on each and every officer working for TSA and how disgusting it will look... The uniforms LOOK better, yes, but they will look gross twenty minutes into wearing them, especially with the awful air conditioning systems in place and checkpoints and in baggage.
On August 10, 2006, authorities in Great Britain announced that they had arrested several people in connection with a plot to attack airplanes with liquid explosives. The attackers planned to disguise the explosives as ordinary liquids and smuggle them aboard. For this reason, authorities in both the United States and Great Britain warned all passengers that liquids would not be allowed in carry-on luggage.
Of course, we now know that these would-be terrorists did not have these mythical liquid explosives, because such explosives do not in fact EXIST in any form that could be brought aboard or used on an aircraft (TSA is welcome to dispute this if they wish, but that's unlikely, given that they have ignored multiple direct questions about the London plot in previous posts). We also know that TSA was aware of this nonsensical plot for months before the arrests were made, but did not implement its idiotic liquid ban until the arrests were made, thus demonstrating that this pointless policy exists for one reason and one reason only: To cover TSA's ample hindquarters. The liquid ban, like the vast majority of what TSA does, is a grotesque joke that wastes everyone's time and money and does absolutely nothing to make anyone safer.
Please explain & justify the removal of 'TSA' from the back of the new shirts.
I know the 'Checkpoint Evolution Website' claims it is to 'enhance' the look of the new uniforms, but it seems to me all that is being accomplished by taking 'TSA' off is to 'enhance' the (mis)perception amongst the non-frequent traveling public that the screeners are police officers (a deception which is also going to be perpetuated by the screeners themselves after they get their spiffy new metal badges-'Hey, Blogger Bob-they gave me this REAL metal badge, so I guess that means I'm a REAL cop now, right?').
Screeners are most definately not police officers & if the TSA feels the need to spend my '9/11 security fees' on new uniforms for its staff, it ought to be w/the goal of ensuring that it is even clearer to the traveling public who is who @ the checkpoint & what agency is represented.
As far as the screener bios idea, no trees should ever be killed for this lame-brain idea.
me? "own" the screening process? not as long as TSOs have the "do you want to fly today?" mentality!
Some uniform concerns:
- My dress shirt for service dress blue is also made of USG 65-35 poly-cotton. It must be ironed before wear or it looks like total trash. I do not see any sewn-in creases on the new shirt either, which means that officers will not have any professional creases on their shirt.
- Standard government 65-35 PC is not a heavy fabric. I can rip it with my hands (there's a reason for that; so I can make bandages immediately if needed). It will not stand up well to everyday use if not treated well. For this type of use, 65-35 poly/wool might be a better choice. It's heavier and has the added bonus of maintaining creases and a wrinkle-free appearance through laundry cycles.
- Pretty please require shirt stays. Or, at least, offer some athletic fit sizes of shirt. Without one or both of these, shirts look like parachutes.
- The silver badge screams "LEO", which TSOs are not. Can you perhaps design a new device? Or, better yet, train them as actual LEOs.
- Shoulder boards to indicate rank are only useful if those ranks are public knowledge. Post the exact rank titles and corresponding insignia on your website somewhere easy to find. I like to know how to address the people I'm talking to. The only reasonably standard insignia I've seen on a TSO are the LTJG/1LT silver bars, and those are seemingly quite rare. Perhaps transition to a more standard LEO/military rank structure?
"Did nobody think to test the new uniform shirts and their color against liquids? The slightest amount of wetness drastically changes the color of the shirt in the places that get wet. So soon, everyone will see the slightest and heavest amounts of sweat on each and every officer working for TSA and how disgusting it will look... The uniforms LOOK better, yes, but they will look gross twenty minutes into wearing them, especially with the awful air conditioning systems in place and checkpoints and in baggage."
And probably the new uniforms will be made in a sweat shop in some third world country by poorly trained underpaid workers. Fitting, I guess...
OUTSTANDING!
Anonymous @1:37:
That plot has been PROVEN false! The "terrorists" were planning on manufacturing TATP (which is actually a solid) aboard the airplane. That's NOT POSSIBLE!
Your attitude of, "Well if there's a marginal chance of it somehow foiling a plot, then I don't care how many rights they take away or how inconvenient they make it" is EXACTLY the attitude that's hurting this country! If you were a cow, you'd be happily going "Mooo, mooo," following the herd, right up until the pneumatic stun bolt whacked you in the side of the head.
Wake up: Banning liquids does NOTHING to make you safer. It's security theater. It's a fraud. You're being misled.
Chance, Christopher,
Do you see how well your policy of ignoring older posts (and the comments in those older posts) is working out?
People are asking about the 3-1-1 rule in the most current entry without regards to the topic of the entry.
You can continue to ignore our questions, but until you either answer them or shut down the blog (or censor them), the questions will continue.
Of course, a lot of people are happy to point out that the 9/11 terrorists had valid ID's, but keep in mind that the Federal Government's processes for watching for terrorists are more thorough than they used to be, both within DHS and in other law enforcement realms.
Ok ... so, if we know that you're a terrorist, and you're stupid enough to try to travel under your own identity card, we can catch you with an identity card catch.
But there's nothing that assures that the person presenting the identity card is, in fact, the person named on the card. All I need to do is find someone who looks like me, who isn't on a watch list, buy a ticket in their name, borrow their ID, and presto: I can get past the identity checkpoint.
(This is what used to happen in the Really Old Days, when people used to re-sell plane tickets to other people. The tickets only had a name attached, so as long as your gender matched the name on the ticket, you were able to fly.)
Also ... this may catch known terrorists ... but what about new terrorists? If you've never given the government a reason to put you on a watch list, proving your identity isn't any sort of security check at all.
Knowing who I am and knowing what I intend to do are different matters entirely.
RE: Are you saying that a TSO Supervisor has the authority to detain a citizen and prevent them from carrying out a legal activity?
Are you sure?
"- My dress shirt for service dress blue is also made of USG 65-35 poly-cotton. It must be ironed before wear or it looks like total trash. I do not see any sewn-in creases on the new shirt either, which means that officers will not have any professional creases on their shirt."
Well some of the TSO's come from crumpled backgrounds anyway, so this will just extend the crumple zone. You can't take them seriously if they aren't starched and pressed.
Of course, a lot of people are happy to point out that the 9/11 terrorists had valid ID's, but keep in mind that the Federal Government's processes for watching for terrorists are more thorough than they used to be, both within DHS and in other law enforcement realms.
***********************************
I guess that's why the infamous 'no fly list' is now, by best guesstimates, an excess of 900,000 names, right? And it's so thorough that, by the TSA's own admission, the 'really bad people' aren't even on it because of 'security concerns'.
The No Fly List is just another 'make 'em feel better' aspect of the security theater show the TSA has been putting on, at taxpayer expense, for too many years. If those on the list are so dangerous, why haven't they been arrested, tried, & convicted of a crime in a court of law?
(BTW-this is at least the 2nd time I, personally, have asked this question on this blog. It has also been asked but others, but as yet TSA has not answered any of them; too busy picking out new curtains to go w/their spiffy new uniforms, I guess...)
"In TSA's checkpoint of the future, passengers will approach the security kiosk, carry-on in hand, and put a biometric on the scanner. While the scanning system clears you after it confirms your identity and flight information, the technology in the kiosk will verify that there are no truly dangerous items on you or in your bag. Total elapsed time: about 1.75 seconds. Version Two will add a Teleporter so that you will not need to get on an airplane."
I predict that the printer who makes the "Sorry, Out of Order, come back in the far future" signs will make a fortune...
Good job again!
You found his toothpaste, but missed the knife. If someone wants to bring something dangerous aboard, they are going to do it. All you're doing is wasting money.
"Your grandchildren will love it."
Remember folks, TSA is funded by the same people who sent our military off to fight without suppling them with the proper equipment. It will take TSA quite a while to get security down pat. Their excuses will be around even longer.
I'm still waiting for answers to these questions. Perhaps you could make a post on the subject.
- What does the TSA consider to be mistreatment of a passenger?
- Is yelling at a passenger considered mistreatment?
- Is threatening a passenger with detainment or delay (in order to cause that passenger to miss their flight) considered mistreatment?
- How much patting down is too much?
- If a passenger is combative or belligerent is it acceptable for a screener to become combative?
- Is causing a wheelchair bound person to stand in order for their chair to be screened considered mistreatment?
- What recourse do passengers have who feel they have been mistreated?
- Are screeners evaluated on their treatment of passengers?
- Most importantly, what are the consequences for screeners who mistreat passengers?
Some of you wish for Israel type security and some of you only want your head patted as you stroll through security (so TSA does not infringe on your "civil" liberties).
So tell me...which IS it? What do you want? You can't have it both ways. What you see here are compromises. Compromises in security and civil liberty.
TSA has put up a blog for your feedback in all things TSA. They listen and give many of your suggestions thought. TSA is considerate of your ideas, opinions and even your rants. You are asked for ideas and to be a partner. Many of react by continuing the insults, slurs and attacks on TSA’s hard working TSO’s and headquarters staff. I honestly have never seen such a shameful display of human behavior until reading the comments on this blog.
Those that post shameful comments must not be familiar with the book, “All I really need to know I learned in Kindergarten”. I pasted in the principles for those of you who need a refresher course in decent human behavior:
ALL I REALLY NEED TO KNOW I LEARNED IN KINDERGARTEN
• Share.
• Play fair.
• Don't hit people.
• Put things back where you
found them.
• Clean up your own mess.
• Don't take things that
aren't yours.
• Say you're sorry when you
hurt somebody.
• Wash your hands before you
eat.
• Flush.
• Warm cookies and cold milk
are good for you.
• Live a balanced life -
learn some and think some
and draw and paint and
sing and dance and play
and work every day some.
• Take a nap every
afternoon.
• When you go out in the
world, watch out for
traffic, hold hands and
stick together.
• Be aware of wonder.
Remember the little seed
in the Styrofoam cup: the
roots go down and the
plant goes up and nobody
really knows how or why,
but we are all like that.
• Goldfish and hamsters and
white mice and even the
little seed in the
Styrofoam cup - they all
die. So do we.
• And then remember the Dick-
and-Jane books and the
first word you learned -
the biggest word of all -
LOOK.
Share
This doesn’t mean your crap, really. I am sure of it.
Play Fair
Are you? Here on this blog….are you playing fair?
Clean up your own mess.
Keeping America safe, defending your countryman from evil is a shared responsibility. So yeah, fighting terrorism is as much your mess as your governments. Pitch in why don’t you?
Say you’re sorry when you hurt somebody.
How many thousands of TSA employees have been hurt with your un-thoughtful comments? TSO’s serve you everyday, even when you virtually spit on them for asking for your ID.
Live a balanced life, learn some and think some and draw and paint and sing and dance and play and work every day some.
Learn some and think some... I think everyone gets that. Be quiet and listen, reflect and make sure what comes out of your mouth or what your fingers type is constructive. Those of you who appear the unhappiest...I don't think you are dancing and playing enough in your day.
When you go out in the world, watch out for traffic, hold hands and stick together.
This is EXACTLY what TSA does for you. They watch out for you 24/7. They make sure you don’t get hit by a car (figuratively), they care for your safety. Their mission is to make sure you get to your destination in one piece, and alive.
Goldfish and hamsters and white mice and even the little seed in the Styrofoam cup - they all die. So do we.
The so do we part… we are very aware of the truth in that statement. However, not today and not on my watch. You can spit on me, you can swear at me and you can be downright hateful, but you will not die, not today and not on my watch. Get it?
And then remember the Dick-and-Jane books and the first word you learned - the biggest word of all - LOOK.
Yeah, Look. Look here on this blog. Look here at the TSA of the future model, Look at what you think might be great about it, and constructively offer feedback on what you think could be better. Help us. Be proactive, partner with TSA, and be constructive. We are not perfect, we are constantly evolving, and TSA is asking for your help. Firing off the fact you wish for Kip to be replaced doesn’t really help now does it?
Follow the principles you learned while eating warm cookies and milk and snuggling down for a nap in a cot next to your best friend, oblivious of the evil in the world around you. We aren’t asking to be your best friend, but we are asking you to not be the bully on the playground. If you are, your parents will be called and you will be sent home.
I just don't know how much simpilar this can be addressed. Play nice, plain and simple. Do we come to your workplace and hurt you, belittle you and see you as something gross to be picked off your shirt? NO we don't...not even to "other" government employees ... you know, the ones that you thin you are "over" and the "boss" of because you pay income tax?
"Ok ... so, if we know that you're a terrorist, and you're stupid enough to try to travel under your own identity card, we can catch you with an identity card catch."
TSA negotiations to have all terrorists carry a "Real Terrorist ID" card failed. They are working on a new plan. Stay tuned.
Okay... so let me see if I can follow the TSA logic here:
The TSOs did nothing wrong.
TSA's rules were wrong.
