Originally Posted by medic
I wonder how easily these air marshal badges can be spoofed. seemed like that's all you need.
It seems easier to pretend to be an air marshal than to be a police officer which would likely require a uniform
Actually, normal Federal Marshals (not air marshals, mind you) can carry weapons onto planes, whereas LEOs require it to be job-related and have a letter from their supervisor, which the airline counter staff is supposed to verify.
I have known several deputy marshals, and their badges and credentials wouldn't be hard to spoof for a determined terrorist. I
don't know the procedures they have to follow about checking in at the counter, security, etc. in bringing their guns onboard. That could be the hang-up, but then, those could be learned through social engineering and simple observation.