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Old Nov 12, 2010, 6:59 pm
  #29  
JumboD
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Programs: AA 1MM
Posts: 3,182
Originally Posted by Mr. Elliott
I would take any level LEO over a STSO or LTSO any time, LEO’s are highly trained nowadays to analyze the situation before taking action. I know there are some LEO’s out there who think they are god, but they can be held accountable for their actions because they can be sued or punished by their superiors if a complaint is filed against them, I think they are few and far between. I would think LEO’s would be very helpful in some encounters with anal TSO’s

I would like add to my previous post that incidents where people challenge the TSA rules like removing belts or shoes or submitting to pat downs, you will lose these arguments no matter who you talk to, the TSA is in charge and if they say something like remove your belts and you argue with them, then they are correct in saying that you will not be flying today.

My suggestions only apply to TSO’s that you feel violate SOP and make up their own rules as they see fit, and use the bully pulpit to try to force passengers to cower at their feet, those are the ones that need to be severely disciplined. And this applies to all you STSO and LTSO’s out there as well, lie to cover up one of your subordinates, then you too deserve to be disciplined.

Would I have any remorse if because of my complaint, a TSO, LTSO or STSO was severely disciplined or even fired, absolutely not, as a matter of fact, it would make my day knowing that I was responsible for what ever happened to them, which of course I would never know because it is probably SSI, but I would at least know that there is one less TSO out there making peoples lives miserable.

Mr. Elliott
Well, the LEO request will come if/when asked to remove my watch. Belt and shoes, whatever, but I don't hand strangers I don't trust items worth several times their monthly salaries just because they say so. A threat to keep me from flying if I don't comply amounts to strong-armed robbery in my book.

And indeed, I have a lot of experience with LEOs (research done with them when I was in school, largely focusing on their perspectives) and I agree. In fact, the first words out of my mouth when they arrive will be "Thanks for joining us, I asked for you to come over because I believe that of anyone in the airport you probably have more experience and training in balancing security and order with civil rights".
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