So... you're saying that the TSOs were right to enforce the wrong rules.
I guess you don't hire TSOs based on their adaptiveness or common sense. Merely on their ability to do exactly as they are told, never deviating. (Except when they decide to embark on a power trip)
I feel more secure already.
This is not OK. Where's the analysis of the down-side of the more extensive affront to everyone who flies?
Help me out with this. One gizmo can detect explosives from the merest whiff of residue captured on a 2 inch cloth wipe, with confidence enough to motivate additional searches and even detain someone for further investigation, meaning they miss their flight.
Yet, you can't figure out that my half-liter bottle of water is water?
This is not about effectiveness, it is about priorities, and it is not OK.
I don't want to be x-rayed because . . . I don't. I don't want to be searched, pawed or inspected, I shudder at the thought of losing my laptop for no good reason at any time, and I especially want to bring water with me to stay hydrated.
I don't want to have fluoroscope pictures of my (astonishingly attractive) private parts captured in some electronic portrait awaiting leaking onto the internet. Think of the money I'll lose in licensing fees.
I especially don't want to be soothed, lulled, or prompted. You work for me. As I'm getting another free proctology exam, I would like to be aware of my discomfort, because it is to no good end. (Can I have the results, please? Might cut down a bit on our spiraling health care costs.)
Let's take this logic - anything goes, because, you know, there are bad guys and stuff - to its extreme . . .
We arrive at the airport. After a document and biometric check we each change into the hospital gown equivalent before being sedated. After a head to toe body cavity inspection, each unconscious form is inserted into its hermetically sealed travel canister, loaded onto the plane and taken to its destination. This with the effectiveness of the luggage system - reassuring thought.
Here's the difference. I might choose to travel knocked-out for my own convenience. I find flying uncomfortable. Yet that would be my choice, for my purposes.
Your job isn't to soothe me, it is to convince me, because you work for me.
In what world does yet more invasive authority make sense, given to people who can't realize that a policy requiring the removal of nipple rings is dumb? Why is it OK to have grand plans to get in more of my stuff, when you don't notice that your nipple ring policy is dumb until it hits the news cycle?
As for the guards, uniforms, para-military / law-enforcement angle, we've seen what happens when there are "contractors" with military-like authority without the supervision that goes with it. I'd be happy to see the TSA policies, procedures and personnel get ever more professional. Yet, I'm neither a criminal nor a terrorist. I'd like to see you get more professional about protecting all my rights and interests as a citizen who has done nothing wrong.
It is not OK for you to think of me as cattle to be "soothed."
This looks very good. Everything seems to be in the right order and it looks great. However, I suggest you be consistent with your layout. 1 x-ray machine, 1 metal detector, and 1 milimeter wave portal. I noticed on one side you had two, which is not consistent and to me looks weird. Consistency is the key to everything. It makes everything much simpler.
I have a question about medication. Our doctor has given my husband medicine samples, since some of his medication is expensive.
These samples do not have his name on them,can he put them in his carry-on or does it have to be in his checked on luggage?
Depends on the mood of the screener (The 23rd layer of security).
http://www.tgisfw.com/2008/03/tsa-is-complete-jokeand-not-funny-one.html
thought someone might want to craft a reply to this.
First post anonymous:
"Non-liquid or gel medications of all kinds such as solid pills, or inhalers are allowed through the security checkpoint once they have been screened. We recommend, but do not require, that your medications be labeled to assist with the screening process."
--per this, contrary to what some, like TSA TSO NY, enforce.
I look forward to your open and honest answers to these questions.
What are the layers in place to protect against theft of passengers belongings?
What are the layers in place to protect against violation of passengers civil rights?
What are the layers in place to protect against an attack on the security checkpoint itself?
Alaska Wild: "The so do we part… we are very aware of the truth in that statement. However, not today and not on my watch. You can spit on me, you can swear at me and you can be downright hateful, but you will not die, not today and not on my watch. Get it?"
Riiiight. TSA won't and can't guarantee safety. Should the terrorists try something adaptive and deadly, like attacking the crowded screening area while you are busy confiscating water bottles, x-raying shoes, and sniggering at piercings, TSA will say something like "no one could have anticipated that", "we can't do 100%", and "give us twice the budget, and we'll be ready for that next time."
Maybe your "not on my watch" will mean something after you can guarantee 100% detection of things like your prohibited liquids. Before that, meh.
"Alaska Wild said...
Blah blah, mindless propaganda, Blah...
ALL I REALLY NEED TO KNOW I LEARNED IN KINDERGARTEN
• Share.
• Play fair.
• Don't hit people.
• Put things back where you
found them.
• Clean up your own mess.
• Don't take things that
aren't yours.
• Say you're sorry when you
hurt somebody. "
Hey Kip, outside of some mindless
propaganda, this guy might have a concept.
One of four questions I posed to TSA Director Kip Hawley as a comment on this blog post was:
"How does the punishment of being barred from air travel, not for a crime that has been committed or for the attempt to commit a crime, but for the perceived potential to commit a crime, judged by any one of thousands of TSA agents, without any indication of an attempt to commit a crime, much less conviction of such by a judge or jury, fit with your interpretation of the United States Constitution?"
Someone anonymously responded:
"I think perhaps you are under an incorrect perception when you say "thousands of TSA agents". In fact your everyday TSO never has the ability restrict someone from flying. The very lowest rank of someone who can make that call is a Supervisor, and the majority of the time if someone is barred from flying, it is either by an Airline representative called in by TSA, or a LEO."
Thank you, sir or madam. Assuming your information is accurate, were I able to do so I would edit my question to replace "any one of thousands of TSA agents" with "any one of hundreds of TSA supervisors, thousands of airline representatives, and thousands of law enforcement officers."
What Mr. Hawley has suggested is punishment of people who have not been tried or convicted of committing a crime or attempting to commit a crime, who have not been accused of committing or attempting to commit a crime, but are simply perceived by one of hundreds of TSA airport security screening supervisors (or possibly by an airline representative or law enforcement officer) as having the potential to commit a crime.
That's un-American. The United States Constitution guarantees that people are considered innocent in the eyes of the law until proven guilty by a judge or jury.
TSA Officers, don't be discouraged by things that you read online. This is not about popularity. It is about keeping the American public safe. That job is important and the majority of people appreciate it. Unfortuneatly sometimes it is hard to tell because the people that usually spend a lot of time on the internet complaining don't represent the American people. Most Americans don't spend hours online blogging and complaining about the TSA, but those who do are obviously disgruntled. Your job is important. Keep doing it and don't lose focus. We can't let the terrorists win.
"What are the layers in place to protect against theft of passengers belongings?"
At my airport (MSP), every screening table has a camera on it which records the TSA screener. If anything happens, it can be checked. After we screen the bag, the airlines take over. We do not babysit your bag all the way to the plane.
What are the layers in place to protect against violation of passengers civil rights?
This has been addressed elsewhere.
Ultimately, you'll have to let the supervior or manager on duty know what happened. Send a letter to the bigwigs at TSA HQ. Or your laywer. Or CNN.
What are the layers in place to protect against an attack on the security checkpoint itself?
For a bolt out of the blue attack, none. We're pretty much out in the open. And don't think we at this level haven't thought of that. If the attacker is more methodical, the BDO's are watching. The Airport police are watching. Some concrete barriors are up to prevent a crash attack. The same police and CSO's will tag and toe an abondoned vehicle. There are police dogs around. And, hopefully, alert passengers will let someone know if they see something odd.
TSO Joe
Count me among the folks who want to see some details on how the TSO's are going to be trained and evaluated on how they treat passengers.
The new layout looks interesting, but I could make the existing checkpoints a lot calmer without spending a nickel on different equipment. I would be centering on how the screeners treat people.
If the adversarial attitudes of the screeners don't get changed, different equipment, blue shirts instead of white, "composure" benches, etc. will all turn out to be an attempt to put lipstick on the proverbial pig.
The new "micro-site" is a slick piece of propaganda to promote what looks like a slick new facade that perhaps incorporates a few rather minor improvements. I suppose we should congratulate the producers of the Security Theater for outfitting their stage with some new curtains (in "calming" colors) and buying the principal actors spiffy new costumes. But underneath the new facade it's the same old TSA, with the same old bullying TSOs and the same old systemic flaws.
I doubt very much that the blue wall panels and "ambient sounds" will do much to calm herds of passengers if the TSOs continue to treat passengers like criminals entering a prison, and if they continue their capricious "interpretation" of stupid rules and vaguely-defined procedures. The propaganda site makes no mention of any improvement in the "customer service" attributes that elicit so many complaints. Are the TSOs getting training in treating people properly along with their new uniforms? I don't see any mention of that. So I have to assume there aren't any real improvements (because, after all, there's nothing wrong).
Will the "ambient sounds" mean that TSOs yell their commands louder? And how will the TSA fit the improved checkpoints into airports that barely have room for the checkpoints that are currently shoehorned into spaces never intended for them? The slick site raises more questions than it answers, which is typical.
I'm willing to accept the assertion that making the physical environment a little less unpleasant for passengers will be beneficial for everyone. But I see nothing that addresses the significant issues raised in thousands of comments on this blog. If we're being herded like animals, yelled at like children, and humiliated like prisoners, the soothing blue panels and the clip-on ties won't make any difference. We still have to take off our shoes, buy food and bottled water at extortionate airport prices, and face confiscation of shampoo that isn't in a manufacturer's labeled bottle, even though there's no official published requirement that it be in a manufacturer's labeled bottle. And the GAO and DOT auditors will still report the same dismal failure rates in their undercover tests.
I'll give you credit for apparently making the effort. But as best I can tell, underneath the new facade it's still the same old TSA we all despise.
I'm still having a hard time with how ID checking adds a twit to security.
Lets take a look at the problem,
I enter the country illegally. I proceed to one of the states that are known to issue a drivers licenses to illegals. I get my brand new ID with whatever name I gave and now I am free to travel about the country with a perfectly legal ID.
The ID checker is only looking at the ID, not the name on the ID to compare it with some secret list. So my ID should pass muster.
Second problem with ID, I can go to a local city, cash in hand and walk away with any State ID I can afford.
TSA's ID screening will not stop a person who wants to clear the screening point.
Lastly, I object to calling screeners "Officers". I would prefer "Agent". Officer indicates some level of LEO skills which TSO's are not!
"TSA Officers, don't be discouraged by things that you read online. This is not about popularity. It is about keeping the American public safe. That job is important and the majority of people appreciate it. Unfortuneatly sometimes it is hard to tell because the people that usually spend a lot of time on the internet complaining don't represent the American people. Most Americans don't spend hours online blogging and complaining about the TSA, but those who do are obviously disgruntled. Your job is important. Keep doing it and don't lose focus. We can't let the terrorists win."
Huh?
Lumping travelers and terrorists
together, are we? If all of the people who have had an unpleasant
experience with the TSA complained to this blog on one day, the blog server would probably quit or have the computer version of a nervous breakdown! It would take months to put up the millions of posts.
I have no problem with anyone who does their job in a professional manner. Rather refreshing, actually.
Maybe TSA should have a foreign service training program. Send you off to learn about how airport security is done. Judging from the posts here, even 3rd world countries manage to do it without the spate of negative ratings.
Obviously disgruntled? Sure, guilty as charged. Does that somehow make me less of a believer in our country? Nope. We still need to clean up the mess left by Katrina, the sub-prime mortgage meltdown, and all the other problems as well.
• Play fair.
• Don't hit people.
• Put things back where you
found them.
• Clean up your own mess.
• Don't take things that
aren't yours.
• Say you're sorry when you
hurt somebody. "
Think about it.
Perhaps the most interesting aspect of these designs is that they crib heavily from modern slaughter house design where an effort is made to calm the cattle down before, well, they are slaughtered.
Not only do the rope lines keep people mostly facing away from the scanning devices but the active distraction perpendicular to the line of sight keep people attention away from it as well and the explanation focuses on the need for a "calm" or "stress-free" line.
The parallels are striking, I expect small meaningless creature comforts next, to mechanically reduce stress levels like a water fountain in the middle of the line. (Many slaughter houses give water before the final chute to reduce stress hormones in the meat.) In this case they have the additional benefit of making people feel thankful to have it provided, despite the insanity of having their won water/freedom taken from them, very much the Stockholm effect.
If I had more time I would write up all the parallels in an essay, but perhaps someone else can do it.
We can't let the terrorists win.
The terrorists have already won.
Their goal was to make us fundamentally change who and what we are through terror, and they succeeded.
Illegal wire tapping, spying on citizens, civil rights disregarded, use of torture, suspension of habeas corpus, the rule of law ignored, the "unitary" executive, etc.
And so many people were ready to give up every bit of freedom and liberty they had as long as their precious lives were spared from the boogey man and they had a flowing supply of SUVs, cell phones, lattes and bottled water.
Congratulations! Your Hummer and Double Mocha Frappachino with an iPhone gift card only came at the expense of the U.S. Constitution.
