Originally Posted by
WillCAD
Lordamighty... this is typical of the TSA attitude which results in egregious personal abuses and billions of dollars in mission creep, while causing a tremendous loss of mission focus that causes a 95% failure at their one true job.
Let me remind you once again - TSA is NOT a law enforcement agency. TSA is not tasked with - or permitted under law - to investigate ANY crimes, including smuggling, via administrative search. TSA exists to screen for threats to aviation, which smuggling is not. Smuggling is investigated by CBP, not TSA, so if CBP wants to screen FAMs or crew on international flights, that's up to them, NOT TSA.
Therefore, TSA setting up separate screening points for LEOs or crewmembers to interdict smuggling would be a) illegal, 2) wasteful, and d) stupid as all get out.
Loss of job? How about prosecution to exactly the same extent as any other smuggler. Sure, the employer should can them immediately for abusing their position, but they've committed felonies and should be prosecuted like anyone else who commits those felonies.
I don't oppose prosecution. The union rep suggests this should be looked at as nothing more than a lapse of judgement and I strongly disagree with that position. FAMS should be held accountable to the law and violations should be view as more severe than non LEO violators. Loss of job should just be the first hurdle. Prosecution should be a follow-on step after being fired.