Originally Posted by gsoltso

The changes to powders had to do with the fact that it was a security hole that was in the system. Powdered substances weren't checked regularly and it is a threat that has gained more popularity among nefarious groups. Look at the increase in public information on powdered substances and their abilities and a change to policy was a no brainer. By nature, certain types of powders can be an essential part of WEI, and therefore should be screened.

TSA publicizes the "Big Catches" because of the following reasons:
1) The items found are illegal
2) The people caught with these items are doing something illegal
3) It shows the agency is not sitting on it's laurels, and they are actually screening the people coming into the checkpoints

It is an easy way to let the public know that we are not just standing around waving people through and sending them on their way. I don't agree with the rewards thing, as finding WEI and reporting illegal items discovered while doing that is part of the TSO basic job description. Rewards should be given to people that find a more efficient way to work the processes and procedures, or that correct an ongoing safety issue, or do something outside of the normal scope of their job.

I don't just state that the TSO was wrong in that case, if I am informed enough about the case where any TSO has done something wrong, I state it then. The regulations are quite clear, we are not the DEA, FBI, or LEO of any sort, therefore we are not a part of some huge nationwide dragnet for illegal items. It is clear that we are to screen for WEI, and if something illegal (or suspected of being illegal) is found pursuant to that end, then it is to be reported to LEO - end of TSO job. IF TSOs are doing something else, then they need to be corrected.