Originally Posted by
Bart
The biggest issue, in my mind, is improving x-ray technology at the checkpoint. Checkpoint screeners need computed tomography x-ray technology that allow readers to see in 3D rather than the flat 2D images. ETD technology is fine; the bigger issue is the basics of blocking and tackling: ETD maintenance and proper ETD sampling techniques. At any rate, this is why I challenge critics to come up with a better system.
Bart -
At the checkpoint level, you raise a good point here. The current technology used with x-ray machines is outdated. I would support a move to deploy new equipment (i.e. mini-CTX) that allows checkpoint screeners to see 3D images. I also support ETD screening.
Q: Is the TSA actually working on deploying CTX technology to the passenger checkpoints?
Setting aside other loopholes in airport security, when it comes to the passenger checkpoint the TSA plays an important role. Someone has to take this role and overall the TSA is better than what we had before.
I support the screening of all checked luggage and would like to see that expanded to cargo.
The big problem I have with the TSA is with some of the programs they want to push over on passengers such as "Secure Flight" (previously CAPPS II). I understand a lot of money has been mis-spent and wasted in numerous other areas since the inception of the TSA -- for that I blame Kip Hawley and the folks at TSA HQ. The same goes with the no-fly list and selectee lists. I saw the 60 minutes piece for the 2nd time last Sunday and Kip Hawley looks like a real idiot when confronted about the no-fly list.
The shoe carnival and liquid/baggie issues are also sore spots. TSO's are following HQ procedures - some are good about applying common sense with liquids while others either lack common sense or don't seem to understand the policy when it comes to medically necessary liquids which are more than 100 ml.
It's the HQ procedures I have a gripe with, especially in these areas. I believe we need to use more risk management vs. risk avoidance here. One could argue the baggies and limiting liquid quantities is risk management (vs a ban), but I feel the TSA can go much further with risk management. For that I blame Kippie and company.
Anytime you have a situation where one person has to instruct another to follow a specific procedure, there will always be the perception that the one giving the instruction is either bullying, being bossy or otherwise coercing the one receiving instruction into performing a set of actions. This is true whether that person is the school crosswalk guard, city police officer, usher at the ball park or security screener at the airport. Americans have a tendency to resist authority, and that's a good thing. I hope we as a culture never lose that tendency.
Again you make some good points, Bart. I too hope we never lose the tendency to resist authority.
I have seen many TSA officers who are able to give instructions effectively & politely. On the other hand, there are those who feel it is necessary to yell it out and yell at the passenger. Some will even bully pax with a secondary screening if one speaks up. I think some customer service & communication skills training can go a long way here.
Bart, keep up the good work. It's refreshing to see things from your point of view.