A rumor is going around that Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan had an Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) image of himself leaked by UK Security officers at Heathrow. This rumor, though juicy, is unfounded.
TSA reached out to the UK's Department for Transport (DFT) and learned that, just like advanced imaging technology machines in U.S. airports, they do not have printers or the ability to store images in the airport setting.
Additionally, DFT pointed TSA to the source of the rumor: an interview with BBCs Jonathan Ross. Though he doesn't explicitly say that he's joking, we can confirm in all seriousness that the machines don't do what he jokingly describes.
Thanks,
Blogger Bob
TSA Blog Team
128 comments:
Show us the checkpoint video then, if you're so confident it's a lie.
Way to go. This is a timely response to a story that could swiftly spool out of control. I encourage you to address other issues in an equally forthright and timely way.
Anonymous said... Show us the checkpoint video then, if you're so confident it's a lie. February 10, 2010 4:16 PM
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This request needs to go through the UK's Department of Transport. TSA does not screen at Heathrow.
Thanks,
Blogger Bob
TSA Blog Team
Of course you would tell us about this hoax. But we know it.
But if you're so diligent in following up, can you tell us why people can't travel when they have cards with Arabic letters in their possession?
These kind of rumors would not circulate if passengers were able to see the person doing the screening and the images generated in this process.
DHS/TSA thrive on bad press as it keeps their organization's name out front. Any press is good press.
There's no way you can expect any right-thinking individual to believe that TSA staffers with camera phones are not going to take pictures of the screen, unless the TSA is willing to commit and show proof that pat downs and use of the scanners are used ON THE TSA EMPLOYEES before they head to the scanning rooms.
I mean, let's be serious. If *I* was a scanner person and some hot celeb came through, I'm honest - I'd take a picture and email it to all my friends bragging about it. Why should we believe the TSA folks are any different?
Anonymous said...
Of course you would tell us about this hoax. But we know it.
But if you're so diligent in following up, can you tell us why people can't travel when they have cards with Arabic letters in their possession?
February 10, 2010 5:07 PM
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I've never seen someone prevented from flying for reasons which you describe. In fact, I've screened many Arabic passengers, and folx who speak Arabic. In my experience, they're very kind and respectful. They receive no more attention than any other passenger, unless they alarm the screening process.
Hmmmm...
So Bob does want to discuss alleged and real failures of foreign governments, but doesn't want to discuss the TSA.
@ Anonymouse February 10, 5:09PM
Why would you want to see the person doing the screening? Then they can see you. Not only that, if you can see the images generated, so can the rest of the traveling public. I'm sure no one wants to see that.
I think if the TSA installed 1-way cameras that enable the passengers to see the person doing the screening, it would alleviate some of the uncertainty about the what the screener is doing. the TSA is spending $150-200,000 per scanner, what is another $500 to put some of the passengers fears to rest. After all the screener is looking at us naked, why can't we look at him while he views us? Albeit many people will still want to see the full resolution images.....but I think this would be a good start.
Bob said...
“TSA does not screen at Heathrow.”
Darn. I’m going to have to trash my transfer paperwork. :)
Tim
TSA Blog Team
Anonymous said...
"These kind of rumors would not circulate if passengers were able to see the person doing the screening and the images generated in this process."
I disagree. The terminal is in a remote viewing area in order to maintain passenger privacy, and I think rumors like this would continue regardless. If having a officer review your image in a remote area makes you feel uncomfortable, you can simply decline to go through the WBI. Whole Body Imaging is optional here in the good old USA.
Tim
TSA Blog Team
Anonymous said...
"These kind of rumors would not circulate if passengers were able to see ...."
I think you are in the minority on this one, most people I have talked to about this would rather the officer viewing the image not be in the same room. A second key point would be it makes it harder for a team to defeat the process. It adds a layer of security to have the person viewing the image in a different room.
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/20100210_Daniel_Rubin__TSA_suspicious_of_an_interest_in_the_world.html
TSA stopping people because they have Arabic flashcards.
It's like every week we get further proof of the ridiculousness and uselessness of this organization.
These kinds of rumours would not circulate if people would stop getting crazy (see at least 1/2 the post on this blog!) about the whole 2 minutes (or less!) it takes them to get through security!
I swear some of the people who constantly post to this blog must spend a good deal of thier waking hours here to nitpick and complain about stuff that: 1. can't be changed and 2. Have already been answered and (see #1)!
Ever heard a little story about a boy who cried wolf?
Though as you mention, the machines don't have printers, it's quite possible that one of the security personnel took a picture of the screen using their mobile phone (or similar) and then printed it off/passed it around from that.
The end result is the same, a picture taken by the security machine is handed around. Have you looked into that option?
As much as I bash TSA on nearly everything they do, this story is BOGUS. A publicity stunt, nothing more, nothing less. No conspiracy.
HappyToHelp said...
Anonymous said...
"These kind of rumors would not circulate if passengers were able to see the person doing the screening and the images generated in this process."
I disagree. The terminal is in a remote viewing area in order to maintain passenger privacy, and I think rumors like this would continue regardless. If having a officer review your image in a remote area makes you feel uncomfortable, you can simply decline to go through the WBI. Whole Body Imaging is optional here in the good old USA.
Tim
TSA Blog Team
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I for one definitely want to see my own image produced by these machines! Why can't I have that option? After all it is my body so why should I not be allowed to see it as the screener does? If anyone else peers over my shoulder and sneaks a peek then that is the price I pay for asking to see it. So because I consent to viewing my own image (if someone sneaks a peek) the blame would lie completely on me for asking to see it in the first place, so the TSA would not be liable. Also you could just as easily build a cabinet around or hang a towel over the viewing monitor to shield any passenger that did not want to see my image. After all when the machines were first introduced in England passengers were able to view their own image.....why has the TSA never offered that option?
M said...
Anonymous said...
"These kind of rumors would not circulate if passengers were able to see ...."
I think you are in the minority on this one, most people I have talked to about this would rather the officer viewing the image not be in the same room. A second key point would be it makes it harder for a team to defeat the process. It adds a layer of security to have the person viewing the image in a different room.
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Who exactly have you talked to? Other TSA employees? And can you explain how viewing the image in a walled off porno booth changes the actual image produced? What is the extra layer of security you are eluding to? After all terrorists already know how to defeat these scanners. They are already surgically implanting explosives in their bodies where the scanners can't see. What is the TSA's timeline for requiring passengers to submit to a cavity search? IMO the TSA is the most expensive circus on the face of the Earth.
HappyToHelp said...
Anonymous said...
"These kind of rumors would not circulate if passengers were able to see the person doing the screening and the images generated in this process."
I disagree. The terminal is in a remote viewing area in order to maintain passenger privacy, and I think rumors like this would continue regardless. If having a officer review your image in a remote area makes you feel uncomfortable, you can simply decline to go through the WBI. Whole Body Imaging is optional here in the good old USA.
Tim
TSA Blog Team
February 11, 2010 12:10 AM
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You and the rest of TSA just don't get it.
If someone is looking at my naked image then I have lost all privacy. It doens't matter if they can't see me directly or if I can or cannot see them.
A strip search, real or virtual, is just completely wrong when all a person wants to do is to go from one place to another.
Why do I have to be treated like a criminal just to fly on a commercial airplane?
Why are TSA employees and all airport employees not given the same screening that I am forced to endure?
TSm, been said...
These kinds of rumours would not circulate if people would stop getting crazy (see at least 1/2 the post on this blog!) about the whole 2 minutes (or less!) it takes them to get through security!
I swear some of the people who constantly post to this blog must spend a good deal of thier waking hours here to nitpick and complain about stuff that: 1. can't be changed and 2. Have already been answered and (see #1)!
February 11, 2010 12:55 PM
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So TSA's WBI "Child Porno Viewers" can only process 30 people per hour? You stated two minutes per person. How will TSA screen everyone in a timely manner when these "Child Porno Viewers" are the primary form of screening?
