Originally Posted by
PTravel
And you are mistaken. I've already explained why your reliance on TSA's propaganda is misplaced.
Were you there to determine whether the child was carrying weapons, explosives or incendiaries? If not, you exceeded your legal authority. By the way, unauthorized separation and detention of a child from its parents without parent consent constitutes kidnapping when asportation (moving the child) takes place. Don't blame me -- it's only the law.
I see TSOs second-guessing all the time. Regardless, I'll say it one more time:
EVEN IF THE TSO HAS A GOOD FAITH BELIEF THAT A CHILD IS BEING KIDNAPPED OR ABUSED, he lacks ANY legal authority to do anything about it.
By intervening, the TSO assumes the same risks as any citizen, i.e. he'd better be right or he will incur liability.
Please assist me by providing a reference that states the limitations on the role of the TSA representatives - I not only have not been able to find such references but believe the references I have documented in fact do not indicate such limitations. Your simply repeating yourself in my estimation adds little validity to your statement(s).
TSO's may second guess often, my comment if you reread it, was that I cannot imagine a TSA representative subjecting THEMSELVES to the second guessing that would result for stopping and question a child over a few tears. A citizen or TSA agent has at least a moral responsibility to report a suspected act of kidnapping or abuse. It's done with regularity. See also below
http://www.americanhumane.org/about-...e-neglect.html
In most states, professionals who work with children in any capacity are identified as “mandated reporters” and are required by law to report suspected child abuse or neglect. Approximately 18 states define mandated reporters more broadly to include any citizen who suspects that a child is being abused or neglected.
As previously referenced, there are in fact laws protecting those who intervene in good faith where abuse or kidnapping is suspected, you might have missed this so I'll repeat it below.
http://www.nmsa.org/Publications/Mid...6/Default.aspx
G.S. § 7B-309: Immunity of persons reporting and cooperating in an investigation.
Anyone who makes a report pursuant to this Article … is immune from any civil or criminal liability that might otherwise be incurred or imposed for that action provided that the person was acting in good faith. (North Carolina General Statutes, 1999)
Originally Posted by
GUWonder
Minor children cry at airports every day and such little persons crying at airport was the case before the TSA and it will be the case after the TSA. The TSA wasn't needed before to save the children and the TSA is still not needed to save the children today.
The TSA has no more business or right in interfering in a parent-child relationship in the absence of a rational observation of unlawful activity than a drug-abusing panhandler does.
And when a child shows the signs of abuse, they were historically ignored every day. Fortunately, it is no longer the case. Whereas it is true "The TSA wasn't needed before to save the children and the TSA is still not needed to save the children today." it does not mean that when faced with what appears to be child abuse that is wrong to take action - whether you are a TSA representative, a concierge at a hotel, a taxi driver, a bus driver or yes, even a "... drug-abusing panhandler". As quoted below, the law and others support this viewpoint.
When one witnesses the possible signs of child abuse, one has a least a moral responsibility to act. This is not just my opinion and a TSA representative is a part of the community just as any other citizen
http://www.americanhumane.org/about-...e-neglect.html
Protecting children from abuse and neglect is a community responsibility. Most adults want to help children and their families, but are unsure how to get involved. Often, it can be as simple as helping out a neighbor who needs a break by watching his or her child for a few hours. At other times, you may have more serious worries or suspicions that a child may have already been harmed or neglected. Figuring out next steps can be a difficult and confusing process. What is most important is to not let discomfort and confusion interfere with helping children be safe, even if you must reach out to others for professional help.
In most states, professionals who work with children in any capacity are identified as “mandated reporters” and are required by law to report suspected child abuse or neglect. Approximately 18 states define mandated reporters more broadly to include any citizen who suspects that a child is being abused or neglected.1
No matter your state laws, learning the appropriate ways to respond to suspected maltreatment and becoming an informed and involved community member are important first steps toward protecting children. Remember, it is the responsibility of all individuals and community members — not just mandated reporters — to respond to the suspected maltreatment of any child. Trust your instincts. Just as we all know to call 911 in a medical emergency, we need to have an action plan for times when we suspect children are being abused or neglected.
Originally Posted by
bocastephen
Let's hope Little Debbie gives the screeners a reason to cry next time they pull a stunt like this....she's 11, so the kick doesn't need to go that high.
And let's hope Little Debbie does not find herself and her parents in juvenile hall.