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Old May 8, 2009 | 1:28 pm
  #50  
Mr. Gel-pack
 
Join Date: Apr 2009
Posts: 252
Originally Posted by PTravel
The TSO has no right to question anyone about anything. The limits of the administrative search performed by TSOs is clear: to ensure that passengers do not have in their possession weapons or explosives. The administrative search does not involve asking any questions, nor do TSOs have any right to require answers. A TSO may be a federal officer (and I'm not even sure he is), but he is not a law enforcement officer. As a lawyer admitted to the federal court, I am considered an officer of the court as a matter of law. I may not, however, arrest, detain or question anyone, either.
A TSO has no powers of arrest or detention, and his ability to "investigate" is limited to clearing your person and your bags with respect weapons or explosives.

This is important, folks: TSOs (and BDOs) have no legal authority to question anyone about anything.
Lying or misrepresenting something to non-LEO federal agents is jail-worthy per Title 18, United States Code, Section 1001 If you don't want to end up like Martha Stewart, watch out. You might be better off saving your answers for a local airport cop rather than these TSA federales.
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