WOW! Am I ever impressed. This has to be the largest conglomeration of frequent whiners, that I have seen, gathered in one place.

I have been a screener at the Port Columbus Airport since June of last year, and after reading through your forums, the number of complaints that I have heard increased by at least threefold.

There seems to be a lot of assumption that the current class of screeners has come from a 'welfare to work' program, and that we do not possess the Ivy League education that is a staple in the portfolio of you 'frequent whiners.

Please, do not assume that you know me.

I must apologize for infringing upon some of your basic human rights.
I understand that removing your shoes may cause undue hardship to yourself, and the trauma suffered by all who may be witness to a such tragedy must be unspeakable!
Please forgive me when I ask that you remove your laptop computer from the carrying case. I am only doing as I was instructed.
I understand that some security measures seem trivial. But these measures are not put in place randomly, Some thing or incident has resulted in every step or procedure that you may encounter while negotiating airport security.

We (TSA Screeners) are not all uneducated, Taco Bell layoffs. Some of us have migrated here due to economical needs (you probably are not familiar with that).

Speaking from my perspective, I would have to say that the majority of the folks that I work with are professional, courteous, and will make every attempt to turn an otherwise unpleasant experience into something a little more palatable for passengers.

I know that we have our undesirables, just as your place of business does, and the entire organization seems to be evaluated based on those few individuals.

Please understand that the general consensus of the travelling public, toward the new security measures is positive, but that we like to here from everyone.

cmh, thanks for joining in. You will find that much of the whining is exacerbated by some of your fellow TSA screeners who like to visit these forums and show everyone their skills. Those skills for the most part have been how to look like a fool and show people what asses they are. Many of them have been combative, argumentative and downright rude. They tend to validate much of what is said here.
There are exceptions and we welcome reasonable and courteous participation. I will tell you though that there are many posters here who have decided TSA is a waste and nothing you or anyone else can say will make a bit of difference.
I agree, there are many many really talented, smart and dedicated people in the TSA, I have three close friends who work there and they use common sense and try their best to do a good job. They joined for the best of reasons (to help fight the WOT. Problem is, I'm sure you'll admit, some of the processes you must follow are bogus and need attention. The focus is too much on what happened before and less on what could happen tomorrow. Taking away scissors is no longer a valid action and lots of people see that. In addition, some of your co-workers are full of themselves and like to throw their weight around. Many have poor customer skills and they are the ones who hurt your reputation.
Keep on doing a good job, and remember that 99% of the travellers have no quarrel with the TSA and in fact, appreciate you.
http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttravel_forum/cool.gif

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by cmhscreener:
WOW! Am I ever impressed. This has to be the largest conglomeration of frequent whiners, that I have seen, gathered in one place.

I have been a screener at the Port Columbus Airport since June of last year, and after reading through your forums, the number of complaints that I have heard increased by at least threefold.

There seems to be a lot of assumption that the current class of screeners has come from a 'welfare to work' program, and that we do not possess the Ivy League education that is a staple in the portfolio of you 'frequent whiners.

Please, do not assume that you know me.

I must apologize for infringing upon some of your basic human rights.
I understand that removing your shoes may cause undue hardship to yourself, and the trauma suffered by all who may be witness to a such tragedy must be unspeakable!
Please forgive me when I ask that you remove your laptop computer from the carrying case. I am only doing as I was instructed.
I understand that some security measures seem trivial. But these measures are not put in place randomly, Some thing or incident has resulted in every step or procedure that you may encounter while negotiating airport security.

We (TSA Screeners) are not all uneducated, Taco Bell layoffs. Some of us have migrated here due to economical needs (you probably are not familiar with that).

Speaking from my perspective, I would have to say that the majority of the folks that I work with are professional, courteous, and will make every attempt to turn an otherwise unpleasant experience into something a little more palatable for passengers.

I know that we have our undesirables, just as your place of business does, and the entire organization seems to be evaluated based on those few individuals.