/golfclap
We do have some advantages. First, airports are our turf; we have the home field advantage and can set the rules. Keeping an element of randomness and calming the checkpoint are critical.
Element of randomness? Call that made up on the spot SOPs, call those SOPs SSI and you have a recipe for disaster - not for the terrorists, but for the Americans who fly. Got to try better there Kip.
Second, TSA's officers have experienced more passengers and bags than anyone else on earth and that knowledge is priceless. They know what doesn't seem right. In a calmer checkpoint environment, hostile intent stands out from the behavior of regular passengers just trying to navigate the system. Behavior detection officers and document checkers will use their training and skills to identify people and things that stand out from the norm and give them added scrutiny.
Are you counting the 'hostile intent' of TSOs as being high on the threat profile Kip? I sure would.
Third, the advantage we need to bolster most is the fact that the numbers are overwhelmingly in our favor - two million people a day fly, every one of them with a vested interest in assuring the safety of our system. We know the overwhelming majority of passengers pose no threat, so we want to improve your checkpoint experience and get your help in making those who do pose a threat stand out.
Your TSOs do stand out for their obviously hostile attitude towards military traveling under orders, small children, elderly and the disabled. Those things we already recognize. What are you doing to improve the way your people deal with the traveling public? When will the security theater finsh and real security begin?
In fact your everyday TSO never has the ability restrict someone from flying. The very lowest rank of someone who can make that call is a Supervisor, and the majority of the time if someone is barred from flying, it is either by an Airline representative called in by TSA, or a LEO.
Lies. I can count the number of times I've heard the phrase "do you want to fly today" come rolling out of the mouth of Kip's minions on around 30 fingers. The only reason being a vocal critic of idiotic, super-duper, above code word secrecy, who attempt another run on the failed Nurenburg defense.
Kip, all you're doing is putting lipstick on a corpse in a feeble attempt at making the public buy your delusion (look it up-it is a mental condition) that your organization accomplishes anything.
http://www.tgisfw.com/2008/03/tsa-is-complete-jokeand-not-funny-one.html
I would appreciate if this blog entry was taken into consideration. As a frequent flier, I found this alarming. How could a knife be NOT detected in the x-ray when toothpaste and a set of speakers were given so much attention?
I am worried that there is so much attention given to detecting "liquid explosives" or "suspicious electronics" that basic weapons are being ignored.
This evolution checkpoint appears to be a waste of money. You could improve the checkpoints now with very little cost.
If you insist on keeping the shoe removal policy, then put chairs or benches on both sides of the checkpoint to aid in their removal and putting back on.
And how about asking the airports to simply clean the floors more often or provide some nice carpet for their passengers?
Frankly most passengers don't see the sense in removing their shoes, especially when they hear stories that it is not required in other countries or about machines in other countries that do the scanning with shoes on. Maybe those stories are not accurate, maybe they are, but that's what people hear.
Most passengers also don't see the sense in your "War on Moisture". Many more elegant writers than I have pointed out its flaws.
You haven't convinced the traveling public about shoes and liquids. You lose respect from people when they see what they perceive as dumb policies, inconsistently implemented.
Frankly, people are not calm in checkpoints because of your policies. You seem to change them all of the time, and are inconsistent in their application. Most policies seem designed more to cover your rears, then to add real safety to air travel. Add to that the stress of having to catch your flight, juggling taking off your shoes, screeners shouting at passengers, etc. Well duh, it's stressful, and I fail to see how that is the passenger's fault.
The new uniforms are ok, although I always thought the white ones were ok. They looked professional. But I can see where the blue might not show the dirt as easily. I think the metal badges are huge mistakes and you should have stayed with the emboridered ones.
You better have a policy set up for people that refuse to go through the new millimeter scanners. And it better be more thought out than the old "Do you want to fly today?" intimidation. I can foresee a percentage of people that refuse to use them.
And finally, as many others have more elegantly pointed out before, the TSA id checking is stupid and a waste of resources. Put those "highly trained" individuals back doing what they do best. I have no doubt that they are quite good at looking at items on the xray machine. Put them on the xray machines, where they do provide a valuable service, and open more lanes. That'll cut a lot of checkpoint stress right there, with more lanes open.
Thank you.
10-3) meters is one millimeter. Guess what? That's in the same band as a microwave oven. Slightly above 1mm is the infrared band -- sunburn. If you think for a nanosecond that I am going to allow you to fry my Irish-American posterior in a TSA-approved microwave oven, you are truly smoking something.
Hmmm, microwave ovens operate around 2.4gHz. Electromagnetic waves longer (lower frequency) than microwaves are called "radio waves". Electromagnetic radiation with shorter wavelengths may be called "millimeter waves", terahertz radiation or even T-rays. Definitions differ for millimeter wave band, which the IEEE defines as 110GHz to 300GHz.
So now the TSA has decided to redecorate. Nice. Very nice indeed. It'll be nice to have benches to put my shoes on when I have to go through security -- assuming you can actually make it happen. As for the rest of it, nifty, but it is not unlike painting a rusty car -- makes it look nice, at least for a moment, but it's still a rusty car and it's still falling apart.
Let's look at what the GAO has to say about the TSA in its most recent report dated 28 Feb 2008:
"TSA has made limited progress in developing and deploying checkpoint technologies due to planning and management challenges. Further, TSA continues to face some program management challenges in developing Secure Flight. Specifically, TSA has not (1) developed program cost and schedule estimates consistent with best practices; (2) fully implemented its risk management plan; (3) planned for system end-to-end testing in test plans; and (4) ensured that information security requirements are fully implemented. If these challenges are not addressed effectively, the risk of the program not being completed on schedule and within estimated costs is increased, and the chances of it performing as intended are diminished. DHS and TSA lack performance measures to fully evaluate the effectiveness of current processes for passengers who apply for redress due to inconveniences experienced during the check-in and screening process. Without such measures, DHS and TSA lack a sound basis to monitor the effectiveness of the redress process."
As an aside, per the GAO report, Secure Flight is the system the TSA is developing to replace the current no-fly and supplemental screening tracking systems that are currently in place.
But wait, there's more...
Over the last 4 years, we have reported that the Secure Flight program (and its predecessor CAPPS II) had not met key milestones or finalized its goals, objectives, and requirements, and faced significant development and
12See 49 U.S.C. § 44903(j)(2)(C). Page 9 GAO-08-456T
implementation challenges.13 Acknowledging the challenges it faced with the program, TSA suspended the development of Secure Flight and initiated a reassessment, or re-baselining, of the program in February 2006, which was completed in January 2007. Since our last testimony on Secure Flight in February 2007, we were mandated by the Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007 to assess various aspects of Secure Flight’s development and implementation.14 In accordance with the act, we reviewed (1) TSA’s efforts to develop reliable cost and schedule estimates for Secure Flight; (2) progress made by TSA in developing and implementing the Secure Flight system, including the implementation of security controls; (3) TSA’s efforts to coordinate with CBP to integrate Secure Flight with CBP’s watch-list matching function for international flights; (4) TSA’s plans to protect private passenger information under Secure Flight; and (5) DHS’s efforts to assess the effectiveness of the current redress process for passengers misidentified as being on or wrongly assigned to the No Fly or Selectee list.15
TSA’s available funding for the Secure Flight program during fiscal year 2007 was $32.5 million.16 In fiscal year 2008, TSA received $50 million along with statutory authority to transfer up to $24 million to the program, making as much as $74 million available for the program in fiscal year 2008, if necessary.17 For fiscal year 2009, TSA has requested $82 million in funding to allow the agency to continue development and implementation of the Secure Flight program and the full assumption of the watch-list matching function in fiscal year 2010.
Now these actual numbers don't scare me so much ... I happen to work in systems design and development -- large scale computer systems can be remarkably expensive. What shocks the conscience, however, is the fact that there are poor controls over the spending of these large budgets. There is little to show for the budgets. After years of work they had to rebaseline (fancy computer project-speak for "start over") because the whole thing was a failure. Nicely done guys. Heckuva job Kip.
TSA has fallen behind in its projected acquisition of other emerging screening technologies. For example, we reported that the acquisition of 91 Whole Body Imagers was previously delayed in part because TSA needed to develop a means to protect the privacy of passengers screened by this technology. TSA also reduced the initial number of the cast and prosthesis scanner units to be procured during fiscal year 2007 due to unexpected maintenance cost increases. Furthermore, fiscal year 2008 funding to procure additional cast and prosthesis scanners was shifted to procure more Whole Body Imagers and Advanced Technology Systems due to a change in priorities.
While TSA and DHS have taken steps to coordinate the research, development, and deployment of checkpoint technologies, we reported in February 2007 that challenges remained. For example, TSA and DHS S&T officials stated that they encountered difficulties in coordinating research and development efforts due to reorganizations within TSA and S&T. A senior TSA official further stated at the time that, while TSA and the DHS S&T have executed a memorandum of understanding to establish the services that the Transportation Security Laboratory is to provide to TSA, coordination with S&T remained a challenge because the organizations had not fully implemented the terms of the agreement. Since our February 2007 testimony, according to TSA and S&T, coordination between them has improved.
We also reported that TSA did not have a strategic plan to guide its efforts to acquire and deploy screening technologies, and that a lack of a strategic plan or approach could limit TSA’s ability to deploy emerging technologies at those airport locations deemed at highest risk. The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2008, provides that, of TSA’s appropriated funds for Transportation Security Support, $10,000,000 may not be obligated until the Secretary of Homeland Security submits to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations detailed expenditure plans for checkpoint support and explosive detection systems refurbishment, procurement, and installation on an airport-by-airport basis for fiscal year 2008, along with the strategic plan for checkpoint technologies previously requested by the committees. The Act further requires that the expenditure and strategic plans be submitted no later than 60 days after the date of enactment of the Act (enacted December 26, 2007). According to TSA officials, they currently plan to submit the strategic plan to Congress by June 2008.
So the GAO is telling us that despite what Kip is telling us that the TSA is really overstating its case. It's kind of like asking the Congress and by extension the American people to take a leap of faith that they are going to be able to figure out what they are doing if only we give them more money.
So Kip, tell us, what is the budget for this particular boondoggle. Have you actually secured the permits you are going to need to do the necessary construction? Given the TSA's track record at deploying new programs and technologies and techniques and information in a consistent fashion around the country, how many years will we wait to see these improvements?
Will contracts to do the actual improvement work be put out for bid to legitimate suppliers or will the TSA award them on a no bid basis to companies who are connected to the people who helped put the people in power who put the TSA in power as we have seen so much in the current administration?
I have included several passages from the most recent GAO report. The report itself is nearly 50 pages long, but I took the time to read it. I urge people to go to the GAO website and read the whole thing (http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d08456t.pdf)
See your tax dollars at work.
I'm sure if you do, you will also be asking Kip just what the h*** he thinks he's doing.
Anonymous said...
"What are the layers in place to protect against theft of passengers belongings?"
At my airport (MSP), every screening table has a camera on it which records the TSA screener. If anything happens, it can be checked. After we screen the bag, the airlines take over. We do not babysit your bag all the way to the plane.
This is above your pay grade but, why don't you babysit my bag all the way to the plane?
We are asked if we packed our own bag and if it has been in our site the entire time, just to hand it over to the TSA so it can quickly become unguarded and vulnerable to theft or tampering.
As a TSO I have three observations.
These are:
1. About the new uniforms. CBP Agriculture Inspectors have the EXACT same uniform as CBP Officers, however agriculture inspectors have no Law Enforcement authority. Our Uniforms still say Transportation Security Administration on them, so I would HOPE no one confuses us with LEOs because we are not, and I didn't sign up to be a LEO and don't think I am.
2. People seem to confuse Baggage Handlers with TSA's Baggage Screeners. TSA screens your bags and then private employees take your bags somewhere else, with no criminal background checks and no accountability unless they're caught. Our Screening areas have cameras, but the 2 miles from our screening area to your plane isn't under our control.
3. I am just curious as to this abuse I am hearing by TSOs. I myself have never witnessed it. Is it really that widespread?
I can only speak for myself as one out of 50,000. When I wake up and go to work, I don't say to myself "How can I exact undue control over a stranger today?" Like many of you, I have a job to do, and I do it. Respect and dignity for others is a basic human behavior and it needs to go both ways.
I know alot of you will say I'm just a puppet from TSA HQ to "show a human face" but you have to figure, not everyone who wears the same Uniform I do is a presumptive wanna be cop. Just like not everyone who travels is a terrorist with ill intent. You want us to pat your heads and put a band aid on your boo boo, but persist to degrade us and curse at us and spit at us, but its our fault I suppose.
"Congratulations! Your Hummer and Double Mocha Frappachino with an iPhone gift card only came at the expense of the U.S. Constitution."
Nobody cares. What the people want is free sports on cable. If people cared about the Constitution they would be on the barricades, not the blogs.
