Originally Posted by
Boggie Dog
I think what is most offensive are those TSA screeners who refer themselves as "federal officers", a clear attempt to imply status they have neither earned or deserve. The word officer should be eliminated for TSA screeners as well as any form of a badge.
Agree completely.
My comment was based on my perception that some people may be thinking that use of the term
officer was wrong in all non-LEO situations (e.g., a non-LEO Military Officer [i.e., a normal non SF/MP Major]) should not be called an officer.
What is obscene in this particular situation is the deliberate attempt to make people think the TSA clerks have LEO authority. Then TSA does nothing to prevent or discipline clerks that act like LEOs. They are screening clerks (or, for the professional ones, screening professionals). Clerks commonly say they are federal officers and often imply they have the power to detain and arrest passengers. They don't. IMO, Congress should stop this nonsense. I won't hold my breath waiting.