Please understand that the general consensus of the travelling public, toward the new security measures is positive, but that we like to here from everyone.</font>

Thanks to your wonderfully insightful post, I no longer have to assume anything about you - your post spoke volumes about you. http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttravel_forum/smile.gif

Welcome to FlyerTalk. http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttravel_forum/smile.gif

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by porkyboy:
cmh, thanks for joining in. You will find that much of the whining is exacerbated by some of your fellow TSA screeners who like to visit these forums and show everyone their skills. Those skills for the most part have been how to look like a fool and show people what asses they are. Many of them have been combative, argumentative and downright rude. They tend to validate much of what is said here.
There are exceptions and we welcome reasonable and courteous participation. I will tell you though that there are many posters here who have decided TSA is a waste and nothing you or anyone else can say will make a bit of difference.
I agree, there are many many really talented, smart and dedicated people in the TSA, I have three close friends who work there and they use common sense and try their best to do a good job. They joined for the best of reasons (to help fight the WOT. Problem is, I'm sure you'll admit, some of the processes you must follow are bogus and need attention. The focus is too much on what happened before and less on what could happen tomorrow. Taking away scissors is no longer a valid action and lots of people see that. In addition, some of your co-workers are full of themselves and like to throw their weight around. Many have poor customer skills and they are the ones who hurt your reputation.
Keep on doing a good job, and remember that 99% of the travellers have no quarrel with the TSA and in fact, appreciate you.
http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttravel_forum/cool.gif</font>

Wow, I agree with every word! Well, I'm an Ohioan, too (born and raised in Cleveland). Maybe that explains it!

Bruce

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by cmhscreener:
WOW! Am I ever impressed. This has to be the largest conglomeration of frequent whiners, that I have seen, gathered in one place.
</font>

This first sentence told me everything about you I needed to know. Strangely enough this first sentence is also where I stopped reading.

rawbert

Sorry to offend, rawbert, just expressing my point of view from a perspective that you have not been subjected to.

Just as I know that all screeners do not fit the profile of those who have been belittled in these forums, the same also applies for the travelling public.

[This message has been edited by cmhscreener (edited 03-18-2003).]

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by cmhscreener:
Sorry to offend, rawbert, just expressing my point of view from a perspective that you have not been subjected to.[QUOTE]

A bit presumptious are'nt you?

[QUOTE]Just as I know that all screeners do not fit the profile of those who have been belittled in these forums, the same also applies for the travelling public.

[This message has been edited by cmhscreener (edited 03-18-2003).]</font>

So let me get this right, the purpose of your post then is to educate us whiners that there is good and bad in all aspects of life
even with the TSA.
Wow! who would have thought!!
Mike



[This message has been edited by MIKESILV (edited 03-18-2003).]

I don't actually feel inconvenienced going through security at airports. What I feel is a combination of being robbed, because my tax dollars are paying for this farce, and appalled that this is the best my government could come up with .... the Great Pointy Object Search. BFDtm http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttravel_forum/smile.gif

------------------
"They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety
deserve neither liberty nor safety." -- Ben Franklin

Beautiful post, porkyboy!

They had layoffs at Taco Bell? Nobody told me http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttravel_forum/biggrin.gif

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">...I have three close friends who work there and they use common sense and try their best to do a good job. They joined for the best of reasons (to help fight the WOT. </font>

Fight the WOT? Go get that evil WOT!! And then I hope you catch the VIG and the VOTANG.



[This message has been edited by richard (edited 03-19-2003).]

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by porkyboy:
Taking away scissors is no longer a valid action and lots of people see that. </font>

I beg your pardon !!

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by MIKESILV:
[B] So let me get this right, the purpose of your post then is to educate us whiners that there is good and bad in all aspects of life
even with the TSA.
Wow! who would have thought!!
MikeB]</font>

No, the purpose of my post was to invoke a response. Let me say that so far I'm impressed.

You know, I was only able to stumble across this website, because one of your posters had linked to a page on my website, and while checking out my webstats I noticed that my site had recieved several hits from here.