Have a beer, relax.
Anonymous:
You want us to pat your heads and put a band aid on your boo boo, but persist to degrade us and curse at us and spit at us, but its our fault I suppose.
I understand. And I certainly believe that the vast majority of individual TSOs are doing The Right Thing everyday.
But the TSA brass started this blog as an attempt to create dialog with the public about TSA. That dialog is going to include criticism.
Sometimes that criticism is of the agency's policies. Sometimes that criticism is of individual agents who act contrary to those policies. But for those of us on the "outside", we can't tell the difference ... especially because many of TSA's policies and procedures have been deemed SSI and are therefore not available to the general public.
Take Nipple-Gate, for example. After reading the blog for a week, I was finally able to read between the lines and figured out what happened. TSA has a secret policy that says that no TSO can touch or look at a woman's nipples, and a non-secret policy that says that every metal alarm must be resolved. This leads to the unfortunate situation described earlier. But how is the public to know that this was a policy issue, as opposed to a personnel issue?
This isn't your (individual) fault. But it is the fault of your agency, who many times fails to clearly distinguish between individual and corporate responsibility.
Anonymous said...
As a TSO I have three observations.
Just like not everyone who travels is a terrorist with ill intent.
The people traveling are people going about their private affairs who are being treated like terrorist by the TSA and TSO's.
The number of real threats can most likely be counted on one hand for each year since 9/11.
Security Theater!
I appreciate the difficulties of your job. I will put up with most what you want to check and work with you to the best of my ability to help you get me thru the line.
I draw the line at the following:
1. I will not put up with x-ray of film. I seperate it out and am fine with you swabbing it down.
2. I have a drug requiring temperature control. I will bring it in a thermos and will allow you to x-ray it and/or open it for inspect. The 3-1-1 rule does not apply, so get over it.
3. My computer requires a moment to get out of my bag for your x-ray. I'm doing the best I can, get over it.
4. I will let you x-ray my camera bag, and I will let you swab stuff in it. I will *NOT* let you drop it off the conveyor and damage the gear. It is worth more than your annual salary Mr/Miss screener.
The above will not change with new wave lengths. I don't care about new uniforms. Your signs do nothing for me. What is is.
SEAL THE CHECK IN LUGGAGE!!!
"2. People seem to confuse Baggage Handlers with TSA's Baggage Screeners. TSA screens your bags and then private employees take your bags somewhere else, with no criminal background checks and no accountability unless they're caught. Our Screening areas have cameras, but the 2 miles from our screening area to your plane isn't under our control."
The major issue with checked baggage is that no effort has been made to seal the bags. There is theft, of high value items, items that can't be carried on due to restrictions, and even clothing, shoes and underwear. Over and over
people have come to the same conclusion: if TSA cannot or will not prevent theft, it also cannot prevent dangerous items from being placed into the bags.
You can blame the airline baggage handlers all you want, and yes, many of them are caught with pilfered goods. If you hand over an unlocked, unsealed bag, it is not only an opportunity for theft, it is an issue of complicity as well. One TSO stated that they used to have zip ties available to them to seal bags. It should be a federal offense to tamper with the seals.
Anonymous March 31,2008 12:49 PM
In fact your everyday TSO never has the ability restrict someone from flying. The very lowest rank of someone who can make that call is a Supervisor, and the majority of the time if someone is barred from flying, it is either by an Airline representative called in by TSA, or a LEO.
While legally not able to say "you will not fly today" they do have full authority to hold you until your plane is already off the ground. While they do not have that power de jure, they have it de facto. To the person who missed their flight, the difference is inconsequential.
Winstonsmith said:
So Kip, tell us, what is the budget for this particular boondoggle. Have you actually secured the permits you are going to need to do the necessary construction? Given the TSA's track record at deploying new programs and technologies and techniques and information in a consistent fashion around the country, how many years will we wait to see these improvements?
*********************************
Probably many, if ever. There was a 2nd article in the 3/31/08 USA Today on the checkpoint re-design, on page 3, which included this little, not very surprising gem:
Although the TSA has designed the new checkpoint, it will not pay for airports to adopt the lights, soundtracks, counters and other features not used to screen passengers. "If it achieves its objectives, we'll market it, and the airports and airlines will pay," Hawley said.
The TSA will pay for new security equipment such as screener headsets and possibly bin-return machines.
Full link to the article:
http://www.usatoday.com/printedition/news/20080331/a_insidetsa31.art.htm
So, my guess is that most travelers will never get the full 'experience'.
I honestly feel like the security in Logan airport isn't bad as of now. I feel as though this security hype is a gimmick. People should know that the government is purposely putting fear into everyones life that way we will have to depend on cameras, rfid chips an more. People need to wake up an smell the coffee.
Kip: "Thank you for your participation and partnership with TSA in keeping travel safe."
Make that "commercial air travel". Polishing airport checkpoint tur-nstiles does nothing positive for safety in other modes of travel.
"Your grandchildren will love it."
Only because they will all have biometric implants from birth, and be like the sheep who still line up to view Stalin and Mao: Only the mindlessly subservient survive.
Which is to say, _my_ grandchildren won't "love it", because I won't be allowed to breed. Such is the result when the state rules all.
The security of the grave is absolute. It is life and liberty which are dangerous.
Let's put this another way: By centralizing all security measures, the 9/11 hijackers were able to get through more than one airport, and more than one airline, because the security was all the same.
Now it will be even more identical. This makes flying less safe, not more.
Abolish the TSA. Let the airlines and their insurance companies develop security that actually works, that serves the needs of the airline, the airport, and their customers.
Anything else is simple tyranny.
Ask a German Jew how safe tyranny is.
It is educational that all these measures would not have stopped the officially designated terrorists on 9/11, since they were in the country perfectly legally and had all the proper documents.
"Papers Please."
Not that security must only exist to stop prior threats, but seriously: What thug is not going to take the simple measure of having correct paperwork?
I won't lie, I didn't read the entire post but can I be the first to test out the teleporter... ;o)
Anonymous said...
As a TSO I have three observations.
These are:
1. About the new uniforms. CBP Agriculture Inspectors have the EXACT same uniform as CBP Officers, however agriculture inspectors have no Law Enforcement authority. Our Uniforms still say Transportation Security Administration on them, so I would HOPE no one confuses us with LEOs because we are not, and I didn't sign up to be a LEO and don't think I am.
2. People seem to confuse Baggage Handlers with TSA's Baggage Screeners. TSA screens your bags and then private employees take your bags somewhere else, with no criminal background checks and no accountability unless they're caught. Our Screening areas have cameras, but the 2 miles from our screening area to your plane isn't under our control.
3. I am just curious as to this abuse I am hearing by TSOs. I myself have never witnessed it. Is it really that widespread?
I can only speak for myself as one out of 50,000. When I wake up and go to work, I don't say to myself "How can I exact undue control over a stranger today?" Like many of you, I have a job to do, and I do it. Respect and dignity for others is a basic human behavior and it needs to go both ways.
I know alot of you will say I'm just a puppet from TSA HQ to "show a human face" but you have to figure, not everyone who wears the same Uniform I do is a presumptive wanna be cop. Just like not everyone who travels is a terrorist with ill intent.
You want us to pat your heads and put a band aid on your boo boo, but persist to degrade us and curse at us and spit at us, but its our fault I suppose.
What a disappointment your post turned out to be. I was supporting you right up to the end. You almost made it through your whole post without displaying EXACTLY what is wrong with TSA.
You are probably a nice person but you have been lied to by your superiors. Your training is flawed.
We DO NOT want you to pat us on our heads and put band-aids on our boo boos!
You say you never see abuse, I don't doubt that. Abusers rarely feel they are the problem. The victim ALWAYS made them do it.
You say you don't go to work saying "How can I exact undue control over a stranger today?", this may be true.
The fact you have to distinguish "undue" control gives insight to your and the TSA's thought process. You see the traveling public as people you NEED to control. This little experiment with soothing sounds, cool lights, signs that "prompt behavior" is definitive proof of that controlling mindset.
The thing is WE do NOT need to be controlled. We are NOT your children, we are NOT beneath you, we are NOT prisoners, we are NOT criminals.
Your job is to make sure dangerous OBJECTS do not enter an airplane. That's it.
Why are you trying to make your screeners look like policemen? Is it because that would make them seem even more intimidating? Did you consider brown shirts, Sam Brown belts and jackboots, too? As to badges,I remember when large restaurants had waiters in white jackets with silver badges. They weren't police, either. No matter what you call them and no matter how you dress them, they will never be "officers", and the public will know it and smile.
" Papers, please." Listen to the lovely music. Gas? What gas?
What I find odd, is that TSOs sit around the x-ray machine day after day while accumulating a dosage (albeit) small from leakage from that machine. Tell me TSO's do you trust that machine to not leak x-rays? You work for the government and they've told you that it is safe. Think about it. Has anyone ever checked the machine for radiation leaks?
When will we ever learn
"TAB Photographic said...
I won't lie, I didn't read the entire post but can I be the first to test out the teleporter... ;o)
April 1, 2008 4:52 PM"
Remember what happened to Mel Brooks in "Spaceballs". Let Kip try it out first.
I get so angry everytime I read these blogs! I don't think any of you should fly anymore. Please drive. I have worked for the airlines for over 10 years and have been in the industry 17 before that. I too, have flown around the world. Times have changed. There are people who hate us. Thank god I wasn't one of the flight attendants who were killed on 9/11. Most of these restricted items are to protect myself, my fellow workers and the naive flying public who can't even wear their seat belts! I appreciate everything they are doing. No one is entitled to bring their entire wardrobe on the flight. Check it if it bothers you. We provide you drinks on the flight. No one is going to die of thirst. You can purchase it on the other side of security. TSA isn't confused by body piercings...if you could see all the clever things terrorist have come up with lately, you'd be amazed. I hope none of you have to work in an environment where you feel frightened at least once a week by some "whack job". You are crying about having to take off a coat or not bringing along a full size 3 month supply of shampoo. I have confirmed through bomb technicians that you can make a bomb with 2 or more liquids. I can't specify which ones cuz I'm not the expert. I'm not sure I would consider anyone on this blog an expert! I've never been to an airport where TSA has yelled, molested or humiliated me. However, I have been to countries where they have machine guns on you as you pass through "their" security. I come to the airport prepared. I have knowledge of the changing rules. www.tsa.gov. There...now you do too.
" Papers, please." Listen to the lovely music. Gas? What gas?
Any chance I can invoke Godwin's Law here and terminate this thread? I'm afraid we've lost track of the point here ...
I think I'm a fair minded guy. I'm also a retired airline captain who is particularly exercised about the ban on small knives such as the one I carried for over 30 years until 9/11. I want to congratulate you for intercepting the individual with the pipe bomb components at MCO today. That is at least one impressive demonstration of what your agency is supposed to be doing for us. However, your continued obsession with prohibiting and finding what are essentially non-weapons, or fantasy-weapons, with the attendant unnecessary inconvenience and irritation to innocent passengers cannot be overlooked or forgiven. Please inject a little common sense into your process.
I would like to say that I have never had any issue with the way a single TSO treated me. Some are friendly, some not so much, but never rude or insulting to the point of me getting upset. That being said, some are ridiculously impersonal. One lady in front of me asked a TSO if she would have to take off her sweatshirt, he replied only with his programmed phrase "All jackets must be removed for the x-ray" instead of just saying a simple "Yes ma'am" or a nod. The first TSO checking our ID's was quite friendly, asked how we were doing, sympathized with us about the line, etc. This second guy was like a robot, not a human officer. You could have replaced him with an informative sign. There is a difference between being a good security officer and just repeating and enforcing policies with no human emotion. Any crew from a McDonalds could do what most of your TSO's do, telling people the same thing over and over, and performing simple repetitive tasks. Maybe make them humans who will talk to passengers in english, with a smile, being friendly, rather than acting like the guy at McDonalds who asks if we want fries with that.
Dunstan...
I can appreciate your comments when stated appropriately. However, taking exerpts of my post and turning then around to suit your opinions is aggravating.
I ask you, can you form an original thought?
Anonymous said... I have a question about medication. Our doctor has given my husband medicine samples, since some of his medication is expensive. These samples do not have his name on them, can he put them in his carry-on or does it have to be in his checked on luggage? March 31, 2008 12:21 AM
They can be placed in his carry-on. Medications must be labeled so they are identifiable. Since in this case the samples are labeled, he is good to go.
Anonymous said...
I travelled to Tel Aviv, Israel last summer and saw what airport security is all about. Keep in mind that they have been in high alert for terrorist activities for 60 years. First of all the airport is secured in the same manner as a correctional facility. Double layers of hard security, walls or fences, with sensors and detectors. All access to planes or the tarmac area is through double, sally port traps for controlled movement. Not beat one door and your through. All luggae is x-rayed in the terminal and is placed in the machine by the passenger who then subsequently places it on a table for internal inspection. You don't take your shoes off, you carry on as much water as you want to drink, no 3-1-1 nonsense. To me the TSA is nothing more than a federal jobs welfare program.
