Originally Posted by
SgtScott31
... You and others must understand that there are actually people who conduct surveillance for criminal purposes. We investigated some individuals not too long ago conducting surveillance on a large computer facility adjacent to airport property, who turned up a few weeks later in NC. Subsequent investigation revealed they were cargo thieves (out of South America) who had a history of stealing millions in equipment from distribution centers. Although there are probably far more that take photos with non-criminal intentions, should we allow anyone and everyone to take photos without so much as to walking up and asking them questions (non-detention/non-custodial situation)?
As other have said, Yes.
Some evildoers have engaged in a particular activity. Drug smugglers carry large sums of cash, cargo thieves take pictures at an airport, Richard Reid wore shoes. This doesn't make everyone with cash, a camera and/or shoes an evildoer, or even suspicious. As you say, there are far more (no "probably" about it) photographers with non-criminal intentions. By a very large margin. A lot more people with shoes than there are Richard Reids.
I'm betting all the 9/11 terrorists were breathing when they got to the airport. Does that make breathing a suspicious activity in today's airport? (Dear God, don't let Idiot Boy Hawley read FT today. Thank you.)
Oh, and do you really think someone taking photos to case a neighboring warehouse is going to say so? Your initial intention of "asking them questions (non-detention/non-custodial situation)" is almost certainly going to turn into something more serious and inconvenient if you start "feeling" that they're up to no good.
Maybe someone should put a lock on the door at the computer facility and hire a real security guard, instead of protecting it by hassling amateur photographers at the adjacent airport.