What a find!

cmhscreener, you have opend a real can of worms now. So sit back and get ready to laugh...LOL I get a real crack out of this site.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by cmhscreener:
and that we do not possess the Ivy League education that is a staple in the portfolio of you 'frequent whiners.</font>

Firstly, I don't have an Ivy League education. I have a public college education that I paid for myself, including through the use of my veterans' benefits.

Secondly, I apologize if any of my Constitutional rights have made it difficult for you to perform your job. I didn't realize they were on the TSA's prohibited items list.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by cmhscreener:
Please, do not assume that you know me.
</font>

Pot. Kettle. Black. Don't assume that you know us, either.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by cmhscreener:
No, the purpose of my post was to invoke a response. Let me say that so far I'm impressed. </font>

Invoking response is what tSA employees seem to be the best at. Too bad it does nothing to keep us safer. http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttravel_forum/rolleyes.gif



------------------
"They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety
deserve neither liberty nor safety." -- Ben Franklin

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by bdschobel:
Wow, I agree with every word! Well, I'm an Ohioan, too (born and raised in Cleveland). Maybe that explains it!

Bruce</font>
Bruce, thanks.
Closer than one would expect..I'm from Ashtabula.
Regards
Rick
http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttravel_forum/smile.gif



[This message has been edited by porkyboy (edited 03-19-2003).]

Well, obviously you lack that Ivy League education that we have all presumed that you did not possess; otherwise you would have attempted to evoke a response. http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttravel_forum/wink.gif

Welcome to FlyerTalk.


<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by cmhscreener:
No, the purpose of my post was to invoke a response. Let me say that so far I'm impressed.</font>



------------------
"Give me Liberty or give me Death." - Patrick Henry

You're making friends fast here with that opening statement. Physically, taking off one's shoes for your amusement is not a daunting task. However, when it is done without probable cause for doing so, you are 1)wasting our time and 2)stripsearching us. Therefore many of us object to 1)idiocy and 2)being humiliated just because your boss is a clueless @#$%.

How nice that you took the 'due to economical needs'. Therefore, nobody forced you to take this job. Claiming that you 'are only doing as you were instructed' isn't going to get you any sympathy here. Nobody forced you to take this job and please remember that Taco Bell, a company that does not treat the public in a most un-American fashion, is always hiring. So it's not like your only option for this portion of you life's work was 'Airport Traveler Harasser'.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by cmhscreener:
WOW! Am I ever impressed. This has to be the largest conglomeration of frequent whiners, that I have seen, gathered in one place.

I have been a screener at the Port Columbus Airport since June of last year, and after reading through your forums, the number of complaints that I have heard increased by at least threefold.

There seems to be a lot of assumption that the current class of screeners has come from a 'welfare to work' program, and that we do not possess the Ivy League education that is a staple in the portfolio of you 'frequent whiners.

Please, do not assume that you know me.

I must apologize for infringing upon some of your basic human rights.
I understand that removing your shoes may cause undue hardship to yourself, and the trauma suffered by all who may be witness to a such tragedy must be unspeakable!
Please forgive me when I ask that you remove your laptop computer from the carrying case. I am only doing as I was instructed.
I understand that some security measures seem trivial. But these measures are not put in place randomly, Some thing or incident has resulted in every step or procedure that you may encounter while negotiating airport security.

We (TSA Screeners) are not all uneducated, Taco Bell layoffs. Some of us have migrated here due to economical needs (you probably are not familiar with that).

Speaking from my perspective, I would have to say that the majority of the folks that I work with are professional, courteous, and will make every attempt to turn an otherwise unpleasant experience into something a little more palatable for passengers.

I know that we have our undesirables, just as your place of business does, and the entire organization seems to be evaluated based on those few individuals.

Please understand that the general consensus of the travelling public, toward the new security measures is positive, but that we like to here from everyone.</font>



------------------
"Give me Liberty or give me Death." - Patrick Henry

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by ACES II:
cmhscreener, you have opend a real can of worms now. So sit back and get ready to laugh...LOL I get a real crack out of this site. </font>

I guarantee you not half as much as we get out of you.