March 31, 2008 12:32 AM
You’ll get no argument from me that Israel has topnotch airport security. But, you have to remember the amount of airports and daily flights they have is far, far less that what the United States has. But I agree we can continue to learn from them.
As far as the parting shot in your comment, while there are exceptions, (I’m sure you’ve met them) I have worked alongside some of the most honest, hardworking, and intelligent people I’ve ever met while working with the TSA. A few that I personally know have moved on to NASA, the FBI and the United States Secret Service. Your remark as well as other remarks I’ve read on this blog about the quality of our workforce are highly out of line and insulting. Blanket statements are never accurate…
dssstrkl said...
One can only hope that the next administration can overhaul the TSA into an organization that can actually deliver what it promises, and the first step is to get rid of you, Kip.
March 31, 2008 12:34 AM
You’ll be happy to know that Kip’s time is running out. You know…the whole “new administration thing…” While folks like yourself will be happy, many at the TSA who have seen firsthand what Kip has done for the TSA will be extremely sad the day he leaves.
Tina said...
Second, the list of rules should be offered, via email or blackberry, to the passenger one day prior to scheduled flight. A checklist if you will, call it TODAYs CARRY ON procedures. At least then you have provided the passenger a chance to be informed.
March 31, 2008 1:11 AM
I like this. Even though our web page has everything you ever wanted to know, to provide a link to the web page would be a plus. Electronic boarding passes are being looked into. I can see a day when you would receive a link or checklist when you receive your boarding pass via e-mail. I’m just thinking out loud…
Trollkiller said...
I simply want to get through the line without being yelled at, harassed, molested, or stolen from….We don't need or want pretty blue lights and new age music to make us calmer. It is not the scenery or the lines that are making us mad. It is the way YOUR TSOs treat us.
Part of the evolution is the customer service training TSOs will receive. I think you are going to see some very positive changes in the coming months.
Trollkiller said...
Mural wall is a good way to control access and escape with out being threatening. Good job on that one. P.S. can we get a x-ray of the Macbook Air on it? Blogger Bob already has the pictures….
What pictures? I never said I had any pictures. You can’t prove it!!!
Trollkiller said...
TSO biographies, sigh, I see what you are trying to do. You are trying to show us that your TSOs are real people too…
Contrary to popular belief, only a select few of us are Cyborgs. Most of us are human.
Trollkiller said...
How about instead of that you put the picture and the name of your supervisors on duty. That way we know who to speak to when we are treated badly…
I like this idea!
Trollkiller said...
Document checking station, needs a table I can set my stuff on so I can quickly retrieve my boarding pass and wallet…
March 31, 2008 2:12 AM
Chalk another good idea up for the Troll-man.
Jim Huggins said...
If I approach a checkpoint with an ID and the document checker approves the ID as valid, what have you established? You've proved that I am who I say I am, but have you proved anything about my intentions (malicious or otherwise) for that flight? Not really.
March 31, 2008 7:29 AM
Jim, While you are presenting your ID, a number of different things are happening that you are unaware of. While I think you are correct that the chances of stopping someone with ill intent based on the ID alone are slim, it is just a layer of many other things that are revolving around it.
Anonymous said...
TSOs can more effectively feel up pretty ladies by intimidation they see in the backscatter machine? March 31, 2008 8:21 AM
First off, the images are nothing special to look at. Also, the TSA looking at the monitor will be in a separate room and will have no idea who they are looking at. They also will not have the ability to review images after they are done screening them.
Anonymous said...
What legal grounds are you going to use to deny travel to someone who you *think* intends to do harm based on subjectively observed behaviors, but is not carrying anything prohibited? March 31, 2008 11:39 AM
None, because we wouldn’t do that.
Trollkiller said...I made several posts yesterday on the piercing blog and I see today others had made posts (approximately 50 posts), but the only thing that got posted after Chance was one deleted post at 8:02pm Sunday. March 31, 2008 1:21 PM
It was the weekend and we got overwhelmed with many more comments than usual. We knocked it our pretty fast on Monday though…
Anonymous said... You know, it really chafes me when I have to throw away a bottle of water or shampoo for "security" reasons but screeners let a guy wearing a jacket that proclaimed "KILL 'EM ALL" was allowed through. …A blog entry about how TSA is right about that and "did nothing wrong" would be pretty amusing, would you write one please? It seems that you're paid to amuse us (because you sure aren't paid to provide real security) so I'd like to see some spin put on this situation. Thanks! March 31, 2008 1:24 PM
Even though “Kill ‘Em All” is suggestive, it’s a common saying in some circles. It’s also graced many Metallica Fan’s denim jackets and belt buckles. The last I checked, it wasn’t illegal to wear a “Kill ‘Em All” jacket. Also, the gentleman in question must have been aware of the TSA’s rules. That’s why he didn’t get stopped for anything.
Anonymous said...
RE: Are you saying that a TSO Supervisor has the authority to detain a citizen and prevent them from carrying out a legal activity? Are you sure?
March 31, 2008 3:42 PM
The Supervisor can call the airport police and recommend this, but the decision comes down to the LEO and the Airline.
Courtney said...
I'm still waiting for answers to these questions. Perhaps you could make a post on the subject. March 31, 2008 4:06 PM
Courtney, Everything you mentioned is considered mistreatment of a passenger.
As far as how much patting down is too much, it depends on what type of pat down you are receiving and for what reason. If you feel it was excessive, speak with a supervisor.
If a passenger is combative or belligerent, it is not acceptable for a screener to become combative; however, it is human nature. While it’s not the prescribed method, if you are belligerent, chances are the TSO is not going to treat you like their buddy.
If you feel you have been mistreated, speak with a supervisor. If you’re not satisfied, ask for a manger. You can also request comment cards or post here on the blog.
Yes, TSOs are evaluated on their customer service. It’s part of their pay for performance program.
The consequences depend on the action. It could range from a verbal counseling to termination depending on the incident or number of times the TSO has been involved in similar incidents.
The military once thought of hiring bloggers as propagandistas, but thought better of it. The TSA apparently did not.
so, uh, Kipster, will baggage handlers and other 3rd-party employees of the airport ALSO be screened this way upon arriving to work EVERY DAY? cuz right now, you know, they kinda AREN'T, and if i was a terrorist (i'm not, but my name is common enough to probably be one of the 1,000,000 estimated to be on the list this summer) i would just skip the flight schools and get a baggage handler job.
Of course, as the whole plane-hijacking "shock & awe" has already happened, I would probably find a much more unique and clever way to do terrorism. oh I know, I could stick some funny lite-brite signs up in Boston, that would be awesome.
Bob,
While you are presenting your ID, a number of different things are happening that you are unaware of. While I think you are correct that the chances of stopping someone with ill intent based on the ID alone are slim, it is just a layer of many other things that are revolving around it.
Can you elaborate on this further? (Or is this SSI?) If the real intent is to provide an opportunity for other activities (e.g. BDO observation), it would seem that y'all could make the ID rules much simpler ... thereby reducing all sorts of difficulties on both sides.
What I find odd, is that TSOs sit around the x-ray machine day after day while accumulating a dosage (albeit) small from leakage from that machine. Tell me TSO's do you trust that machine to not leak x-rays? You work for the government and they've told you that it is safe. Think about it. Has anyone ever checked the machine for radiation leaks?
Actually, OSHA checks the radiation on the machines as part of periodic maintenance.
Will children be nude-screened, too? Cause I'm sure parents will love to know that some dude is watching their completely naked 12-year-old.
anonymous TSO said:
"2. People seem to confuse Baggage Handlers with TSA's Baggage Screeners. TSA screens your bags and then private employees take your bags somewhere else, with no criminal background checks and no accountability unless they're caught. Our Screening areas have cameras, but the 2 miles from our screening area to your plane isn't under our control."
Are you saying that the TSA allows baggage handlers in the secure area without any criminal background check and, for the most part, without any screening? You might want to rethink that.
And remember, TSO's are the only ones with the right to access checked baggage. So whenever a TSO is looking in a bag, that is not suspicious, but when anyone else is, then that raises issues. As such, that gives TSO's more cover if they have bad intent.
Actually, OSHA checks the radiation on the machines as part of periodic maintenance.
OSHA doesn't do maintenace checks.
anonymous said:
"I get so angry everytime I read these blogs! I don't think any of you should fly anymore. Please drive. I have worked for the airlines for over 10 years and have been in the industry 17 before that. I too, have flown around the world. Times have changed. There are people who hate us."
I didn't quote the rest of your post, but this gives an indication of your customer service attitude, which I don't get for someone that is in a service industry.
Times may have changed, as they always have and always will. There will always be people that hate us. Always have and always will. The question is the measure of our response and the effectiveness of it. To me, the ID checks, liquid bans and x-raying of shoes are not effective and are kabuki security.
anonymous said:
"I have confirmed through bomb technicians that you can make a bomb with 2 or more liquids. I can't specify which ones cuz I'm not the expert."
Did you also confirm that the liquids are stable enough to be transported through the airport, that the liquids are not discernible via ETD and that they can be mixed in non-laboratory conditions on the plane or in the secure area? I don't think so because liquids that meet all of those criteria don't exist. That is what would be required to successfully produce a viable liquid bomb.
I am more concerned about solid explosives (which are generally more stable). What will currently stop terrorists from carrying solid explosives in their underwear?
Alaska Wild said...
"Dunstan...
I can appreciate your comments when stated appropriately. However, taking exerpts of my post and turning then around to suit your opinions is aggravating.
I ask you, can you form an original thought?
The short answer is yes, though I do my most creative work in 3 dimensions. People keep buying my work, bless them. Can't really travel with my tools, so I find check-in baggage, and the finger pointing over theft, a problem.
I found your post to be very preachy, and since you quoted a bunch of stuff, not so original either. I found it irritating. So are we about even?
Bob Said:
"Contrary to popular belief, only a select few of us are Cyborgs. Most of us are human. "
Bet the cyborgs don't have your taste in ties...
Glad to have you posting, you are an
articulate spokesman. Funny, too, of course....
@ Blogger Bob.
My wife reminded me that Father's day is coming up and your daughter may give you a tie. If she does please make sure you tell us before showing off the tie so we can make the appropriate complements.
I have worked at TSA for a year now, Its Said that you guys only see the bad side of our job, Flying safely is the bennifit we provide for you guys. I work hard trying to keep you guys moving quickly and safely, through while following the regulations that where give in to us as well. If some one is rude to you be bigger then them and show that it doesn't bother you, It may just effect how they treat the next person. Becuase that person in front of you may not have been pleasent with them, So its just like a chain reaction. Try and Understand we know you are people just like us and we go through the same thing you do when we fly or even start work as well; we have to follow the 311 and the take of shoes and metal. Treated all as one. Help us help you just makes it easier for both of us. Sad Part you only see the Bad in what we do and we see the Good. Thanks
Bob said
"Yes, TSOs are evaluated on their customer service. It’s part of their pay for performance program."
I'd be interested to know how the evaluations are conducted. Is it via a "secret shopper", supervisor observations, etc., etc.?
FWIW, a supervisor's evaluation is colored by their "insider's perspective." Also, a screener would know to be on their best behavior when the boss is around.
OTOH, a secret shopper would look like any other passenger, and would get the unvarnished truth.
I have to question the effectiveness of the evaluation process given what we've experienced. We've encountered some screener behavior that was totally unnecessary, and that anyone with a grain of interpersonal skills would know is not kosher.
Bob -- in general, I love your posts. It's nice to see a dialog get going, and I enjoy your wit.
Bob:
It is interesting that here:
"Medications must be labeled so they are identifiable",
while here:
"We recommend, but do not require, that your medications be labeled to assist with the screening process."
Your own website doesn't even get your rules straight. No wonder your TSOs are inconsistent, your passengers complain about your inconsistent rules, and your TSO's compain about the ability of passengers to comply with "simple" rules.
What's the real rule? And why should we believe you, Kip, the TSA website, or some random TSO? The simple threat of detention?
Hi my son is a Type I diabetic. We're concerned with getting his insulin through the checkpoint. How do these changes affect that?
Another story of TSA's "respect" and "courtesy" toward passengers:
http://tinyurl.com/26kdpt
Dome says that three years ago at Bush International in Houston that TSA agents wouldn’t let him on a plane. Why? Because he couldn’t remove his prosthetic leg while standing up so they could inspect it while he was going through security. The agents apparently wanted to check the inside of the leg to make sure it wasn’t packed with explosives.
Greg says he told the agents he needed a chair before he could take off his leg, or he would fall down. “And they said no, we don’t allow that,” he recalled.
...
Rather than accommodate him by bringing him a chair, Dome says the TSA agents began cracking jokes about his condition.