What happens if an airplane goes down and the people were screened by a TSA "Child Porno Viewer"?
Anonymous said...
These kind of rumors would not circulate if passengers were able to see the person doing the screening and the images generated in this process.
February 10, 2010 5:09 PM
But then that would allow the TSO to see the individual being screened. Is that what you want? Perhaps a one way mirror so you can see into the screeners box. OH but the images are SSI so you wouldnt be able to see them anyways.
M said...
I think you are in the minority on this one, most people I have talked to about this would rather the officer viewing the image not be in the same room. A second key point would be it makes it harder for a team to defeat the process. It adds a layer of security to have the person viewing the image in a different room.
I wonder if those people you talked to would have the same opinion if they knew that the "officer" is alone in the room, is not monitored, is not screened for recording devices prior to entering, and TSA employees have been arrested for sexual crimes ranging from child molestation to human trafficking.
Maybe if the device could not be easily defeated by secreting the explosive or contraband under the breast or tucked in a fat fold, then it might be worth the risk of a pervert in the peep show booth.
BTW just in case anyone is curious, You can buy a watch, pen, key fob, disposable lighter, and sunglasses with video recording capabilities. (total for all, less than $300)
The only way the TSA can guarantee that these images will not be stolen is to have the "officer" watching in the nude.
Silly really, but what about those scanners and the inability for staff to understand what they are seeing?
http://www.politicsdaily.com/2010/02/06/my-left-breast-put-fancy-tsa-scanner-to-the-test/
Perhaps this writer's idea of selling the pictures to the passengers (like one received at an amusement park ride) is not a bad idea? Could help fund more training...perhaps?
I'm completely OK with people believing this story. The more people who are against these humiliating, unconstitutional, unhealthy strip search machines, the better.
And we all know that it is just a matter of time before a celebrity's nude-o-picture appears on TMZ, courtesy of a TSO.
Ernie said... "I mean, let's be serious. If *I* was a scanner person and some hot celeb came through, I'm honest - I'd take a picture and email it to all my friends"
The TSOs are in a seperate location and cannot see the actual person they are screening. So how would you know if the person you are looking at is a celeb or not?
"I think if the TSA installed 1-way cameras that enable the passengers to see the person doing the screening, it would alleviate some of the uncertainty about the what the screener is doing"
I like this idea. I'm on board!
Ernie,
First off, this incident happened back in August. That is when the people on this blog discussed the incident at great length. So this isn’t something “new” that’s happening every week.
Secondly, as stated before, TSA does not have a procedure to stop people for flashcards in any language nor speaking any particular language. I have personally seen many people travel through my airport that speak Arabic or Farsi, or have literature written in a foreign language and nothing ever happened to them. The reasoning behind the further scrutiny that TSA gave to the individual was obviously something else that was in his bag or on his person. Any x-ray operator would not have a bag checked to look at flash cards and the TSOs would not know that the flash cards had Arabic translations until they actually went into the bag for some other suspicious item.
Third, like you, I don’t work at the airport in question, you or I can only render random guesses as to why a Law enforcement officer was called, but, at the point in which the Philadelphia police stepped in, TSA stepped out. Everything that happened after that, the handcuffs, being held in custody, the FBI interview was all after TSA was removed from the situation.
Lastly, I don’t know how the Philadelphia police work but at my airport if the LEO shows up and no crime or reasonable suspicion of a criminal act has occurred then they release the passenger. All police departments have strict guidelines, policies and procedures to follow. If the police took further action there was something more than just carrying flash cards going on.
"The end result is the same, a picture taken by the security machine is handed around. Have you looked into that option?"
Of course not. TSA is not screening the operators of its strip-search machines, which will enable pedophile TSOs to retain naked pictures of children.
Funny but also sad. Rumors can lead to some serious bad situations.
Bob, you wouldn't be tracking IP addresses for retaliation of your critics now would you?
How about a requirement that each person being strip-searched by this machine be allowed to see the scan of the person operating the WBI? After all, the person being screened won't be able to see who's screening him/her.
What's fair for one should be fair for both?
Oh, what, you don't like that? Invades the privacy of the operator? Oh, I see, some folks are more equal than others.
Dear Bob,
where did you find all these guys coming to your "rescue"? I know we have to "believe" you that WBI nude-o-scopes add a layer of security on air traffic, however: how come that some experts say they are not increasing the level of security and just cost money? There are western governments that did not allow the use of WBIs for that reason.
And again, what is the issue with putting the screener in a one-way mirror room so that we can see him but he can't see us?
If you google news TSA the first 50+ hits are stories about the TSA failing. What gives us the confidence that THIS time you got it right?
If your so interested in clearing up rumors about Shah Rukh Khan, why don't you address the detention of Shah Rukh Khan by CBP (the other blue uniform people) at Newark Airport last year?
I have a very simple suggestion to shut-up all these critics here: Just offer a $1000 compensation for the traveller for every serious mistake the TSA makes. If you want, you could recover (parts of) that from the TSOs salary. Since - as you rightfully point out - the TSA is professional workforce there should really not be any issue with that right?
I can't wait to see such a programme being implemented, then people would not need to fear about their nude picture being leaked by the TSA, people would stop to complain about NEXUS cards and US Passport Cards not being accepted at the checkpoint and you could demonstrate how professional the TSA really is.
What do you think?
Either the images are indecent or they aren't. If they are, this technology should not be used. If they aren't, there is no reason why they have to be hidden, in particular from the person being scanned. The setup of these scans convinces me the TSA is trying to hide something from us.
ok, the person viewing the images is in a secluded room, and can't see who is in the scanner. how would they know to take a picture of an image, guessing it might be a celebrity.
Nothing can be good enough for you people
In response to Ernie: if a TSA employee valued their job, they would not take & share a picture as if they did that they would be fired immediately.
I don't know how it is at other airports, but some of the remote viewing aread have cameras posistioned above the screener, so as to only see the screener, and not the screen itself. Also once they get them installed at our airport there is going to be a lockbox that the officer must store his cell phone in, before going into the viewing room.
Hopefully this will alleviate concerns about officers taking pictures of the screen, but I doubt it, since people always find something to ridicule officers for.
Simply stating this is untrue in your blog and then posting a video that actually contradicts your claim that this is untrue is a pretty lame attempt at spin. You conveniently ignore all possibilities that could make this possible, many of which are posted in responses to your blog post by other people, which you do not respond to. Just because the scanners "don't have the ability to store or print images in an airport setting" doesn't mean it's impossible. First, the scanners DO have the ability to print and store images. The manufacturers admitted this and used it as a selling point to the government, which they also admitted. Further, you know the scanners have the ability to print and store, otherwise you wouldn't have added the bit about "in an airport setting." While I'm sure that capability is disabled in "airport mode," the fact remains that it exists, and the scanners can be taken out of "airport mode" allowing them to store and print images. Second, the scanner not being able to print on the spot does not preclude cell phones, cameras, flash-drives or any other medium from capturing images to be printed elsewhere. The fact remains that these leaks are possible and the TSA is not doing enough to protect privacy. And while you correctly point out that it is currently optional to go through the scanners in America, this is temporary. It's only going to take another attempted terrorist attack on a flight that was missed by TSA before this is mandatory for all fliers.
TSA has shown what the images look like for passengers to see. Here is the 60 minutes news clip on the full body scanners... they are not x-rated images http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_ci_2AzXYg
What's the big deal people?! Our troops are over sea's putting their life at risk and dying for us, the least we could do is participate in keeping us safe here on the homeland... and if partaking in a 30 second scan helps keep us safe then so be it.
Yet again I disagree with half the posters on this blog, I think many have missed the point that the interview relates to Heathrow and has nothing to do with TSA.
Scanners are put in place for our safety and security, not to annoy us. Anyone who has a problem with that should just not travel. Would you have the same problem with hospital scanners?