Mike

Could ACES possibly mean real "crack" (as in cocaine)? That could explain a lot! http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttravel_forum/smile.gif

Bruce

Yes I do get a real laugh on this site. Chicken Little has nothing on you guys with your "My civil rights are being violated" whine. If you were in some countries it would not be your rights you would be whining about being violated....LOL

Well, we're not in those countries, are we?

"Boy, if you guys were on the moon right now, you'd really be gasping for breath!"

Duh. http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttravel_forum/rolleyes.gif

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by ACES II:
Yes I do get a real laugh on this site. Chicken Little has nothing on you guys with your "My civil rights are being violated" whine. If you were in some countries it would not be your rights you would be whining about being violated....LOL</font>

------------------
"Give me Liberty or give me Death." - Patrick Henry

[This message has been edited by Spiff (edited 03-19-2003).]

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Spiff:
Well, obviously you lack that Ivy League education that we have all presumed that you did not possess; otherwise you would have attempted to evoke a response. http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttravel_forum/wink.gif

Welcome to FlyerTalk.




</font>

Thanks for the lesson, professor.

My pleasure. http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttravel_forum/smile.gif

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by cmhscreener:
Thanks for the lesson, professor.</font>

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by tazi:
Invoking response is what tSA employees seem to be the best at. Too bad it does nothing to keep us safer. http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttravel_forum/rolleyes.gif

</font>


You only have us to kick around for another 2 years, then it's back to the private organizations. Enjoy!

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Spiff:
Well, we're not in those countries, are we?

"Boy, if you guys were on the moon right now, you'd really be gasping for breath!"

Duh. http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttravel_forum/rolleyes.gif

</font>

ROFL

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by cmhscreener:

You only have us to kick around for another 2 years, then it's back to the private organizations. Enjoy!</font>

I haven't kicked anyone around. If you have read my posts you will find I am not necessarily against the individual screener. But I am looking forward to a return to sanity and common sense at the airports.



------------------
"They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety
deserve neither liberty nor safety." -- Ben Franklin

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by cmhscreener:
Thanks for the lesson, professor.</font>

http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttravel_forum/biggrin.gif


------------------
"They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety
deserve neither liberty nor safety." -- Ben Franklin

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by tazi:
But I am looking forward to a return to sanity and common sense at the airports.</font>

Tazi, that's all ANY of us are looking for.

http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttravel_forum/wink.gif

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by tazi:
http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttravel_forum/biggrin.gif


</font>

Hey folks, first time poster here. I just read how some folks think that in another two years TSA goes away and private security takes over again. This is partial possibility. Yes, there is a built in sunset clause that allows for private security companies to contract with the airlines for screening services. The issue is far deeper though. The ATSA requires that in the event of a re-privatization of screening services the contractor must maintain the same staffing, pay, benefits, and it will still be under TSA oversight. Tell me, and be truthful. What airline is willing to fork out 4.8 billion dollars annually for this operation? Additionally, if an airline chooses this route, who do you think will pay? Taxpayers fund this operation now, and we have many, many taxpayers. However, the entire working United States does not travel by air every day, so I believe there may be a problem with money there. It could make air travel unaffordable for the average person, or drive some air carriers who are on the bubble right into chapter 7. Personally, I don't see any air carrier stepping up to the plate for a piece of that action. The air carriers have it made. Screening services provided, and the liability is no longer on them. Pretty sweet deal. If it goes private, only the federal screeners will be replaced with private screeners. Federal supervisors, managers, directors, etc. will still be controlling the checkpoints and operations daily. Procedures will remain the same no matter who pays for the screeners. So my question to the board is this: What will the difference be with private screeners versus federal screeners? Same cost, same procedures and the same administration controlling operations. I fail to see any difference save one. Either the taxpayers foot the bill, or the traveling public picks up the tab. Thanks for your time reading my post and for any input you may provide.