“They said, ‘Oh, let’s see what his pig leg looks like,’ ” Dome said. “I said, ‘I think you mean peg leg,’ and they said, ‘No, you’re a large guy. We mean pig leg.’ “
...
“They were real horsey about it,” he said. “I had to cancel. I just came back home.” He adds that he hasn’t flown since.
Come on TSA guys, let's see you justify this one? I dare you.
Or, better yet, please explain why these screeners, and the screeners who forced the woman to remove her jewelery with pliers while they laughed at her, should not be terminated, publicly named in the news, have their pension revoked, and be barred from any government job for life.
IMO these screeners should be so publicly humiliated that their kids are ashamed to show their faces at school because of the taunts they will get from teachers, peers, and other parents for their parents' un-American activities.
Absolutely disgusting.
Your agency's total lack of accountability is a disgrace. I'm sorry, but the more I read, the more I believe that every single one of you including the spokes-people who justify this sort of behavior and try to spin it as a good thing, needs to lose your jobs. There may be a few good apples, but they seem to be getting more and more rare.
Until we see some real accountability and verifiable punishment for these sorts of actions, not a SINGLE TSA employee deserves an drop of respect from the public.
Why this childish nonsense to try to re-invent the wheel! We know that Israel has been dealing with airport terrorism far longer than we have and their track record is impressive. Can we just humble ourselves and try to learn something from them? Is it that we are too proud thinking that we can do everything better?...Obviously this is not the case when it comes to airport security...or is it that the rampant PC activism in our country has blurred our discernment so much that we can no longer see what is the greater good. Somebody needs to wakeup and start making sound rational decisions...We know who the terrorist are…why do we want to continue ignoring this huge pink elephant! Let's stop this pretending!!!
"Did you also confirm that the liquids are stable enough to be transported through the airport, that the liquids are not discernible via ETD and that they can be mixed in non-laboratory conditions on the plane or in the secure area? I don't think so because liquids that meet all of those criteria don't exist. That is what would be required to successfully produce a viable liquid bomb."
Actually, yes I have. And the answer is yes there are liquids with this capability. The ETD would probably pick it up. Not all bags are ETD'd. They've done tests where you can get liquids through, following all the rules, and still blow a hole in a plane.
As far as Flight Attendants being in customer service, just a reminder that their primary purpose is to save your life in the event of an emergency. Even at the risk of their own. The flying public doesn't like to be told what to do by anyone. Even when it's for their own safety. Some of these blogs are proof. All of TSA's procedures are in place to assist us. They (TSA) haven't even prohibited half the stuff I would put on the list.
Again, I have worked for the airlines and I personally know of baggage handlers and "rampies" who have stolen from your luggage. Blame your airline. It isn't the government's job to babysit your luggage. They screen it and clear it. If they've been in it, they leave a placard. If there's no placard....they didn't touch it. Even if there is a placard..it was touched by 7 airline employees after that for each airport you stopped at.
Sometimes I wish there was airline available where you had vending machines and no security check prior to boarding. Would you feel safe then??
Kip,
As a TSO having worked at both a Cat X and Cat II airport, I believe these changes are good for the workforce. IF they were rolled out to the entire workforce this would be extremely beneficial but lets face it, the end of the video stated that these advances would be implemented in select airport and only parts of it would be.
The bigger issue at hand is the fact that what needs to be addressed first is the attitude of the workforce. There is such a low morale going around and it shows in many of my fellow TSO's. I believe myself to be an excellent TSO showing respect for each passenger coming through treating them as if this is their first time. I show manners with "thank yous" and "please" and I am calm when talking to the passengers. Unfortunately I do not see this in many of my fellow TSO's. You need to address the issue that the management (STSO's and up) are not watching the workforce and correcting negative behavior. Many screeners I know continue to treat passengers in a degrading tone and it sets a bad example for the entire workforce.
Anonymous said:
"Why this childish nonsense to try to re-invent the wheel! We know that Israel has been dealing with airport terrorism far longer than we have and their track record is impressive. Can we just humble ourselves and try to learn something from them?"
To try to implement the Israel model would bring our system to its knees. The number of flights that Israel has to worry about are fewer than a decent sized airport in the US. The security personnel have also been trained for significantly longer periods than the US BDO's. And Israel's system hasn't been perfect either.
"Sometimes I wish there was airline available where you had vending machines and no security check prior to boarding. Would you feel safe then??"
Actually there are thousands of them, across the country. There is security, they are safe, and if you own or charter a plane, you probably know how different things can be. I feel perfectly safe traveling through them.
Actually, yes I have. And the answer is yes there are liquids with this capability. The ETD would probably pick it up. Not all bags are ETD'd. They've done tests where you can get liquids through, following all the rules, and still blow a hole in a plane.
Actually then, no you haven't. You admit that the liquid would be detectable, which was one of the three criteria. Bags should be ETD detected and in that manner, solid explosives would also be detected. What is stopping solids now (and generally they are much more stable)?
As far as Flight Attendants being in customer service, just a reminder that their primary purpose is to save your life in the event of an emergency.
While that may be their primary purpose, that portion of their job is very small. And an airline is service, which means that its employees must be customer oriented.
All of TSA's procedures are in place to assist us. They (TSA) haven't even prohibited half the stuff I would put on the list.
All of TSA's procedures are in place to assist us? Many of the procedures exist to make the TSO's job easier and consequently makes the passenger's more difficult many times. Shoe screening is one example of this. Because it was too hard for TSO's to determine if a shoe's heel was less than one inch, the procedure now is that all shoes must come off (subject to medical exceptions).
You need not be a Chicken Little about prohibited items. The items that should be prohibited are those that are a credible threat to taking over an airplane or destroying it. By adding to the already too-extensive list, you are making it even more difficult to detect the really bad items.
Why is that? Because you need to consider the normal powers of observation. If I am tasked with finding three types of objects, I may be pretty successful in finding those three. But if I am now tasked with finding 20 types in the same time period, then my success rate will drop. And that will be not only for the 17 additional items, but also for the important three. In this case, less is truly more in terms of better security.
Do you want to prohibit pens and forks that can be used to stab, wine bottles that can be broken and used to cut, electrical cords for laptops since they can be used to strangle, laptops themselves since they can be used as blunt instruments? The cost/benefit analysis says no.
It isn't the government's job to babysit your luggage. They screen it and clear it. If they've been in it, they leave a placard. If there's no placard....they didn't touch it. Even if there is a placard..it was touched by 7 airline employees after that for each airport you stopped at.
The Government has put our checked baggage at risk in requiring it to be unlocked (except for the TSA locks which are not exactly safe). And it is naive for you to believe that inside of each bag the TSA searches a placard is left. The TSO also has a leg up in his ability to commit theft since he is authorized to look inside bags while ramp employees are not.
anonymous said - "I had almost 30 years of experience in law enforcement in investigations and management of maximum security facilities, jails and prisons. I have travelled through numerous airports around the country. Logan Airport in Boston, MA where the terrorist operation of 9/11 began is still by far the worst in terms of security. I travelled to Tel Aviv, Israel last summer and saw what airport security is all about. Keep in mind that they have been in high alert for terrorist activities for 60 years. First of all the airport is secured in the same manner as a correctional facility.Double layers of hard security, walls or fences, with sensors and detectors. All access to planes or the tarmac area is through double, sally port traps for controlled movement. Not beat one door and your through. All luggae is x-rayed in the terminal and is placed in the machine by the passenger who then subsequently places it on a table for internal inspection. You don't take your shoes off, you carry on as much water as you want to drink, no 3-1-1 nonsense. To me the TSA is nothing more than a federal jobs welfare program."
How wonderful, you went to Israel. Yes, they have been at war since birth and yes they are very aggressive in security and oh ...they have a handful of flights per day with a handful of passengers and oh they don't seem to have half of the population wanting to sue for every little violation they think they might be able to get a dime for. I also don't recall a comment blog for their air security system, hum, maybe they don't care what you think?? The good news is with all of that retirement if you are Jewish you can have citizenship in Israel and live where "they do it right". I'll bet you stay here though?
It seems pretty clear to me - flying is not a right but an agreement of sorts between a private company, i.e. Delta, US Air, etc and I. If I recall they post statements which seek to inform me that my belongings and my person are subject to search? It is kind of like a no shoes no shirt no service sign at an establishment or a jacket requirement. Private business has the right. Because of all of the liability I must assume that good security is in the best interest of the air carriers so my choice is simple, deal with it or find another method of transit. Last time I moved states and got my new driver's license I had to provide some pretty extensive ID and the same to open a bank account. Seems to be the way it is. I fly weekly and if you just allow a little time it really isn't a big deal, but who am I.
Oh and TSOs do get evaluated secretly on their customer service...
I myself am a "role model of excellence" and I see that extra $ at the end of the pay period because of that...
I would say that (at least in MIA) only maybe 10% of officers are disrespectful... and while I agree that that number is unacceptable, I mean compare that to the DMV or any other government services and you'll find that the TSA is actually the friendliest.
I mean when has a cop ever said Good morning, sir! or Thank you very much, and you do have a nice day...
not any that I have seen especially if I broke a law, try the "I forgot my water bottle" line on a cop and see how he'd react...
'Oh, I forgot that you can't park in front of a fire hydrant! This is an assault on my civil liberties, it's not like there has EVEN been a fire in the time I parked... IF YOU WRITE THAT TICKET I'M GOING TO COMPLAIN TO YOUR SUPERVISOR AND GET YOU FIRED!!!'
Do the TSOs need to be more respectful, absolutely, do they need to look more proffesional, of coarse.
But the truth is, people don't want to be told, 'No you can't' in the aviation industry, and we're here to keep you alive not the brighten your day.
Don't like it? Well it's something called a law, and you have to follow it, I'm not a congressman or a senator, or a supreme court judge and I'm definitely not the president... I don't write the rules, I enforce them, and to a lot of people it's very frustrating when passengers choose not to listen to you, because since you have no gun or any way to fine anybody the only way one can get someone to follow the rules is to yell at them...
It's a definitely mish-mash of ideas and I apologize for that...
See you when you fly!
Again, I have worked for the airlines and I personally know of baggage handlers and "rampies" who have stolen from your luggage. Blame your airline. It isn't the government's job to babysit your luggage.
You know for someone that claims to work for an airline you sure don't get it. The Govt. took on the job of babysitting my luggage when they created the TSA.
If someone can remove an item from my luggage in secret, they can PLACE an item (bomb)in secret.
You claim you support the TSA because it makes your job safer. How safe are you if the plane explodes?
Safety may be the most important aspect of your job, but your primary purpose is to serve drinks.
Michael:
I mean when has a cop ever said Good morning, sir! or Thank you very much, and you do have a nice day...
Actually ... a year or two ago, I got pulled over by a police officer for speeding. He was incredibly courteous and respectful, even as he took my information and issued my ticket (which I deserved).
I would say that (at least in MIA) only maybe 10% of officers are disrespectful... and while I agree that that number is unacceptable, I mean compare that to the DMV or any other government services and you'll find that the TSA is actually the friendliest.
TSA's missions statement says that it "will continuously set the standard for excellence in transportation security through its people, processes, and technology." If that is indeed the vision, then comparisons to other agencies are irrelevant. TSA doesn't aspire to be merely better than other agencies; it aspires to be excellent. And by your own admission, the 10% of TSA's employees who are disrespectful is unacceptable. That's not excellence.
We could spend hours upon hours in this blog praising the good things that TSA does. And there's certainly a place for that. But Kip Hawley said on this blog way back in January:
We need your help to get the checkpoint to be a better environment for us to do our security job and for you to get through quickly and onto your flight. Seems like the way to get that going is for us to open up and hear your feedback...
If the point is to help TSA do a better job, then we're going to end up focusing on the problems, not the successes. Because it's only by naming the problems that we can find ways to fix them.
"They screen it and clear it. If they've been in it, they leave a placard. If there's no placard....they didn't touch it.
April 2, 2008 1:00 PM
How wrong you are. I have had "TSA" locks for some time now. They have a little sensor that turns red if they are opened. I have had them register several times that they have been opened, but no placards yet. Heck, one time they even lost the dam lock, but no placard!
Anonymous said on April 1, 2008 6:08 PM
I hope none of you have to work in an environment where you feel frightened at least once a week by some "whack job".
**********************************
I'm sorry you feel afraid at work on such a regular basis, but if you do feel that way, & are seeing 'bad guys' in every airplane seat you are on, then do all of us a favor & seek career counseling immediately.
What you describe is not a healthy way for you to live, but more importantly, it's not fair to your co-workers or your paying customers who may, one day, need to depend on you in an emergency. With that kind of paranoia, should something happen, you are most likely to simply freeze up or panic, neither of which will do anyone, especially you, any good. I suspect if your airline knew this was how you feel, they'd ground you, as well. Despite what you, & the TSA, clearly think airline management DOES recognize that I, & my fellow passengers, are paying CUSTOMERS & are the very reason both exist. Scare off the passengers, or drive them off, & the reason for your very existence goes away, too.