It does nothing for my "privacy" to have one of your employees looking at my genitals in a remote location. I wear pants because I don't want anyone to see my genitals without my permission. ANYONE. As soon as one stranger is able to see my genitals, I have lost my privacy. Why is it so easy for you to understand why we wouldn't want multiple strangers viewing our genitals, but so hard to understand why we are upset when one stranger is looking at them?
TSA saves Homeland from four year old handicapped child.
The folks here are NEVER going to be happy with any procedure that TSA uses. Plenty evidence of that in the blog archives.
Stop speculating. Read, think, consider. Bring valid concerns to our attention, not the nit-picking that is the bread and butter of the vast majority of the posters here. TSA is here for the safety of the flying public, nothing more and nothing less. We are going to do (in general) the very best we can, despite the RB’s and the Ayn’s of the world.
Care to comment, Bob?
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/local/84368492.html
If having a officer review your image in a remote area makes you feel uncomfortable, you can simply decline to go through the WBI. Whole Body Imaging is optional here in the good old USA.
That's a problem. Why would you deem this to be an effective security measure, if it's optional?
Also, while the machines may normally be in a mode where they don't store images, the machines could easily be modified to store the images. Besides, what's the issue in storing the images? They might be useful in a court of law if contraband is detected.
Nothing on the felon in Richmond or the latest child abuse in Philly, Bob?
http://www.pcworld.idg.com.au/article/334530/us_gao_calls_more_testing_whole_body_scanners
A Government Accountability Office (GAO) report this week called on the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to ensure that the controversial Whole Body Imager technologies the agency is planning on deploying at airports around the country first undergo thorough operational and vulnerability testing.
A failure to do such vetting has already resulted in a similar airport checkpoint security technology for explosives detection being withdrawn from service before being fully deployed, the GAO report noted.
To avoid the same thing from happening with whole body imagers, the TSA needs to test their effectiveness in day-to-day operations and to assess whether they are vulnerable to terrorist countermeasures, the report said.
The GAO report was prepared at the behest of the House Committee on Homeland Security in the aftermath of the failed Dec. 25 bombing attempt of a U.S. airline. The report examines measures for strengthening airport security via the better use of terrorist watch list information and a more planned deployment of checkpoint security technologies.
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So GAO is telling TSA to complete testing of the TSA WBI Kiddie Porn Machines yet TSA is going full steam ahead to place these disgusting machines in airports nationwide.
Time for the Congress to disband TSA.
.....no one considers the people who have to be screened every single time they fly due to a medical reason.They would love to have the option of the Body Imager. Quick,fast,and efficent!!!
@ Ernie that information is false. See how quick rumors start....Arabic cards(Geesh)
"Our troops are over sea's putting their life at risk and dying for us, the least we could do is participate in keeping us safe here on the homeland... and if partaking in a 30 second scan helps keep us safe then so be it."
First, shame on you for hiding behind the troops who serve the country.
Second, these scans do nothing to keep us safe and put people at serious risk of having their property stolen, since TSA has done nothing to secure the belongings of anyone being strip-searched in these porno machines.
"Stop speculating. Read, think, consider. Bring valid concerns to our attention, not the nit-picking that is the bread and butter of the vast majority of the posters here."
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I am neither speculating nor "nit-picking." The TSA has procured a device that can see through my clothes, producing an image of my genitals. That's right-- the government is demanding that I walk into a little booth and hold up my hands like some kind of prisoner in order to see a picture of the body parts that I wear pants in order to conceal. And for what? To render an already miniscule risk less risky by a miniscule factor? Ron, do you really not understand why so many of us view this as something right out of 1984? (Or, if you're not the literary type, Total Recall).
Anonymous writes:
.....no one considers the people who have to be screened every single time they fly due to a medical reason.They would love to have the option of the Body Imager. Quick,fast,and efficent!!!
No-one here is complaining about WBIs for secondary screening, especially if their use in secondary screening is at the discretion of the passenger.
The real question is whether or not WBIs will be required for all passengers as a primary method of screening. Right now, it's not the case ... but there appears to be ample evidence that TSA is moving in that direction ...
"Our troops are over sea's putting their life at risk and dying for us, the least we could do is participate in keeping us safe here on the homeland... and if partaking in a 30 second scan helps keep us safe then so be it."
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Our American soldiers are dying in Iraq and Afgan to protect the very same rights and freedoms some travelers are so ready to give up at the airport. I think forcing unwilling Americans to go thru these machines is a slap in the face to every person who has ever been killed or injured protecting this great country and the rights entitled to its citizens. The fact that we are even being asked to compromise our constitutional protections (the very things that make us American) is undeniable proof that THE TERRORISTS ARE WINNING!! I personally love this country too much to concede defeat to fear and terror.
Anonymous said... ok, the person viewing the images is in a secluded room, and can't see who is in the scanner. how would they know to take a picture of an image, guessing it might be a celebrity.
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The persona working the scanner communicates with the person in the peeping booth via headsets. What stops a TSO from saying "OMG, that's Britney Spears!"
Anonymous said...
Either the images are indecent or they aren't. If they are, this technology should not be used. If they aren't, there is no reason why they have to be hidden, in particular from the person being scanned. The setup of these scans convinces me the TSA is trying to hide something from us.
February 13, 2010 11:17 AM
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What would make you believe that TSA is hiding something?
The fact that even after claims by Nico, TSA Public Affairs, that WBI "Kiddie Porn Viewers" images are tame enough for litle kids to view that TSA refuses to show actual full size/resolution images to the public?
TSA is hiding the facts behind the WBI "Kiddie Porn Viewers" make no mistake.
Refuse to be strip searched!
TSORon said...
The folks here are NEVER going to be happy with any procedure that TSA uses. Plenty evidence of that in the blog archives.
Stop speculating. Read, think, consider. Bring valid concerns to our attention, not the nit-picking that is the bread and butter of the vast majority of the posters here. TSA is here for the safety of the flying public, nothing more and nothing less. We are going to do (in general) the very best we can, despite the RB’s and the Ayn’s of the world.
February 15, 2010 1:58 PM
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When TSA can clean up its act then maybe I and others will cut TSA some slack.
Get rid of the felons, drug dealers, sexual deviants. thieves.
Stop the illegal searches at the checkpoints.
Stop abusing the elderly, handicapped and others.
I refuse to shut up until TSA demonstrates some professionalism.
TSORon said:
TSA is here for the safety of the flying public, nothing more and nothing less. We are going to do (in general) the very best we can, despite the RB’s and the Ayn’s of the world.
So, is it now the moderation policy to allow persons who claim to be TSA employees to attach other posters by name?
Regarding some comments on taking pictures of the screen.
1: the one who said that TSA's who "value their jobs' won't do it is naive to the extreme. It's human nature. I guess doctor's who 'value their jobs' don't take pictures of gruesome operating room photos; cops who value their jobs dont pictures of accdient scenes; paramedics, smoking gun lawyers, etc etc? Oh wait - they do. So much for that argument.
2: the person not knowing who the image is suggests two things - the operator could simply take pictures of whoever they want, all the time; or someone could head back or cell call the operator. this isn't insane at all. I've been places like hotels when a celeb comes in and is waiting in line and you can see people grabbing their cells and texting people. You suggesting that guard A seeing a celeb in line couldn't text the operator - "hey, watch your screen, Beyonce is coming through" and the person is then gleefully taking pictures?
Lastly - claiming that TSA 'professionalism' is going to save us from abuses isn't just naive about human beings in general, with all the abuses I read about and have personally witnessed, its asking us to buy a lot. The average person does not like the TSA and saying "just suck it up, give up some personal liberties or the terrorists win" is the kind of fascist rhetoric that makes us dislike you even more. Don't dismiss our concerns over our loss of freedom as if we're just being difficult for the sake of.
"Our troops are over sea's putting their life at risk and dying for us, the least we could do is participate in keeping us safe here on the homeland... and if partaking in a 30 second scan helps keep us safe then so be it."