There will be no difference at all except that if they do go private, ticket prices will go sky high and the airlines will be totally finished, no coming back from that either. The bill creating the TSA was written so that, even though there is an out, it will be cost prohibitive. At least now the screeners have to be US citizens.

jailer1...welcome to FT!! I agree with you that no airline is going to want to touch this bloated bureaucracy with a 10' pole.
What I fear is that if and when terrorism progresses beyond airports, does TSA create new bureaucratic divisions?
First time there's terrorism at a shopping mall, we get a 40,000 strong Mall Security Agency ( MSA). Then someone takes out a stadium and we get the Stadium Security Agency (SSA). There is no end to where this could go. TSA could eventually be the largest employer in the US. Will we be any safer?? I doubt it. We'll just lose more and more of the daily freedom we used to enjoy.

Welcome to FlyerTalk, jailer1.

That's a very good point. However, the job that the TSA is doing right now is unacceptable. Hopefully legislation will be introduced disbanding the TSA completely and turning aviation security over to private, competent firms who do not spend money insanely. Much as I would like to see the security fee that is extorted from me every time I fly dropped completely, I would be willing to extend it for use by private security firms only. At $10 per pax per trip, the private security firms will have no problem paying for themselves and we will be able to eliminate the financial and fascist albatross that currently hangs about the necks of the traveling public.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by jailer1:
Hey folks, first time poster here. I just read how some folks think that in another two years TSA goes away and private security takes over again. This is partial possibility. Yes, there is a built in sunset clause that allows for private security companies to contract with the airlines for screening services. The issue is far deeper though. The ATSA requires that in the event of a re-privatization of screening services the contractor must maintain the same staffing, pay, benefits, and it will still be under TSA oversight. Tell me, and be truthful. What airline is willing to fork out 4.8 billion dollars annually for this operation? Additionally, if an airline chooses this route, who do you think will pay? Taxpayers fund this operation now, and we have many, many taxpayers. However, the entire working United States does not travel by air every day, so I believe there may be a problem with money there. It could make air travel unaffordable for the average person, or drive some air carriers who are on the bubble right into chapter 7. Personally, I don't see any air carrier stepping up to the plate for a piece of that action. The air carriers have it made. Screening services provided, and the liability is no longer on them. Pretty sweet deal. If it goes private, only the federal screeners will be replaced with private screeners. Federal supervisors, managers, directors, etc. will still be controlling the checkpoints and operations daily. Procedures will remain the same no matter who pays for the screeners. So my question to the board is this: What will the difference be with private screeners versus federal screeners? Same cost, same procedures and the same administration controlling operations. I fail to see any difference save one. Either the taxpayers foot the bill, or the traveling public picks up the tab. Thanks for your time reading my post and for any input you may provide.</font>



------------------
"Give me Liberty or give me Death." - Patrick Henry

(Just a temporary cease-fire, or moment of silence.)

With the news of the events that are taking place in Iraq, whether or not you agree with the decisions leading up to these events, please take a moment to show our troops your support. If you know someone who has a spouse or loved one serving, please take some of your time to offer them any needed assistance, let them know that our troops are in your thoughts and prayers.

[This message has been edited by cmhscreener (edited 03-20-2003).]

jailer1 ... aren't you the guy that suggested the way to cut down on LAS security lines was for the airlines to spread their schedules out better?
http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttravel_forum/Forum5/HTML/000168.html

------------------
"They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety
deserve neither liberty nor safety." -- Ben Franklin

[This message has been edited by tazi (edited 03-20-2003).]

You are correct! Amazing how quickly you can forget which boards are which!

Originally posted by Spiff
You're making friends fast here with that opening statement.

not looking for friends.

Originally posted by Spiff
Physically, taking off one's shoes for your amusement is not a daunting task.

not doing it for amusement, only to resolve an alarm.

