I travel frequently and carry a lot of tools and equipment for work. My checked baggage almost always gets inspected.
At some airports, the x-ray machine and follow up inspection are completed where I can watch. Every time the inspectors open my cases poke around a little and swipe the swab. They are always professional and courteous.
At some airports, the ticket agent takes the bags and puts them on a conveyor at the ticket desk. Many times my bags are completely rifled, the contents of smaller bags dumped out, my clothes have been pulled out and jammed back in, and sometimes the case isn't even securely closed afterward. Each time there was a 'TSA was here' note in the case.
I've complained about this and was basically told there wouldn't be much of a follow up because they were just doing their job.
Why can't the 'TSA was here' note they leave in the bag after inspection include the inspectors badge number or employee number? I've asked that question and was told it would be a logistical nightmare.
If the people who inspected my new underwear can manage it, why can't the TSA?
It would be simple enough for the TSAer to write his/her name on the card, but that would lead to accountability, and the TSA wants nothing to do with that nonsense.