Based on the examples below, it would appear the assumption of very limited TSA authority is incorrect.
From Wikipedia on the TSA:
Behavior Detection Officer
Behavior Detection Officers, or "BDOs," are TSA officers whose primary responsibility is to observe the behavior of passengers going through the security checkpoint. Behavior Detection Officers watch for suspicious actions, such as overly nervous and agitated passengers, and ask them basic questions such as "where are you headed?" or "what is the purpose of your trip?" Sometimes police officers are called in to help ask additional questions and/or do a quick background check of the person in question. On April 1, 2008, Behavior Detection Officers successfully identified a passenger at Orlando International Airport who was acting suspiciously near a ticket counter. After flagging the man for additional screening at the checkpoint, luggage x-ray detector workers discovered pipe bomb-making materials inside his bag.
http://www.tsa.gov/press/happenings/phx_spot.shtm
In early December, Transportation Security Officers specially trained in behavior detection observed two Phoenix passengers behaving suspiciously as they approached the travel document checking station. Because of their behavior, both passengers were referred for additional screening after they presented their boarding passes and Permanent Resident cards to the TSA document checkers.
During the physical bag and property search, the security officers discovered Social Security cards that appeared to be fraudulent, and summoned law enforcement officers to interview both passengers. Not only were the Social Security cards fraudulent, but so were the Permanent Resident Cards. One of the IDs was listed as belonging to a female. Both passengers were arrested by Phoenix police for forgery.
http://www.tsa.gov/press/happenings/..._bdo_spot.shtm
At Boston's Logan International Airport, Behavior Detection Officers (BDOs) David Bolduc and John Ferragamo, using behavioral cues, grew suspicious of a passenger who turned out to be carrying large – and illegal – amounts of prescription medication, more than $20,000 in cash and a passport belonging to another person.
http://www.tsa.gov/press/happenings/...idnapping.shtm
On the morning of May 10, Newark-Liberty International Airport TSO Venecia Rodriguez was providing additional screening to a 19-year-old female selectee in Terminal B when the woman whispered, "Please help me..." and lifted her sunglasses to reveal a black eye. The woman was traveling with an older man, also a selectee, who was undergoing additional screening nearby.
Originally Posted by
PTravel
Because they are not LEOs and don't have LEO training. By definition, they are not professional.
Most likely, if the TSO had called a LEO, as he should have, he would have said, "We have an older child here who is crying," at which point the LEO would have said, "So? Stick to your job and stop playing detective. I have real policing to do."
So by your definition you have to be a "professional" to act, and I quote the poster I responded to, "... in a professional manner ..."? Under this definition, then we should not expect TSA representatives to act "... in a professional manner ..."? What then is a "... professional manner ..." since I always thought even my third grade educated grandfather always acted "... in a professional manner ..." when I watched him at his Chevrolet dealership.
I believe under today's standards that the LEO responding in a manner described in your final paragraph would have violated the rules of conduct when alerted to possible abuse. A teacher might be accused of criminal violation if alerted to possible abuse and responding in such a cavalier manner.