Originally Posted by
uncertaintraveler
Stupid question, but what is the point (from the TSA's perspective) of having a LEO present at a security checkpoint?
To make sure that people respect the TSA's au-tho-ri-tah.
Seriously, the TSA has no powers of detention - need a police officer for that.
The TSA does not and should not put themselves in harm's way - someone pulls a gun at the checkpoint or tries to force their way airside - that is the police officer's job to prevent, not the TSA's.