Originally posted by Spiff
How nice that you took the 'due to economical needs'. Therefore, nobody forced you to take this job. Claiming that you 'are only doing as you were instructed' isn't going to get you any sympathy here.

not looking for sympathy, but, if you are: you can find it in the dictionary between sh*t and syphilis.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by cmhscreener:


Originally posted by Spiff
How nice that you took the 'due to economical needs'. Therefore, nobody forced you to take this job. Claiming that you 'are only doing as you were instructed' isn't going to get you any sympathy here.

not looking for sympathy, but, if you are: you can find it in the dictionary between sh*t and syphilis.[/B]</font>

Geez, it sure didn't take you long to show your butt. You're not doing yourself or your fellow TSA screeners any favors (I know, "not looking to do favors"). I sure wish some non combative & professional screeners would join in these discussions.
http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttravel_forum/cool.gif

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by cmhscreener:

Originally posted by Spiff
Physically, taking off one's shoes for your amusement is not a daunting task.

not doing it for amusement, only to resolve an alarm.</font>

Can't have been an alarm if screeners are demanding we take them off before going through the metal detector.



------------------
"They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety
deserve neither liberty nor safety." -- Ben Franklin

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by cmhscreener:
Originally posted by Spiff
You're making friends fast here with that opening statement.

not looking for friends.

Originally posted by Spiff
Physically, taking off one's shoes for your amusement is not a daunting task.

not doing it for amusement, only to resolve an alarm.

Originally posted by Spiff
How nice that you took the 'due to economical needs'. Therefore, nobody forced you to take this job. Claiming that you 'are only doing as you were instructed' isn't going to get you any sympathy here.

not looking for sympathy, but, if you are: you can find it in the dictionary between sh*t and syphilis.</font>

When I referred to rats few posts back I forgot there are rats (hey I like Mickie and Minnie) and there are sewer rats.
Mike

Ahh, so it comes some pages after contempt and disgust. Thanks!

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by cmhscreener:
not looking for sympathy, but, if you are: you can find it in the dictionary between sh*t and syphilis.</font>

------------------
"Give me Liberty or give me Death." - Patrick Henry

[This message has been edited by Spiff (edited 03-26-2003).]

Exactly! Or for having the SSSS stigma stuck on one's BP.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by tazi:
Can't have been an alarm if screeners are demanding we take them off before going through the metal detector.

</font>



------------------
"Give me Liberty or give me Death." - Patrick Henry

I sure wish some non combative & professional screeners would join in these discussions.

Why?? I think we get enough abuse at work thank you very much!!!

not looking for sympathy, but, if you are: you can find it in the dictionary between sh*t and syphilis


Thanks for the grammar lesson CMH! http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttravel_forum/wink.gif

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by tazi:
Can't have been an alarm if screeners are demanding we take them off before going through the metal detector.
</font>

I have a question regarding the secondary screening procedures. The other day I was going from SFO domestic to the international section, and passed thru the security there. I took my laptop out, had nothing in my pockets etc. I had sneakers on. I put everything on the conveyor and stepped thru the m.detector. No beep. I was then asked to sit on the chair and my shoes were run over with the wand. Then I had to stand on the feet markings and I was wanded. Two dangerous rivets and a button fly were discovered on my 501's. I was then released to watch my laptop get swabbed. What I would like to know is why did I get secondary search when I had already passed thru the frikken detector without setting it off? Is there a procedure for this unbelievable waste of resources? Tho I guess with probably 20 TSA agents and just me going thru one side they wanted to do something useful.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">What I would like to know is why did I get secondary search when I had already passed thru the frikken detector without setting it off? Is there a procedure for this unbelievable waste of resources? Tho I guess with probably 20 TSA agents and just me going thru one side they wanted to do something useful.</font>

PW1P....the answer you'll probably get from TSA is that there is a secret formula for who gets "randomly" screened. However, I too find that when I approach a screening area with no activity and a score of TSA's folks standing around, I usually get the super deluxe strip search treatment. I think it's probably a way for everybody to look busy and for them to sharpen their frisking skills.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by PW1P:
I have a question regarding the secondary screening procedures. The other day I was going from SFO domestic to the international section, and passed thru the security there. I took my laptop out, had nothing in my pockets etc. I had sneakers on. I put everything on the conveyor and stepped thru the m.detector. No beep. I was then asked to sit on the chair and my shoes were run over with the wand. Then I had to stand on the feet markings and I was wanded. Two dangerous rivets and a button fly were discovered on my 501's. I was then released to watch my laptop get swabbed. What I would like to know is why did I get secondary search when I had already passed thru the frikken detector without setting it off? Is there a procedure for this unbelievable waste of resources? Tho I guess with probably 20 TSA agents and just me going thru one side they wanted to do something useful.