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Our American soldiers are dying in Iraq and Afgan to protect the very same rights and freedoms some travelers are so ready to give up at the airport. I think forcing unwilling Americans to go thru these machines is a slap in the face to every person who has ever been killed or injured protecting this great country and the rights entitled to its citizens. The fact that we are even being asked to compromise our constitutional protections (the very things that make us American) is undeniable proof that THE TERRORISTS ARE WINNING!! I personally love this country too much to concede defeat to fear and terror.
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As a person who spent 14 months in Afghanistan, I whole heartedly support the use of whole body images. Some of the terrible things I've seen (in person) terrorists be capable of still stick in my mind. The yahoo that tried to take down the airplane in Detroit was the first time that some of those tactics are being used here. God forbid terrorist start using IED's on our roads. God forbid terrorists attempt to smuggle things on to planes. I think you all need to let go of the tree you're so desperately holding, and talk to someone who's been there to get their take on it. I'm sure there are veterans that disagree with the use of whole body imagers, but I'm sure there are plenty that would be happy to have someone look at sterilized pictures of their form to ensure there's no wrong doing. As far as you people calling them "porno cubes"; GET REAL. Everyone that works for TSA is adults. Of course there are people that would do the wrong thing and abuse the images, but think about the enviroment where you work. If you took 100 of your coworkers and put them in the viewing room for the whole body imagers, how many of them do you think would walk out with an image on their phone? Probably a lot more than if you put 100 TSO's in there. For one thing, I'm sure their jobs are more valuble then their three seconds of entertainment. Also, looking at 3,000 forms a day probably gets really old after a while. The person in the room can't see who they're screening prior to them entering the imager, so Britney Spear's picture should be safe, except for the fact that her see through cat suits for performances are a heck of a lot more graphic then the images I'm sure the TSO's see. So keep complaining about this people. I think your wordy complaints on a website will do SO MUCH to convince President Obama to halt installation of these imagers.
Suck it up or take a bus.
As a person who spent 14 months in Afghanistan, I whole heartedly support the use of whole body images.
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Another person who does not understand the freedoms our ancestors fought and died for.
How sad.
Oh Ron nice to see you pop up on this thread.
No people would stop complaining if TSA actually made us safe instead of using smoke and mirrors theater security. Recent stunts at LAX over IDs listed on TSAs own website being rejected by the TDC, supervisor and higher mgmt only make this situation even worse.
Then since you have stated that you can identify drugs by sight you wouldnt mind taking this little test and posting your answers.
[URL="http://rebelmodel.com/tsa/drugtest.jpg"]A little test[/URL]
To bob and francine the googling lawyer. please tell me where in TSAs mandate from congress includes searching for drugs ala Rons statement and the screener from PHL that pulled that stunt on that lawyers daughter.
To the Anonymous poster who mentioned storing images for use in court cases. Well there's a major problem with that because TSA is not law enforcement certified (thank god theres already plenty of issues and problems). plus any evidence collected by TSA in all likely be thrown out in court due to rules of evidence and 4th amendment grounds. It would be nice if TSA would stop treating its customers like criminals invading peoples privacy and constitutional rights. If I pulled some of the stunts on the street I would lose my gun, shield and certification and would be in jail as well as being bankrupted in civil court. Then when i got out of jail a felony record would really limit job choices
If this post does not get approved bob there will be a complaint filed OIGs office as well as being posted in other media outlets.
When did it become a TSA requirement for a kid in leg braces to have to remove them in order to clear security?
To_Protect_and_Serve said...If this post does not get approved bob there will be a complaint filed OIGs office as well as being posted in other media outlets.
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TP&S - If you take a look around, you will notice that no threats are needed to get your comment published.
Blogger Bob
TSA Blog Team
TP&S - If you take a look around, you will notice that no threats are needed to get your comment published.
Blogger Bob
TSA Blog Team
February 16, 2010 2:51 PM
..........
Well, since we know your here Bob just when will TSA post WBI images in the same size and resolution that screeners see?
You do want us to know there is nothing to be concerned about, right?
M said...
Anonymous said...
While you may be the exception, my opinion would be most people can’t “internalize” enough material to be a serious threat..
My conversations would be with those affected most, such as people with medical implants, ect.. those who require additional screening each time they fly. These are the people it matters to most right now.
Porno booth? Really ? If these are offensive to you honestly you may want to return to the Amish community.. There is nothing, nothing I see about these images that would be more revealing than a day at the beach…
The layer of security would be IMO, against employee misconduct. If you don’t see the person viewing the image you can’t set up a team scenario to defeat the system. While I don’t see this as a real issue, I think it would be foolish not to plan for it.
Bob
well considering my posts over the past couple of months havent seen the light of day, its rather disconcerting concerning some of the incidents and actions involving your officers I have overheard at the station and on the street.
So Ron when can i expect those answers? because you've dodged the question/test on another board that I passed on to one of the paramedics that works in my jurisdiction.
"There is nothing, nothing I see about these images that would be more revealing than a day at the beach"
But those are willing participants. If I wanted someone to look at my junk, I would go to a nude beach. I don't. Yet the TSA is asking me to do just that.
off topic but ..
Anonymous said...
When did it become a TSA requirement for a kid in leg braces to have to remove them in order to clear security?
In most cases a brace should not have to be removed. If your wanting an honest opinion, please add some details of what happened, if your wanting to vent ~ I pass.
Anonymous said...
But those are willing participants…
You are a willing participant.. be that as it may.. it’s a fuzzy cartoonish image, followed by another fuzzy cartoonish image, ect.. all day. If you can look at those images and feel a guys mule is right there sticking out.. take an honest look.. I think most rational people would agree the images are not all that.
Enjoy the beach…
Looks like the new NASCAR rules are being applied to the blog. I like it.
Porno booth? Really ? If these are offensive to you honestly you may want to return to the Amish community.. There is nothing, nothing I see about these images that would be more revealing than a day at the beach.
The layer of security would be IMO, against employee misconduct. If you don’t see the person viewing the image you can’t set up a team scenario to defeat the system. While I don’t see this as a real issue, I think it would be foolish not to plan for it.
At a regular beach you do not see my penis. The Nude-O-Scopes are capable of imaging the penis.
I am sorry but if you are sitting alone in a booth looking at genitals, that my friend is a peepshow booth. The only thing missing is the quarter slot.
I do like the second part of your post about planning for employee misconduct.
Anonymous said...
"There is nothing, nothing I see about these images that would be more revealing than a day at the beach"
But those are willing participants. If I wanted someone to look at my junk, I would go to a nude beach. I don't. Yet the TSA is asking me to do just that.
I do go to nude beaches, and I have seen a lot of naked people in my time. But this is an improper breach of privacy for ZERO gain.
By design the Nude-O-Scopes can NOT image below the skin. Any item tucked under the breast or in a fat fold is NOT imaged by the Nude-O-Scopes.
To defeat the device all you need is breasts and a good fitting bra.
At a price tag of $130,000 - $170,000 the cost in dollars and lost privacy is too great for a machine that would not even be able to catch a concert goer's hidden hooch.
If this thing is so great why does the White House security refuse to use it?
“Why do I have to be treated like a criminal just to fly on a commercial airplane?”
Because people are trying to KILL Americans. Why is this hard to understand? People want to kill you and TSA is trying to stop them from doing so. Once again we have come back to the decision of whether we want to make the US government responsible for our security (TSA) or we want to take our chances with the bad guys.
I know bloggers have said that it is not an all or nothing proposition but it is. What is the point of TSA doing only half the job and allowing Americans to die? If you want your government to protect you then allow them to protect you. If you want you government to step out then accept the fact that you could die as result.
Hey RB, the post stated 2 minutes to get through security, not 2 minutes to get through the WBI. Try reading the post before you smart off next time.
Anonymous wrote:
".....no one considers the people who have to be screened every single time they fly due to a medical reason.They would love to have the option of the Body Imager. Quick,fast,and efficent!!!"