Jim Huggins said on April 3, 2008 10:38 AM
If the point is to help TSA do a better job, then we're going to end up focusing on the problems, not the successes. Because it's only by naming the problems that we can find ways to fix them.
*********************************
To Chance, Blogger Bob, Kip, & the rest of the TSA-
While it's nice that, suddenly, you've decided you need to 'partner' with us, the traveling public, to rectify the myriad of problems that exist with the TSA, you all need to recognize that you've spent every day since your agency was created treating & regarding the traveling public as nothing short of felons for having had the audacity to purchase an airplane ticket (which, last time I checked, was not a felony offense).
It will take a long, long, long time to undo the situation you created, especially w/the frequent fliers who have endured more of your abuse than most. While this blog might be a nice, very tiny baby step towards that, you need to be prepared for, & accept the amount of criticism you are receiving for past & ongoing problems. Fix those problems before you decide to re-decorate & then maybe you'll see some excitement about your new 'checkpoint experience'. As I, & countless others had previously suggested, STOP THE YELLING & you'd achieve a good measure of what you say the new checkpoints are designed to do w/o any of the expense.
Michael said...
Oh and TSOs do get evaluated secretly on their customer service...
I myself am a "role model of excellence" and I see that extra $ at the end of the pay period because of that...
I would say that (at least in MIA) only maybe 10% of officers are disrespectful... and while I agree that that number is unacceptable, I mean compare that to the DMV or any other government services and you'll find that the TSA is actually the friendliest.
Please post your evidence for the above statement.
I mean when has a cop ever said Good morning, sir! or Thank you very much, and you do have a nice day...
not any that I have seen especially if I broke a law, try the "I forgot my water bottle" line on a cop and see how he'd react...
Most police are very friendly. So I take it your a regular violator to have as much police contact as you indicate
'Oh, I forgot that you can't park in front of a fire hydrant! This is an assault on my civil liberties, it's not like there has EVEN been a fire in the time I parked... IF YOU WRITE THAT TICKET I'M GOING TO COMPLAIN TO YOUR SUPERVISOR AND GET YOU FIRED!!!'
Do the TSOs need to be more respectful, absolutely, do they need to look more proffesional, of coarse.
But the truth is, people don't want to be told, 'No you can't' in the aviation industry, and we're here to keep you alive not the brighten your day.
Don't like it? Well it's something called a law, and you have to follow it, I'm not a congressman or a senator, or a supreme court judge and I'm definitely not the president... I don't write the rules, I enforce them, and to a lot of people it's very frustrating when passengers choose not to listen to you, because since you have no gun or any way to fine anybody the only way one can get someone to follow the rules is to yell at them...
So you think you need a "gun" to enforce TSA rules and since you don't have one you just yell.
It's a definitely mish-mash of ideas and I apologize for that...
See you when you fly!
I certainly hope not!
" Most police are very friendly. So I take it your a regular violator to have as much police contact as you indicate"
Sorry to burst your bubble, I have never violated any crime (except for minor traffic violations), nor have I done any any illegal drugs, nor do I smoke or drink. If you have this image of a "TSA Gangsta" you are very wrong.
"So you think you need a "gun" to enforce TSA rules and since you don't have one you just yell."
I'm not saying you have to whip it out, passengers will try you when they you have no power to do anything to them...
Have you ever seen a person say, "You know what? I won't (for example) take my shoes off, I think you're an idiot! (or in some instances they use racial slurs) I think this whole process is Mickey Mouse garbage and I won't comply, what are YOU going to do about it, rent-a-cop?
How would you deal with one of these tough guys that essentially gives you the finger and keeps walking?
Or how about these guys who threaten to make up some complaint to get you fired if you don't turn a blind eye to the liquid ban?
You seem to be very cynical person, I bet you think EVERY passenger is a saint and these bad, mean, evil TSOs are only out there to bother you, I recommend you walk a mile in our shoes and try the job and see how it's a lot harder than you give it credit for. And I can assure you'll understand our point of view.
And there is way too many passengers who will go out of their way to get on your nerves and try to push you to your furthest that they can...
I try not to let these things get to me, I am a "role model of excellence" in customer service, but I can understand how it can really get to some people...
Look, I travel, I know a lot of the stuff is a pain, yeah, but it's at best a 5 minutes in security, in the worst case scenario you can be 10 minutes if you set off the metal detectors and are a selectee.
We have to work together to make this agency better, MUCH better, and it's a work in process... but I can ASSURE you that I do not do this job out of any malaise, nor am I on any "power trip"... I am, just a humble employee, like anybody else, looking to pay my bills.
And I have come to terms that some people will blindly hate me, no matter what.
For anyone who has forgotten, the trial for the 8 who plotted to blow up 7 transatlantic airliners using liquid explosives has resurfaced on the AP wire and other major news services:
http://www.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUSL034749120080403
Notice how their plot included using multiple 500ml bottles, and things like hydrogen peroxide and brand name drinks. With the help of researchers, TSA has determined that 100ml of certain liquids would be enough to cause damage on a plane in-flight that would result in disastrous consequences. In this case, the bottles were larger than 100ml.
It's obvious that there are many people commenting on here who disagree with TSA policies, dislike (and that's putting it lightly) TSOs, and have a general dislike for TSA as a whole. To those, please have some patience with the whole airport security process. This agency is in its infancy when compared to other large agencies within the federal government. Airport security is essential to ensuring a safe flying public. Private security companies typically pay far less than TSOs are paid, and the changes the TSA is currently experiencing may be able to alleviate at least some of the problems which have been plaguing it.
Everyone has their right to free speech, but that doesn't mean what you say or your opinion on a solution is necessarily the right course of action. If you feel it is and you feel strongly enough about it to spend a good deal of time stating it, consider working for TSA or for an organization in the aviation industry. Otherwise, feel free to state your opinions, but don't think you'll be given an immediate answer or solution to resolve any one situation. A security force with as many officers as TSA has will take a great deal of time to implement procedures and rules, no matter how small the issue may be.
On a side note, unfortunately there have been a few posts on here by TSOs that may have been put the wrong way. If they meant what they said, then I am sorry to hear that they believe their job is about yelling, ordering people around and the like. That is not in the job description. We're not here to act as law enforcement. If we were, would be carrying sidearms, OC spray and things of that nature. We are here to ensure that the public gets through the security checkpoint as safely and efficiently as possible, while maintaining secure terminals. This is why TSA is beginning such a large effort to overhaul the security checkpoints. The mix of customer service and the latest high-tech forms of security is evident in the new Checkpoint of the Future. Although my eventual career goal is federal law enforcement (i'm a political science / criminal justice undergrad student), I understand what my job duties are, specific to TSA, and it is not law enforcement. "Rule enforcement" is probably a more appropriate term. That may change in the future, but for now it is what drives the TSA.
Michael said...
Michael, you are a very reasoned and compelling spokesperson for the TSO view in this debate. I personally hope that you continue to participate.
After some discussion, my spousal-imposed exile from the Blog here has been lifted, on grounds that I double-check everything I write so that I don't make anyone I work for upset.
Hi. :)
Now, on to the meat:
Michael wrote:
...because since you have no gun or any way to fine anybody the only way one can get someone to follow the rules is to yell at them...
Uh... What? What, are you going to shoot someone for not wanting to take their shoes off?
Michael, man, c'mon. That's bad form. I'm a big believer of calling a spade a spade, and that's... that's just not right, man. I've never had to yell at anyone to get compliance - matter of fact, I've usually found that a smile and a joke usually goes a lot further than getting stern.
That's not to say that I haven't put on the game face, the firm, assertive voice, and the steady, level eye-contact. Some things are just required, after all, but even then there's never any yelling involved, much less a desire on my part to have a gun or a way to fine someone.
As the yokel who engaged in a 'protest' by not showing his ID, and refusing to submit to being screened as a selectee learned to his sorrow, when you have someone being downright obstinate or obtuse, you should notify your supervisor who, in turn, should notify public safety if they deem it to be required.
You shouldn't yell, Michael.
Mycroft said:
How wrong you are.
Not entirely. He did a good job of summarizing what should happen whenever a bag is searched. We do have these handy little cards (we call them 'love notes' here at Huntsville) that we're supposed to put into each and every bag we open, but, just as an objective statement, it would be disingenuous to believe that it happens 100% of the time, every time. Not necessarily for any kind of nefarious reason, but things do get hectic and sometimes it's just forgotten.
I'll comment on some other things when I have some time.
Daniel said...
Daniel, I hope that you will continue to contribute to this blog. It is interesting to see your point of view, and I must say you will probably be a credit to Federal law enforcement.
HSVTSO Dean said...
Another good TSO spokesperson. Nice tap on Michael, but his more recent post was better.
I've generally had reasonable travel experiences (I commuted for a couple of years from a small airport, and could easily be picked randomly for a secondary screening, no biggie...) but I will continue to bring up my check in luggage security issues, and probably the vast difference between commercial flight and GA. I feel me and my stuff is much safer with GA.
Michael said...
I mean when has a cop ever said Good morning, sir! or Thank you very much, and you do have a nice day...
not any that I have seen especially if I broke a law, try the "I forgot my water bottle" line on a cop and see how he'd react...
Well Michael your statement above sure sounds like you have had encounters with police.
Which story will you use tomorrow?
As a member of the TSA, I too envision a much more streamlined and technologically advanced checkpoint to ensure that the screening process is 100% effective and promotes much needed 'customer service' to the flying public.
By observation, TSO's at all levels need to understand and project a better attitude towards travelers. Announcing, "people you are walking through a metal detector, it detects metal." is no way to get the public to appreciate the TSA. Most of the traveling public realize what they have to do prior to arriving at the screening checkpoint in an airport. I said 'most'. Most travelers' thinking is that the DHS/TSA hires obnoxious, uneducated, ill-equipped-for-the-job workers. Again, I said 'most'. Myself, I tend to agree with the latter.
I propose that TSO's be required as part of their PASS to take an annual course with discussions of the Evolution of Security blog as part of the course [pertaining to customer service]. Ultimately, the DHS/TSA need to review the liquids policy; as this requirment causes the most consternation and bewilderment about the screening process. Even I think and container of water, or a 6 oz. tube of toothpaste in a carry-on bag should not turn a travelers screening process into a 'match of wits'.
Michael @ "Look, I travel, I know a lot of the stuff is a pain, yeah, but it's at best a 5 minutes in security, in the worst case scenario you can be 10 minutes if you set off the metal detectors and are a selectee."
No. TSA rolls out the 'arrive 2 hours before your flight' recommendation for a reason. Worst case could be a lot longer than 10 minutes. Take Ms. Nipple piercing and Mr. MacBookAir as recent examples here. TSA's security costs an extra hour per passenger to allow for "normal" worst-case scenarios.
You now what is amazing that all your lifes are so perfect that you have to complain about airport security. It is there for your safety and you don't even care. You don't care about the fact that the TSA is trying to make security more pleasant for you and you want to complain about your water and shampoo well boo hoo its been over a year and a half since the restrictions have been put in place and still you want to hold up the lines complaining its just water. The wait is your fault not the TSA they screen the passengers by need and unpredictable searches. Just imagine the lines if you fallowed the rules and did a little research last I checked they had a list of things you can bring with you through the check point on there website. But no you want bring it with you and hold up the lines So I say GOOD JOB TSA and bad job to the traveling people in America for making us wait in those lines I wish they would just ban carry on luggage so you idiots wouldn't make me wait
Mr. Hawley and TSA:
I fly quite frequently for business. Some airports are run very well and others are horror stories, but I won't get into that here. I was quite shocked this week to see several of your screeners wearing black jackets with large lettering on the back, FEDERAL OFFICER.
While some genious at TSA may have decided to call these employees Transportation Security Officers, allowing them to wear jackets that identify themselves as FEDERAL OFFICERS is going to come back and bite you. This jacket infers that these unskilled, poorly trained, poorly supervised, rude, and in many cases, loose cannons, are actually law enforcement officers.
You recently decided to change to a pretend police uniform. Allowing these employees to identify themselves as FEDERAL OFFICERS, when in fact they are only security screeners, is going to cause you great problems. I would think that after all of the scandals that TSA has been involved in, someone would think twice before making such foolish decisions.
HSVTSO Dean said...
After some discussion, my spousal-imposed exile from the Blog here has been lifted, on grounds that I double-check everything I write so that I don't make anyone I work for upset.
So what you are saying is you begged. Good Job!
Welcome back.
Let me start by saying that I am glad that the suspicious individual was detained earlier this week at Orlando, BUT...
