Originally Posted by TSASuper
I don't know if I can find the screener or the supervisor at fault here. If I was to come across an item that could appear to be a weapon, but am not absolutely sure, I would summon a LEO to clear it up. I will say that cuffing her was a bit excessive.
For example, one of my screeners came across a slapjack. On x-ray, it appeared as a really heavy spoon. When discovered, it was handed to me. I've never come across one before so I was a bit on the dumbfounded side. The passenger told me it was a shoehorn. I've never seen a lead weighted leather shoehorn before. I summoned a LEO, only because they have more experience and knowledge of common and uncommon weapons. The LEO identified the weapon, but the passenger was not arrested. His information was taken and he was informed that the TSA regulatory department would be calling him soon. And on his way, he went!
Like I said, the only thing I find excessive was the cuffing portion. But that's only my opinion. Take it for what it's worth!
In my opinion, not worth very much. But your mileage will, of course, vary.
Everything in my suitcase is a potential weapon. My laptops weigh between 5 and 7 pounds. I'd hate to be smacked over the head with one.
I sometimes have several dollars worth of quarters in my bag. Placed inside a sock, they would make for a debilitating weapon. Ditto my full-size bar of soap. Same with my keys. Same with my golf balls. And fine-point rollerball pens. Not to mention the glassware on board the plane, along with the aluminum cans that are easily torn in half, revealing a pretty sharp knife.
The idiot screener in this case should have asked her "Ma'am, what's this?"
She would have replied "It's a monogrammed bookmark. See my initials?"
Screener: "How's it work?"
Harrington: "Like this."
Screener: "OK. Have a nice flight, ma'am."
But Nooooooooo. The screener thought (s)he had hit paydirt and was anxious to see her face the full extent of the law.
So (s)he called the cops and they handcuffed her and placed her in an airport lockup.
What a bunch of thugs. And stupid thugs, at that.