Originally Posted by AArlington
But that doesn't change the fact that this is essentially a customer facing, customer service (with undertones of 'National Security' organization). Screeners should be polite, friendly and firmly enforce the rules (and ideally the rules would be logical AND consistent). But this is not a job that requires advanced levels of education, nor is it one that undergoes ultra stringent background checks as required of other government/law enfocement jobs). Not to demean the position, just pointing out that it isn't rocket science or something that requires free and creative thinking; it simply requires adherence to policy.
its not a law enforcement position, and a comparable background check is not needed since it doesn't fit the job. the rules are made by higher ups like we've discussed before, and is separate of the screeners themselves. i agree on the logical/consistant part though.
i agree that it doesn't require advanced levels of education, but that doesn't mean that those working on the job are not educated.
i've talked to many who were former military who do fall under the same criteria that those advocating el al type screening. as well as others who are working the job to finish up a bachelors or masters then moving on to something that requires more "advanced levels of education" in a similar field. some may go on to become FBI agents or research better ways of doing things by the screening process. they have a better understanding of whats involved than probably anyone of us here (save for a few who are those individuals) and change (more common sense) probably won't come until those working the job right now displace those that got their position by political appointment.
not to knock those who spend the long hours at the helm of the ship, so to speak... but they were never screeners. its kind of like they (screeners) get it from both ends. they get the brunt of an unhappy and upset public, and they have to adhere to the rules that they were given.
c'est la vie.