Without a doubt, the Orlando Airport(MCO) is one of the most stressful security TSA/TSO experiences I have on a consistent basis. I have seen agents walk away from their posts in the middle of screening, rude/nasty comments made, passengers treated like criminals, poorly-designed security chokepoints (*not* checkpoints) with multiple unstaffed units (in the middle of a very busy travel week) and so on. The various changes that are going to be tested at BWI/Marshall should be implimented at Orlando instead. One would think that the Baltimore/DC area airports would have the most stressful experience from a passenger's point of view. Not so, Orlando wins this Race to the bottom, this "Bad Service" Award hands-down.
All the top national TSA managers/supervisors/commissioners and/or their family members should have to travel through Orlando on an ANONYMOUS basis. *Then* they would see what it's like to travel through there for most of the traveling public.
This makes me feel real safe, sure. With Real ID we get to share our name, address, phone, ss#, e-mail, bank info and credit card details and biometric data too. Let's not forget the total body imaging thing. Sounds like Uncle Sam can now add a picture of us naked to that pile of personal data. Then I have to trust Mr. Guv’mint with it -- forever. And when Uncle Sam decides to share (sell) that data to Aunt England or Uncle Iran or Cousin Japan, do I have a say in the matter?
Geeze, what a privilege it is to be stripped of all dignity. Of course the lighting and mood music is supposed to relax us enough so we don’t notice the ultimate in privacy invasion. Wow, and you tell me I get to own this experience too.
Sure I feel safe now. About as safe is a rat caged with a panther.
The Killer of Trolls wrote:
So what you are saying is you begged. Good Job!
Welcome back.
Ah, yes - you know how it goes with wives, when the husband wants to do something. :)
Thank you.
"A security force with as many officers as TSA has will take a great deal of time to implement procedures and rules, no matter how small the issue may be."
Actually, as a fellow TSO, I disagree with this statement. We moved pretty darn fast when the liquid bomb plot became public! I was sick the day before, showed up for work, still sick, and was updated in about 20 seconds as to what to do and why! I felt like I was in the twilight zone for most the day! I worked international flights that day, and those people had it really hard: no liquids, no electronics including cell phones, and 4 hour delays while everything was double searched overseas.
The point being, when we need to act, we can act. I will conceed that it does take awhile to undo something once it's in place. The lighter ban (imposed by a law by Congress, not made by TSA) took awhile to undo. And as far as I know, it's still in the law books! Congress just stopped giving money to TSA to dispose on the 12 million (!!!) lighters we found while the ban was in effect. TSO Joe
"Are you saying that the TSA allows baggage handlers in the secure area without any criminal background check and, for the most part, without any screening? You might want to rethink that."
I think what he's saying is that the airlines are in charge of their employees, not TSA. And you know the airlines would NEVER skimp on a background check to save a few dollars.
Excuse me while I log off and try to find another AA flight as mine got cancelled due to bad maintenance on the aircraft. >:(
An Anonymous person wrote:
Actually, as a fellow TSO, I disagree with this statement.
I'm with you on this one. When we're told we have to roll, we roll. Though there were a great many very angry people that morning, and the next, and the next. I don't think it started to really level off until a few weeks after the balmly day in August.
The lighter ban (imposed by a law by Congress, not made by TSA) took awhile to undo.
Not exactly. Congress did mandate that so-called torch-lighters needed to become prohibited and so they were (and still are). TSA, in "seeing the intent of the Congress," took it a step further and banned all cigarette lighters.
An Anonymous person, though a different one, wrote:
Excuse me while I log off and try to find another AA flight as mine got cancelled due to bad maintenance on the aircraft. >:(
Good luck with that. Supposedly, it may be Sunday until their fleet of 80's get back to normal flight operations.
awww, you don't have better technology in order to enforce your jackbooted thuggery?
poor widdow fingth!
i'd rather NOT travel than deal with TSA ever again, and i travel a LOT for both business and pleasure.
i have had wonderful experiences, polite screeners and caring service, guess where?
MAINLAND CHINA and RUSSIA.
the TSA is not only a joke it's an incompetent, cruel and sadistic joke. just because tsa agents are stuck at an airport and don't have the disposable income to travel they want to be CERTAIN that YOUR travel experience is the worst one you'll ever have.
i'd rather take my chances with a terrorist!
"We welcome your comments on postings at the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) "Evolution of Security" blog."
just one little word about that quote...BULL MANURE!
Anonymous said...
"We welcome your comments on postings at the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) "Evolution of Security" blog."
just one little word about that quote...BULL MANURE!
You know just two weeks ago I would have said you were the one tossing the manure. Now I am beginning to wonder. I see a few of the regulars missing in action. Did they all take a vacation at the same time?
This biometric stuff is a slippery slope that I dont plan to go down. I guess I wont be flying if they are going to do that.
I already plan to move to a non real ID state
A person, speaking on condition of anonymity lest the (clearly) evil, vile, despicable TSA goons track him down in his sleep, slip a black hood over his head, and send him off to Gitmo, wrote:
awww, you don't have better technology in order to enforce your jackbooted thuggery?
I wish we had jackboots. They'd be far, far more comfortable than what we have to wear now.
just because tsa agents are stuck at an airport and don't have the disposable income to travel they want to be CERTAIN that YOUR travel experience is the worst one you'll ever have.
Drat! We've been busted. Totally a conspiracy. And that whole 'gravity' thing? One of the world's best ones. That schuckster Newton started it, and it's been such a knee slapper that teachers for generations have perpetuated the con to keep the joke going.
This is a good example of the people who don't want there to be a better future between the TSA and the flying public, who are so set in their ways and wrapped up in their own personal worldviews and beliefs that nothing done could possibly change it.
I dare say it's rather like trying to have a logical debate with a religious fundamentalist.
HSVTSO Dean said...
"I wish we had jackboots. They'd be far, far more comfortable than what we have to wear now."
So it all boils down to comfortable shoes? You are in a position to get some real answers about shoes....
So many shoes, so little time...
In response to Rick's comment:
"I still vote for a no line cutting policy by TSOs and other TSA personel. Such a simple move - put you guys in the line with us. Seems only fair. And wouldn't cost you a penny."
I'm a TSO & your comment amuses me. I understand that you don't like people cutting in front of you. TSO's are allowed to skip to the front of the line so that we can do our job and screen YOU. If we have to wait in line with other passengers then you are going to have to wait longer for your items to be processed through the x-ray, bins to be collected, wait for a bag check, or go through additional screening. Sorry, but us cutting to the front of the line is for your benefit.
As a frequent flier the biggest complaint I have is the fact that the minute we enter airport premises we have the same rights and are treated like an inmate in prison. Just as a reminder, we are not inmates! The personnel in a fast food chain treat their customers with better manners than the TSA does. I understand the need for security (albeit I find the security you have is more than lacking and all this is a dog and pony show). The only security I see is job security for the second-rate people working at the TSA. Learn from the Israeli’s and secure the airports properly. Stop stealing our personal items without permission and please tell me how a cigar cutter is more dangerous than a fountain pen?
RE: I'm a TSO & your comment amuses me. I understand that you don't like people cutting in front of you. TSO's are allowed to skip to the front of the line so that we can do our job and screen YOU.
..................................
You tell us, the flyers, to arrive 2 to 3 hours early so we can be sure of making our flight.
Seems to me that perhaps you should arrive early enough to be processed thorugh screening without getting in front of me and be at work on time.
Talk about a bunch of TSO whinners!
Anonymous said...please tell me how a cigar cutter is more dangerous than a fountain pen? April 18, 2008 10:16 PM
It's not. (unless you disassemble it and pull out the blades)
However, cigar cutters have been on the permitted items list for a few years now.
Thanks,
Bob
TSA EoS Blog Team
To Rik who asks:
Anonymous said...
"We welcome your comments on postings at the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) "Evolution of Security" blog."
just one little word about that quote...BULL MANURE!
You know just two weeks ago I would have said you were the one tossing the manure. Now I am beginning to wonder. I see a few of the regulars missing in action. Did they all take a vacation at the same time?
Well they haven't spirited me off to Gitmo just yet (although my family is convinced that they'll be doing that just about any day now. I switched assignments to one that does not allow me as much time to spend blogging as I used to but I still keep up as much as I can.
"As a frequent flier the biggest complaint I have is the fact that the minute we enter airport premises we have the same rights and are treated like an inmate in prison. Just as a reminder, we are not inmates!"
You have not been stuck on a plane on the tarmack that ain't going anywhere? Talk about being an inmate! Besides, thay get snazzy orange outfits.
"The personnel in a fast food chain treat their customers with better manners than the TSA does."
Oddly, not the fast food people in the airport.
"I understand the need for security (albeit I find the security you have is more than lacking and all this is a dog and pony show). The only security I see is job security for the second-rate people working at the TSA."
God knows that no one else in the airline industry has any job security, except maybe the CEO's.
"Stop stealing our personal items without permission"
But if I give permission, than take whatever you can carry!
Sheesh!
Tell me again how great a job you people are doing:
Air marshals grounded in list mix-ups
By Audrey Hudson
April 30, 2008
False identifications based on a terrorist no-fly list have for years prevented some federal air marshals from boarding flights they are assigned to protect, according to officials with the agency, which is finally taking steps to address the problem.
Federal Air Marshals (FAMs) familiar with the situation say the mix-ups, in which marshals are mistaken for terrorism suspects who share the same names, have gone on for years — just as they have for thousands of members of the traveling public.
One air marshal said it has been "a major problem, where guys are denied boarding by the airline."
"In some cases, planes have departed without any coverage because the airline employees were adamant they would not fly," said the air marshal, who asked not to be named because the job requires anonymity. "I've seen guys actually being denied boarding."
A second air marshal said one agent "has been getting harassed for six years because his exact name is on the no-fly list."
Earlier this month, the agency issued a new Security Directive (SD) "to address those situations where air carriers deny FAMs boarding based on 'no-fly list' names matches." The memo was issued April 23 from the assistant director of the office of flight operations.
Gregory Alter, spokesman for the Federal Air Marshal Service, said the new directive "mitigates any misidentification concerns by empowering airlines to quickly clear an air marshal's status after positively identifying their law-enforcement status."
"In rare instances, air marshals, like all travelers, are occasionally misidentified as being on a watch because of name or personal identifier similarities to individuals actually on the lists," Mr. Alter said.
CheckPoint Evolution - or is it time for a Air Traveler Revolution ?
"People. The threat environment makes it clear that we need to add layers of security to be effective against adaptive terrorists. This means adding a capability to detect a potential problem even if they are not carrying anything prohibited - in other words, more focus on people, not just things. That means deploying more officers specially trained in behavior detection and document checking to identify people that intend to do harm, not just waiting to find their prohibited item in a carry-on bag."
Let me see if I can understand this, the TSA will identify people that intend to do harm?
So, if I understand my (lack of) rights, I get in line and surrender my ID card, the TSA representative decides that I have an intent to do harm, they then tell me to stay put until the Local Law Enforcement Officer comes down to arrest/detain/question me? No matter that I have an intent to do harm to that car that cut me off on my way to the airport - the stated criteria is "identify people that intend to do harm" not on what direction that harm may be directed.
All of a sudden the the TSA is no longer in the business of insuring the safety of the aircraft and of the passengers. They are determining "intent" by their own rules without oversight or accountability.
Meanwhile, I miss my flight, my manager at work decides that I should be terminated becuase I cannot get to my customers site in a timely manner.
If this wasn't so serious it would be funny. I have been told that what is posted on the web site is meaningless because the rules the TSA follows are "secret" and I do not have a "need to know". I am told the I have to cooperate (wasn't the ordinary German in 1938 told the same thing) to prevent the "terrorist" from winning?
The terroist have won - and the TSA is part of their victory. The TSA can have me arrested becuase they apply their secret rules and guidelines to determine my "intent" and I am in jail and out of a job.
How will these "officers specially trained" will determine "intent" ?
Of course, you cannot tell me, it's a secret. I simply have to "trust" you that you are doing something that is lawful and legal. Let's not worry about a small thing like the Constitution, that was negated on 9/11.
And you seriously do not find something wrong with this?
Yes, it is time for a revolution, and we should have an Administration gone amuck eliminated.
I just have two questions about the whole body scanning that I haven't been able to find on the internet so far.
1) Are scars or tattoos visible in the images? (I ask because if either were, then blurring out the faces would certainly be insufficient for preserving privacy).
2) It seems like the machines are completely ineffective at detecting objects inserted into orifices hidden by the skin layer. How would this machine be able to see plastic explosives concealed in a mouth, vagina or rectum? Also, it seems like even metal could be concealed in an orifice, which is a step down from the metal detectors. Is this in fact the case?
are we allowed to go pass the metal dector by wearing a braces on my teeth. will it start to alarm!!
does anyone know if you can check a boogey board(in its case) for a national fight to hawaii..... flying on united
demensions are about 22x6x40
While TSA's highest priority is security, they should all make sure they're CPR and First Aid certified. I teach CPR classes in Tampa and it's very encouraging when we see Government employees come in for training.
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