You obviously have not read the article at politicsdaily.com and some of the comments attached to that article by women who have undergone mastectomies. I'll enlighten you:
“Wow, I thought I was the only one. TSA in Tampa held me on display for about 20 minutes while they tried to figure out was was on my chest. I was put through the full body scanner also sans shoes. After I was finished, I was told "DO NOT MOVE!" "Ok, but can I please have my sandals, they have already been scanned?" 'DO NOT MOVE." I suppose they were busy, scanning another woman's BARE FEET." Ok, they were having communication problems with the guys in the little room. I figured they were laughing so hard at the scan they could not respond. I am a 66 year old grandmother, the scan had to be really exciting. After 20 minutes the "gentleman" returned and announced to all who were within a 100 foot radius, "There is something on her left breast." They must be fixated on left breasts. At that point I realized they were talking about my breast prothesis. I am a breast cancer survivor. I explained this and was told "DO NOT MOVE!" At this time, the TSA moron told another that she would have to pat me down. No, would you please step into a private area, just pat her down. I offer to whip it out. He was not happy with that idea. I understand security, but please, a little consideration. Would they stop a man with a penal implant? Doubtful. After all, this was a bomb of a boob.”
“I had a mastectomy and elected not to have reconstruction. Therefore I wear a gel-filled prosthesis. So far it has not set off any airport scanners, but I am not sure what I will do on my next flight if there is a full-body scanner. How do I remove my bra with the prosthesis without being accused of exposure?”
"I use to be perfectly ok with the new screening, but looking at the pictures above, I'm not anymore. I can't believe how clearly you can see the physical features of a person's anatomy! I had no idea it was like that."
But the best part of the article was the quote from an official TSA spokesperson Carrie Harmon, who seems to believe that WBI can see inside one's body:
"Yet, the so-called Millimeter Wave isn't aiming to detect things like my fake left breast, according to Carrie Harmon, a TSA spokeswoman in Denver.
It looks for metallic and non-metallic items under clothing," she says. "It could have been something else inside your body."
Snort.
Anon said… (WBIs) “And for what? To render an already miniscule risk less risky by a miniscule factor?”
You and everyone on your airplane will die and that is a miniscule risk? Funny, the risk was the same before September 11, 2001 but the American people still freaked out, cried, and whined that the government was not doing enough to stop the bad guys. Now the government is doing more and you freak out, cry and whine that the government is doing too much. Americans have died and will continue to die if something is not done to protect them. So you have a choice; die or live. You can complain all you want but Congress is not going to disband TSA while the American people are whining about the government not protecting them.
Anon said… “Another person who does not understand the freedoms our ancestors fought and died for.” How dare you insult our soldiers who are fighting, and yes, dying for our freedoms? You have the ability to state your bogus and foolish statements BECAUSE this individual spent time fighting to America overseas. Wake up!
Anonymous wrote:
What's the big deal people?! Our troops are over sea's putting their life at risk and dying for us, the least we could do is participate in keeping us safe here on the homeland... and if partaking in a 30 second scan helps keep us safe then so be it.
As someone who was, until a few years ago, one of those troops, I did not defend this country simply so it could turn into a fascist state. If you care about my sacrifice, you will fight this.
When the TSA requires its own employees to go through the machine, especially the officers who are about to enter the "viewers booth", then I will start to feel more comfortable.
If the TSA doesn't, the question to ask is why?
Anonymous wrote: "As a person who spent 14 months in Afghanistan, I whole heartedly support the use of whole body images."
Support it all you want. But you may want to refrain from casually throwing around the fact that you went to Afghanistan as if it is some kind of "credential" that automatically makes your opinion worth more than the opinion of the rest of us.
In reality, not only does it make your argument look weak and deemphasizes the point you were trying to make, but it also makes you look petty and actually distracts from your service.
http://content.usatoday.com/communities/ondeadline/post/2010/02/tsa-apologizes-for-forcing-4-year-old-to-remove-leg-braces-at-airport-screening/1
Fancy explaining that Bob?
Wow. I am not sure where to start.
I have just spent the last 2 hours reading one news article after another detailing the farce of the whole TSA regime/process.
LAX workers are printing fake employee parking passes? Was that before, during or after they videotaped themselves using narcotics?
San Diego supervisor lets a guy show a fake ID pretending to be a US Marshall and put a woman on a plane out of the US?
TSA forcing an airport to allow a convicted felon to gain SIDA badge?
This one has got to take the cake, though - TSA steals a laptop and forgets to remove the screening wand from the bag when they are done!
http://www.myfoxorlando.com/dpp/news/crime/012910-stolen-laptop
Tell me again, why should we not object to the hiring of convicted felons??
Complaint:
I passed through the security at LAX Terminal 1 at the Southwest entrance checkpoint alone with my two young children ages 9 and 6.
We travel with reusable metal drinking bottles and the children each have their own metal bottles, which are re-filled with juice or water.
As we passed through the checkpoint, I was forced by the agent on duty to leave my children ALONE and empty their bottles in a trash can which was external to the checkpoint.
We have been told by your (TSA's) own website and literature that we will never be forced to be separated from our children and also been told by the TSA that children can travel with liquids exceeding the 3 oz rule, but your own agents seem to be completely oblivious to the text posted here.
I was told by the TSA agent that the traveling with children rule only applies to children under the age of 4 but I cannot find any evidence supporting this!
TSA please get your act together and make your dim agents aware of your own rules! Having the rules be seemingly completely arbitrary and being held hostage at the whim of whatever agent is on duty is so incredibly frustrating and maddening!!
Some Anonymous Poster Said…
I am neither speculating nor "nit-picking." The TSA has procured a device that can see through my clothes, producing an image of my genitals. That's right-- the government is demanding that I walk into a little booth and hold up my hands like some kind of prisoner in order to see a picture of the body parts that I wear pants in order to conceal.
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You are not speculating or nit-picking, but you are wrong about a few things. Sorry Anon, but the government is demanding no such thing. You can bypass the WBI systems all together if you like, there are alternatives to it, and you are more than free to choose them if you like.
I have no interest in seeing your personals, I’m not going to whip out my tape measure. And after 3000 images a day of the less than aesthetically pleasing human form I feel more like regurgitating than aroused.
Gunner said...
So, is it now the moderation policy to allow persons who claim to be TSA employees to attach other posters by name?
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Don’t know why I might want to attach some poor poster, but “Hey”, whatever floats your boat.
I guess all of this fuss about Whole Body Image is just about familiarity.
Once everybody become familiar with it, it become a norm and one day, it will be strange if an airport doesn't do it.
It will be a little awkward at first, but after a while people will get used to it.
My husband travels with an arabic bible and a Qur'an, and he is not extensively searched when he flies. Sure, random screenings, but I am also randomly screned, and it's obvious that it is just that- RANDOM. I get put in the booth just like another woman who looks nothing like me, and then the next woman, and on and on. They continuously screen at random. Can't you see that? People like to take one little story (and you don't know WHY someone might be picked for that extra screening...many factors come into play, so aren't YOU the one now profiling?) and blow it into some massive TSA bashing story. TSA has done a lot of good. Sure, a lot is reactive, but at least t hey are working hard to try to keep us safe.
"Because people are trying to KILL Americans. Why is this hard to understand? People want to kill you and TSA is trying to stop them from doing so."
TSA is doing nothing to stop attacks on aircraft that was not taking place prior to 9/11. The liquids farce, gate gropes, shoe carnival, and now the virtual strip-search add absolutely no enhanced safety. The only things making us safer are secured cockpit doors and policies of non-cooperation with hijackers. TSA's grotesqueries are a pathetic display of security theater.
M said...
Anonymous said...
But those are willing participants…
You are a willing participant.. be that as it may.. it’s a fuzzy cartoonish image, followed by another fuzzy cartoonish image, ect.. all day. If you can look at those images and feel a guys mule is right there sticking out.. take an honest look.. I think most rational people would agree the images are not all that.
