Originally Posted by
Section 107
TSOs (as differentiated from TSA as an agency) have little or no authority to search beyond the area of their post which could be at passenger, baggage, or cargo screening points, or entry points to certain areas of the airport, unless otherwise established by agreement between the airport/aircraft operator and TSA. And as has been discussed many times, when a TSO discovers a non-compliant situation it is the law enforcement agency having jurisdiction that resolves the situation.
TSOs have unchecked authority to screen pax and belongings and to interrogate pax anywhere in the sterile area. According to one PHX supervisor, this authority extends to 'anywhere on SkyHarbor property, actually'.
I've had a TSO start interrogating me in the sterile area, follow me into a bathroom, and continuing trying to talk to me while I was in the stall doing my business. I knew that at any point, the TSO could demand to search my bags. Looking bag, I realize now that I had zero recourse if the TSO had insisted on taking me into a toilet stall and groping me. If I complained, I'd be missing my flight for sure and probably have been dealing with LE.
At least one TSO (STSO, IIRC) was arrested after pulling random female pax into private spots in the sterile area for 'enhanced groping'. A drunk at one airport masqueraded as a TSO and groped a couple pax. Surprisingly enough, no eagle-eyed TSOs or BDOs spotted the guy - or if they did, they honored the 'blue line' and didn't say anything.