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It's called "continuous screening" and is standard operating procedure for TSA. It happens, as stated, continuously so even during busy times if no alarms are set off these procedures occur. This is done so that those who might be scouring the airports for any sort of patterns in the screening process cannot establish one.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by screenergal:
It's called "continuous screening" and is standard operating procedure for TSA. It happens, as stated, continuously so even during busy times if no alarms are set off these procedures occur. This is done so that those who might be scouring the airports for any sort of patterns in the screening process cannot establish one.</font>

This is done to keep idle hands busy and for no other reason at all. Instead of having "Thousands Standing Around" we have "Thousands Playing with Their Wands". Plus, I am sure it helps to prevent "Try Staying Awake" syndrome. As soon as the staff cuts begin, hopefully we will see less and less of this.


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"They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety
deserve neither liberty nor safety." -- Ben Franklin

[This message has been edited by tazi (edited 03-29-2003).]

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by tazi:
This is done to keep idle hands busy and for no other reason at all. Instead of having "Thousands Standing Around" we have "Thousands Playing with Their Wands". Plus, I am sure it helps to prevent "Try Staying Awake" syndrome. As soon as the staff cuts begin, hopefully we will see less and less of this.

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Even with cuts in staffing, the continuous screening will still be conducted.

Then let us hope that even more cuts follow until there is simply no personnel available to play continuous harassment or the TSA is disbanded.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by screenergal:
Even with cuts in staffing, the continuous screening will still be conducted.</font>



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"Give me Liberty or give me Death." - Patrick Henry

Spiffs disdain and unfounded remarks aside, there are some airports that do have too many screeners. Nantucket for instance has 2 flights a week, yet has 26 full time screeners. Orlando/Sanford has one carrier and it is pulling out soon, has 40 screeners. Thats where the cuts will take place, the large airports will not see any reductions as most of them are understaffed due to the constant turn over of employees. I suspect that those in "temporary" positions will be the first given the ax, and those are mostly the prior screeners.

I predict the screeners will slow down their work and make themselves scarce so they are not downsized even more.

Anyone wanna bet that's what we will see happen?

I doubt it. They have a job to do and they have their procedures that have not changed. I doubt any of us will see any changes unless we fly out of the smaller airports.

Here's a serious question:

I'm 12 for 12 this year on getting hand searched after I clear security with ZERO. It's tiring and frustrating. It's now part of the airport inconvience I face.

I've tried every permutation: From suits to shorts/sandals; from no laptop to laptop; from a bunch of stuff in my bag/carryon to no carryon. But despite that and having no metal on my person, I get searched again.

What is it that you look for when doing a secondary search even if there's zero items that would seem dangerous? Is it something you look for? Is it a way you act?

Me thinks it's just like getting mugged in a big city ... you just have to exude the aura, and stand out as, the biggest victim in the immediate crowd. Psychpaths and muggers don't usually pick on those who project humble self-confidence, but simply can't resist victimizing a victim persona.

Of course, the ego-trips here will definitely cry foul on this Freudian observation. Wouldn't it be shockingly big of them if they ditched their denial for a few moments and simply admitted the truth.

GMF

p.s. TSA folks, it begins like this ... "Hi, my name is xxxxx and I'm a victimizing TSA officer who gets personal thrills victimizing my fellow citizens who must travel extensively for business. I actually jealous that they get to travel for an exciting career, and since I hate myself and my job, I do everything within my power to make their travel experiences more miserable than my daily life." To which the response choruses ... "Hi xxxxx."