Enjoy the beach…
February 16, 2010 4:56 PM
.........
If what you say is true why does TSA refuse to validate what your saying?
Jannis
your disregard for your constitutional rights is quite scary. Let me enlighten you with a few statics.
The events of 9/11 cost about 3500 people there lives and about 75-100 billion in economic damage, and that was a one time event.
That pails in comparison to to automobile based accidents. According to DOT reports in 2008 37,261 fatalities were reported. then there are many magnitudes more who are injured each year whose bills and lost wages can go into the 100s of thousends easily and the millions more times then not over the course of there treatment. The economic damage alone from auto crashes is reported to be almost a trillion dollars a year. Thats 10x about 9/11
Then there is cancer, drugs, and alcohol. Each one of these categories kills more people every year and causes more damage to the economy then 9/11 ever did and this is year in and year out. Yet you dont see the amount of money going to stop these easily preventable causes of death, mean while $6 billion a year is used in "security" that doesnt make anyone safer from my point of view.
A person odds of dieing in a act of terrorism are so statically low its not funny. Your more likely to win the lottery 5 times in a row.
Your more likely to be critically injured in a car accident and have a stroke or get cancer then dieing from a act of terrorism.
Oh Ron Nice of you to post again on this blog entry. When can i expect to see your answers on the little visual test, since you have stated many times you can identify drugs based on sight.
http://rebelmodel.com/tsa/drugtest.jpg
Bob and Francine Im still waiting for my answer about TSA and its search for drugs and on what legal grounds you base that authority on.
Anon said… (WBIs) “And for what? To render an already miniscule risk less risky by a miniscule factor?”
You and everyone on your airplane will die and that is a miniscule risk? Funny, the risk was the same before September 11, 2001 but the American people still freaked out, cried, and whined that the government was not doing enough to stop the bad guys. Now the government is doing more and you freak out, cry and whine that the government is doing too much. Americans have died and will continue to die if something is not done to protect them. So you have a choice; die or live. You can complain all you want but Congress is not going to disband TSA while the American people are whining about the government not protecting them.
-----------------------------
Is this really so difficult to understand? When I said "miniscule risk" I clearly meant that there is a miniscule risk of such an event occurring, with or without WBIs, not that the event itself would be in any way of miniscule importance. Look at it this way: every time you walk out of your house you run a certain risk of being struck by a brick falling off of a building. This would be a really horrible thing to have happen-- you could be killed, incapacitated, or permanently disfigured. The consequences would not be "miniscule" at all. So let me ask you: do you wear multiple layers of protective gear every time you walk out the door? If not, why? Don't you realize that you will walk under hundreds of thousands of bricks-- maybe millions-- every single day? How could you possibly disregard such a clear and present danger to your well-being?
You also write "So you have a choice; die or live." What nonsense! First, none of us is really free to make this choice-- we all die. Second, assuming you mean "die prematurely or live a full(er) life," it is not at all clear that TSAs decision to use or not use scanning technology will have a meaningful impact on the odds. You present this situation as if there is a meaningful likelihood of an average person being killed in a terrorist attack, with or without scanners deployed. This is patently, demonstrably false. Again, if you are concerned about these levels of risks, you really should be wearing a helmet on the street, and have a snorkel ready when you take a bath. Heck, I doubt you even have a defibrillator in your house, and that would actually have some impact on your chances of dying.
Trollkiller said... At a regular beach you do not see my penis….
If you can look at these pictures and see a penis you are definitely better at this than I..
http://www.tsa.gov/blog/uploaded_images/mmw_large-769939.jpg
{By design the Nude-O-Scopes can NOT image below the skin…} having not used the machines I can only guess, but I would say if you had a sufficient amount of explosives as to be a credible threat, it would be obvious. There is no silver bullet. These machines are not the final answer, but I think these machines are better tools than a WTMD alone.
RB said...
TP&S - If you take a look around, you will notice that no threats are needed to get your comment published.
Blogger Bob
TSA Blog Team
February 16, 2010 2:51 PM
..........
Well, since we know your here Bob just when will TSA post WBI images in the same size and resolution that screeners see?
You do want us to know there is nothing to be concerned about, right?
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I will say it again and again and again bob has posted the full sized screen. The video he posted in a previous blog HAS THE FULL SIZE SCREEN RIGHT THERE. The images he posted are probably PHOTOS of the screen that they had to edit to remove the tool bars and controls that would normally be on the screen therefore reducing the photos resolution which is why bob stated the images are not the full on resolution of the images. Bob even stated the videos contained the ACTUAL IMAGE SCREENS IN THEM. The manufacturer can't give us prints of the images because of contract problems or some other silly reason so the TSA customer service people made those images for you.
Watch the video if you want to see the full size and detail of the screen.
I guess all of this fuss about Whole Body Image is just about familiarity.
Once everybody become familiar with it, it become a norm and one day, it will be strange if an airport doesn't do it.
It will be a little awkward at first, but after a while people will get used to it.
-------------------------------
This is one of the reasons why this is such a horrible idea. If you put a frog in lukewarm water and slowly raise it to a boil the frog will never sense the change in temperature. Likewise, if it ever transpires that the government decides that we should be required to strip naked for security checks every time we enter a public space (because, after all, there are people WHO WANT TO KILL AMERICANS!!!!!!)there will be frogs like you saying "C'mon, no one complains when they are scanned at the airport, so why should I care that the police want me to take my pants off? It must be for a good reason!"
The only things making us safer are secured cockpit doors and policies of non-cooperation with hijackers. TSA's grotesqueries are a pathetic display of security theater.
February 17, 2010 12:09
OK, so how is a locked cockpit door going to prevent someone with an IED strapped to their body from blowing a plane up? You didnt think of that huh? That door and everything in it is going to scatter into a million pieces over a school or neighborhood. A bomber doesnt need to take over a plane to destroy it. Good thing we have screening of passengers BEFORE they get on the plane.
You guys need to come up with something better to complain about...
"OK, so how is a locked cockpit door going to prevent someone with an IED strapped to their body from blowing a plane up? You didnt think of that huh?"
Tell me, how many airplanes have ever been destroyed by someone with an IED strapped to their body?
Come on now, Bob.
Here we have a TSO stating on a .gov public forum that he feels like "regurgitating" when he looks at naked images of the "less than asthetically pleasing" bodies of passengers going through his checkpoint.
What is going on in your organization???
I am appalled that the public has to submit to mockery like this from the TSA.
Where does this TSO work? I want to re-route my future flights to avoid this airport.
TSORon said...
...
I have no interest in seeing your personals, I’m not going to whip out my tape measure. And after 3000 images a day of the less than aesthetically pleasing human form I feel more like regurgitating than aroused.
Quote from M: "my penis….
If you can look at these pictures and see a penis you are definitely better at this than I..
http://www.tsa.gov/blog/uploaded_images/mmw_large-769939.jpg"
M, if you can't see the penis in there (I don't even work for TSA and it's quite obvious - you can definitely see a scrotum even from behind), then TSA's training must really be bad. Either that, if you work for TSA, shows a reason why TSA's detection is really bad. And if this is supposed to be a better detection tool, we're really in trouble.
Robert
TSOWilliamReed said...
RB said...
TP&S - If you take a look around, you will notice that no threats are needed to get your comment published.
Blogger Bob
TSA Blog Team
February 16, 2010 2:51 PM
..........
Well, since we know your here Bob just when will TSA post WBI images in the same size and resolution that screeners see?
You do want us to know there is nothing to be concerned about, right?
--------------------
I will say it again and again and again bob has posted the full sized screen. The video he posted in a previous blog HAS THE FULL SIZE SCREEN RIGHT THERE. The images he posted are probably PHOTOS of the screen that they had to edit to remove the tool bars and controls that would normally be on the screen therefore reducing the photos resolution which is why bob stated the images are not the full on resolution of the images. Bob even stated the videos contained the ACTUAL IMAGE SCREENS IN THEM. The manufacturer can't give us prints of the images because of contract problems or some other silly reason so the TSA customer service people made those images for you.
