Originally Posted by
elgringito
If a mall security employee saw an adult escorting a crying 11 year old out of the mall would you hope they might stop them and ask questions much as the TSA representative did? What about a hotel or apartment concierge saw an adult escorting a crying 11 year old into a taxi? A bus driver? It might depend on the circumstances, the extent of the crying, the demeanor of the child - might it not? All would be in "uniform", but would you describe them as "jackboots" as one poster did? I would not.
If any of these people you've described separated the child from its parent, I would recommend the same course of action, i.e. call a LEO and press charges.
Whether or not the TSA has authority beyond inspecting luggage, there is a perception of authority and responsibility for "security" issues.
So what? For of all, the reason for the
perception is because it is encouraged by TSA. As you note, a TSO has no more legal authority to detain and investigate than a bus driver. Intimidation isn't a substitute for legal authority.
The TSA representative accomplished what a private citizen may have thought right but was hesitant to pursue - is this good or bad?
It's bad. Very bad. TSA has no legal authority to engage in this behavior. Neither does a private citizen. Can you imagine a private citizen separating a child from its parent and questioning it? Do you, for a minute, think this comes remotely within realm of legal conduct?
I guess it is up to the individual. Some would respond "I hope if my child was being abducted, someone would do this" and others would respond "Who do they think they are doing this to my child". As I understand child trafficing is a significant problem - would you rather a TSA step up or no one step up?
I would rather one vested with the authority to take action against child trafficking step up, i.e. a LEO. I would rather TSA stop acting as a police-force-without-portfolio.
What I really like about this is the "ganging up" and similar hyperbole.
Have you ever had a negative interaction with a TSO? That is exactly what they do.