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by goldmedallionflyer:
Me thinks it's just like getting mugged in a big city ... you just have to exude the aura, and stand out as, the biggest victim in the immediate crowd. Psychpaths and muggers don't usually pick on those who project humble self-confidence, but simply can't resist victimizing a victim persona.

Of course, the ego-trips here will definitely cry foul on this Freudian observation. Wouldn't it be shockingly big of them if they ditched their denial for a few moments and simply admitted the truth.

GMF

p.s. TSA folks, it begins like this ... "Hi, my name is xxxxx and I'm a victimizing TSA officer who gets personal thrills victimizing my fellow citizens who must travel extensively for business. I actually jealous that they get to travel for an exciting career, and since I hate myself and my job, I do everything within my power to make their travel experiences more miserable than my daily life." To which the response choruses ... "Hi xxxxx."</font>

You speak the truth (at least in some of my encounters with the TSA). Not all, but certainly some of them.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by goldmedallionflyer:


I actually jealous that they get to travel for an exciting career...</font>

I not be jealous.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Spiff:
Well, obviously you lack that Ivy League education that we have all presumed that you did not possess; otherwise you would have attempted to evoke a response. http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttravel_forum/wink.gif

Welcome to FlyerTalk.
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Mr or Ms Spiff: I loved this comment of yours. By the way, am I the only person who suspects that all of the TSA-employee posts are the work of a single multiple-personality screener? It really seems unlikely that so many of this bunch would get off on the hostility they invite.

I think there's a fundamental problem with the TSA screener(s) that lurk here. Maybe I need to restate the obvious:

You are an employee of an organization that has caused great disdain among the frequent flier community. Instead of acting as a bridge and resource for the frequent flying public (which would be very constructive for both of our groups), you are merely proving our assumptions correct by acting in the way that you are: that TSA screeners are undereducated, immature people with power trips who enjoy providing harassment to individuals simply because they can.

It's neither Mr. or Ms. http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttravel_forum/smile.gif

I have seen enough variation in their responses to convince me that there is more than one person behind the TSA typing. Sadly, only a couple seem to be competent yet misguided in their choice of career. The rest live up to their billing - people with a disgusting disdain for the principles upon which this country was founded and a snotty "we can do what we like" attitude to boot.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by RS:
Mr or Ms Spiff: I loved this comment of yours. By the way, am I the only person who suspects that all of the TSA-employee posts are the work of a single multiple-personality screener? It really seems unlikely that so many of this bunch would get off on the hostility they invite.


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"Give me Liberty or give me Death." - Patrick Henry

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by DisgruntledGoat:
You are an employee of an organization that has caused great disdain among the frequent flier community. Instead of acting as a bridge and resource for the frequent flying public (which would be very constructive for both of our groups), you are merely proving our assumptions correct by acting in the way that you are: that TSA screeners are undereducated, immature people with power trips who enjoy providing harassment to individuals simply because they can.</font>

So all the insults that some of you have heaped on the TSA guys showed your education and class? Nice folks you are. I don't blame them for their actions as they were baited from the start.

That's a nice philosophy! It's OK as long as you were baited. http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttravel_forum/frown.gif

Sorry, government employees were held to a higher standard when I was one.

Bruce

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by ACES II:
So all the insults that some of you have heaped on the TSA guys showed your education and class? Nice folks you are. I don't blame them for their actions as they were baited from the start.

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I'm showing my education and class by stating what I've observed thus far. I've asked fair and objective questions.

Apparently some of the angry screeners aren't familiar with the first rule of holes: When you're in a hole, quit digging yourself deeper.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by DisgruntledGoat:
I'm showing my education and class by stating what I've observed thus far. I've asked fair and objective questions.

Apparently some of the angry screeners aren't familiar with the first rule of holes: When you're in a hole, quit digging yourself deeper.

</font>


http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttravel_forum/biggrin.gif



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"They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety
deserve neither liberty nor safety." -- Ben Franklin