Watch the video if you want to see the full size and detail of the screen.
February 17, 2010 2:23 PM
.............
And again Reed talks of things he has no direct knowledge of.
"Come on now, Bob.
Here we have a TSO stating on a .gov public forum that he feels like "regurgitating" when he looks at naked images of the "less than asthetically pleasing" bodies of passengers going through his checkpoint.
What is going on in your organization???
I am appalled that the public has to submit to mockery like this from the TSA.
Where does this TSO work? I want to re-route my future flights to avoid this airport."
I'm appalled that TSO's have to submit to the mockery of the public. I demand that Bob fixes this as well! Please reroute my posts to the perfect world where everything is done right, and there are no bad people in any type of organization/workplace, rainbows shine, and pretty butterflys land on your fingertips!
I can see it now...Body Scans of the Rich and Famous. You know someone's going to make a buck from this, eventually.
I'm completely OK with people believing this story. The more people who are against these humiliating, unconstitutional, unhealthy strip search machines, the better.
And we all know that it is just a matter of time before a celebrity's nude-o-picture appears on TMZ, courtesy of a TSO.
This Bollywood actor is just getting useless hyped up attention from security officials, he just got done with a movie in which he is proving his innocence of not being a terrorist, he does not respect any security measures, he was pulled aside by Customs agents once here in the States and he made a big deal about it when he left, its all for publicity, get with it, we all have to go through the same stuff. And if there is such a leak of a photo or whatever than let those in the UK deal with it, has nothing to do with TSA. I stand 100% behind TSA and its mission, a lot of travelers talk bad about TSA, but its because of them I have a worry free trip when traveling!! People want safety, but always want to be secluded from doing what they are asked to do, such as Mr. Khan.
RB said...
TSOWilliamReed said...
RB said...
TP&S - If you take a look around, you will notice that no threats are needed to get your comment published.
Blogger Bob
TSA Blog Team
February 16, 2010 2:51 PM
..........
Well, since we know your here Bob just when will TSA post WBI images in the same size and resolution that screeners see?
You do want us to know there is nothing to be concerned about, right?
--------------------
I will say it again and again and again bob has posted the full sized screen. The video he posted in a previous blog HAS THE FULL SIZE SCREEN RIGHT THERE. The images he posted are probably PHOTOS of the screen that they had to edit to remove the tool bars and controls that would normally be on the screen therefore reducing the photos resolution which is why bob stated the images are not the full on resolution of the images. Bob even stated the videos contained the ACTUAL IMAGE SCREENS IN THEM. The manufacturer can't give us prints of the images because of contract problems or some other silly reason so the TSA customer service people made those images for you.
Watch the video if you want to see the full size and detail of the screen.
February 17, 2010 2:23 PM
.............
And again Reed talks of things he has no direct knowledge of.
-----------------
Yet Bob doesn't let me post things unless they are mostly correct. Look at the video and you will see THE screen of the machine. Do I have to actually link the blog post link for you?
Robert Johnson said...
Quote from M: "my penis….
If you can look at these pictures and see a penis you are definitely better at this than I..
http://www.tsa.gov/blog/uploaded_images/mmw_large-769939.jpg"
M, if you can't see the penis in there (I don't even work for TSA and it's quite obvious - you can definitely see a scrotum even from behind), then TSA's training must really be bad. Either that, if you work for TSA, shows a reason why TSA's detection is really bad. And if this is supposed to be a better detection tool, we're really in trouble.
Robert
February 17, 2010 5:48 PM
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There is definetly a scrotum in there. However I have been more offended at an art museum then with the WBI image.
It is actually scary now how much techonology can infringe on our privacy!
Robert Johnson said...
Quote from M: "my penis….
If you can look at these pictures and see a penis you are definitely better at this than I..
http://www.tsa.gov/blog/uploaded_images/mmw_large-769939.jpg"
M, if you can't see the penis in there (I don't even work for TSA and it's quite obvious - you can definitely see a scrotum even from behind), then TSA's training must really be bad. Either that, if you work for TSA, shows a reason why TSA's detection is really bad. And if this is supposed to be a better detection tool, we're really in trouble.
Robert
Robert ~ In that image I see a guy in his underwear. I do not see a male penis. I think we are splitting hairs more than discussing the real issue. Is this image obscene? I would think if the machine was a “kidde porn nude o scope”, there would be no question. I know I said some of this already, but I do not think this is the end all, be all, answer to every possible threat. I do however think it’s an appropriate tool to supplement the WTMD.
Seriously!
Denis Kristanda said...
I guess all of this fuss about Whole Body Image is just about familiarity.
Once everybody become familiar with it, it become a norm and one day, it will be strange if an airport doesn't do it.
It will be a little awkward at first, but after a while people will get used to it.
February 17, 2010 8:21 AM
How about this. I take a stick and whack you in the head. Once you become familiar with it, it will seem the norm and one day it will be strange when I don't whack you in the head. In fact, you may have gotten so used to it that you ask me to whack you in the head.
It might be a little awkward at first, but eventually, you'll get used to it.
Bob, I don't know if this will pass muster, but I hope at least you get a chuckle out of this exchange.
Yet Bob doesn't let me post things unless they are mostly correct. Look at the video and you will see THE screen of the machine. Do I have to actually link the blog post link for you?
February 19, 2010 11:09 AM
......
William, the screen as rendered in the video is not the size you would see as an operator.
The size of the images Bob has posted on the blog are not the size you would see as an operator.
Why TSA will not post actual images in the same size and resolution as seen by the WBI operator has only one explanation.
The images are very detailed and do show clearly a persons anatomy.
It would take no more than a few minutes to prove me wrong.
How come that a crazy person who happens to be not from the US and who sets himself on fire is called a "terrorist" while a crazy guy who smashes his plane into the IRS is not called a terrorist?
I feel silly that we have to take our shoes off, can't bring water on the planes, have TSOs look at our daughters naket - all in the name of security - when it is so easy to commit large crimes involving airplanes who seemingly don't interest the TSA.
You're bothering honest passengers who have the wrong hand creme. But you still let people crash airplanes into government buildings. How do you call this keeping us safe?
ALL THESE POSTS HAVE NOTHING AT ALL TO DO WITH THE POSTING ON HOW THIS BLOG STARTED!! TRAVELERS WANT TO BE SAFE ON THEIR TRIPS ON AN AIRPLANE BUT AT THE SAMETIME YOU GUYS COMPLAIN ALL THE TIME. WHY DOES THE TSA HAVE A LIQUIDS BAN, BECAUSE SOME IDIOTS HAD THE IDEA TO CREATE LIQUID BOMBS, DO YOU THINK THAT IF THIS LIQUID BAN WAS LIFTED THERE WOULD NEVER BE A LIQUID BOMB THREAT?? WHY DO WE HAVE TO TAKE OFF OUR SHOES, BECAUSE SOME OTHER MORAN HAD THE TIME AND IDEA TO CREATE A BOMB WITHIN HIS SHOES, DO YOU THINK IF TSA STOPS MAKING TRAVELERS TAKE OFF THEIR SHOES THAT THERE WOULD NOT BE ANOTHER ATTEMPT?? HOW MANY TIMES HAVE WE SEEN THE BODY SCAN MACHINE ON THE NEWS, THERE IS NO PRINTER, AND THE IMAGE IS DELETED RIGHT AWAY, WHY DO PEOPLE KEEP SAYING BAD THINGS ABOUT A MACHINE THAT CAN DETECT IF A PERSON IS HIDING SOMETHING, WE ALL HAVE THE OPTION OF NOT STEPPING IN IT ANYWAYS, IF YOUR THAT IMMATURE THAN YOU CAN REQUEST A DIFFERENT APPROACH!! Do not sit here and make fun of TSA and its policies, they are only here for one reason, and that is our safety!! I will admit they do need to get rid of about 15% of their work force who really do not take this important job as serious as they should, I have seen the TSA personel who act like they are too good for the rest of the world, but their mission I myself am 100% happy with. taking cpl minutes to get through security is no hassle for me at all. I am more shocked at how many of us still do not know the does and donts about security travel these days when traveling. Do not blame our Government for you being lazy to comply with security, blame those who brought this threat upon us!!
I would rather have some random dude look at me "naked" than the slightest chance of my plane blowing up. All of your stupid opinions are going to change once the TSA actually prevents a terrorist attack.
We have over 70,000 employees. Obviously, as in any workforce of that size, there are bound to be a few bad apples. It isn't a perfect world. I, for one, and tired of all these whining individuals who complain and moan at every little thing we do here at TSA. What's ironic is this: these same pinheads would be the very FIRST to scream "Why didn't you do more?!?!" in the event of another successful attack. Get real people. If we need to look at a slurry image of you to makes sure you don't have explosives packed in your groin THEN SO BE IT. Either that or take the bus.
Anonymous said...
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Tell me, how many airplanes have ever been destroyed by someone with an IED strapped to their body?
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At least two. On August 24, 2004, two Russian planes were brought down within minutes of each other by two female suicide bombers.
http://www.chicagobreakingnews.com/2010/02/ohare-to-get-full-body-scanners-over-next-2-weeks.html
February 23, 2010 4:07 PM
Government officials say the first of 150 new full-body scanners will be installed in airports in Boston and Chicago over the next two weeks.
A Homeland Security Department official said today all of the 150 new machines will be installed by the end of June. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because the announcement is not yet public.
Karen Pride, the spokeswoman for Chicago's Aviation Department, said she could not confirm whether Chicago would receive the controversial scanners within the next two weeks. All she would say is that O'Hare is expected to get the equipment by June.
The body-scanners were purchased with money from President Barack Obama's stimulus plan announced in February last year.
The use of the machines in airports is a key part of the Obama administration's plans to improve airport security. Obama called for buying hundreds more of them after the attempted Christmas Day terror bombing of a Detroit-bound airliner.
The new full-body imaging machines look through clothing to create an explicit silhouette of the traveler -- showing shapes, folds of fat and other anatomical characteristics -- to identify possible hidden objects.
Even though facial features are blurred to protect privacy, the images reveal breasts, buttocks and other private parts, prompting some civil liberties groups to call the machines an unacceptable intrusion.
The real reason TSA refuses to post WBI Kiddie Porn Machine images.
Yet they intend to conduct virtual Strip Searchs on you and your children.
its only optional for so long...
I am truly saddened and ashamed of some of the people and their postings here. The constant whining about TSA's screening methods are appalling. How shallow and self-serving can these people be to so easily forget and dismiss what happened on 9/11? Do they not remember the shoe bomber? Or the guys who tried to blow up all the planes in London with the liquid explosives? Or the females who blew apart and killed all the passengers on those 2 Russian flights? Or those poor folks on Pan Am 103? Or the poor guy who got blown in half by a terrorist bomb on the Phillipine flight? Or those poor people on the hijacked flight that ran out of fuel and crashed in the ocean? And now the Xmas Day attempt? What on EARTH is wrong with you people? I admit; the financial fallout from other bad things i.e. auto crashes, tobacco and alchol ilness might outweigh what happened on 9/11, but those things don't even come close to the psychological damage that 9/11 did to our ENTIRE COUNTRY. If the majority of our populace decide they want to go with a less intrusive approach to airline security that's totally fine. But be prepared for the consequences. If you do not think the terrorists will try to explot any softening of our airline security, then you are truly living in fantasy land.
PEOPLE YOU DONT HAVE TO GO THROUGH THE MACHINE. It is your call. Dont go through it if you feel violated. I'm sorry but if there is a plane with 100 people that were not screened and just let on versus a plane with 200 that were screened before getting on the plane I am getting on the one that has 200 screened people. Everyone of ya'll that hate TSA can get on that plane that has 100 people not screened and be blown up.
To all of you who are Anti TSA. . . GET OVER IT!!! Whatever “IT” might be. Nothing TSA does will ever make you happy! You will complain about something no matter how petty. If they did everything you want, you will still whine and cry like babies. What’s next “the TSO looked at my Drivers License and then looked at me for longer than the person in front of me!”
We DO not live in a perfect world. Sometimes you have to do things you don’t want to do. But remember you do NOT have to fly it is NOT a right it is a privilege. Just like a store that has a sign “We have the right to refuse service to ANYONE” If you don’t like the rules fly private or drive YOUR car or take a bus or a train or a boat! Nowhere does anything say you HAVE to fly. It is a service provided by private companies who NEED the help of the federal government to make sure the customers of the airlines are safe.
You are not a customer of TSA, the airlines is TSA’s customer. You the flying public are nothing but cargo entrusted to TSA to make it to your destination without getting killed.
"You are not a customer of TSA, the airlines is TSA’s customer. You the flying public are nothing but cargo entrusted to TSA to make it to your destination without getting killed."
March 3, 2010 1:13 AM
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This is a common example of how TSA employees view the public.
Is there any wonder why TSA is the most disgusting federal agency ever devised?
The last comment was wrong. Passengers are not cargo. I am a TSA officer and I screen everyone like my child was going to get on that flight with you. But I think I am very professional and treat everyone with the same respect I would want. The new WBI machine has started alot of controversy and that is sad. After 9/11 all of our privacy went out the window, but I would rather make it to my destination in one piece. Im sorry so many people hate us for doing a job that I personally feel grateful for doing.
Even though facial features are blurred to protect privacy, the images reveal breasts, buttocks and other private parts, prompting some civil liberties groups to call the machines an unacceptable intrusion.
WOW! What warped logic!Now if TSA someone would take a camera phone picture, what i$ that worth in a Privacy law$uit and do you think the Government is going to indemnify that employee? No! Are nurses in hospitals walking around taking cellphone pictures of celebrities? I don't think so. Let's get real here.
Anonymous said...
Even though facial features are blurred to protect privacy, the images reveal breasts, buttocks and other private parts, prompting some civil liberties groups to call the machines an unacceptable intrusion.
WOW! What warped logic!Now if TSA someone would take a camera phone picture, what i$ that worth in a Privacy law$uit and do you think the Government is going to indemnify that employee? No! Are nurses in hospitals walking around taking cellphone pictures of celebrities? I don't think so. Let's get real here.
March 7, 2010 1:27 PM
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Nurses and others have taken pictures in hospitals.
They have been prosecuted, lost their jobs,and the ability to work in health care ever again which is what should happen to TSA employees that violate the public's trust.
Anonymous said...
To all of you who are Anti TSA. . . GET OVER IT!!! Whatever “IT” might be. Nothing TSA does will ever make you happy! You will complain about something no matter how petty. If they did everything you want, you will still whine and cry like babies. What’s next “the TSO looked at my Drivers License and then looked at me for longer than the person in front of me!”
We DO not live in a perfect world. Sometimes you have to do things you don’t want to do. But remember you do NOT have to fly it is NOT a right it is a privilege. Just like a store that has a sign “We have the right to refuse service to ANYONE” If you don’t like the rules fly private or drive YOUR car or take a bus or a train or a boat! Nowhere does anything say you HAVE to fly. It is a service provided by private companies who NEED the help of the federal government to make sure the customers of the airlines are safe.
You are not a customer of TSA, the airlines is TSA’s customer. You the flying public are nothing but cargo entrusted to TSA to make it to your destination without getting killed.
March 3, 2010 1:13 AM
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If the person who wrote the above sentiments is a TSA employee then I would hope someone would find this individual and fire them ASAP.
No matter what others say, I like your post. Keep on going!
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