Originally Posted by
drat19
As annoying as Christopher Elliott's column can be sometimes, it is nice to see this issue getting some "mainstream" press/exposure
But the issue
has been getting mainstream exposure.
Even CE points this out in his usual trailing-edge timeframe:
Other half-baked assertions sputtered by the witless Mr. E:
Although the TSA has taken steps to discourage these government workers from helping themselves to our personal effects — including background checks on new hires, video cameras in screening areas and rules forbidding backpacks or lunchboxes at checkpoints [...]
Let's address each of the TSA's "steps" to discourage screener thievery:
1)
Background checks. We already have enough reports, documented in this forum with news links, that criminal history checks were not conducted consistently (across stations) or in a timely manner in the early-going of this agency.
Furthermore: Are all c/p TSOs and baggage screeners continuously rescreened throughout their employment with the TSA? If there's a standard for initial hiring, then the standard should remain in effect throughout one's career with the TSA. I'm not saying that a DUI subsequent to hiring should necessarily result in termination, but that objective stressors in one's life can lead to criminal temptation. And certainly, burglary and theft are relevant flags.
2)
Video surveillance. Are the cameras on and rolling everyday, and that tapes functioning properly? Who ensures this? And who reviews the tapes? How long after the footage is captured? Are all tapes reviewed?
3)
Forbidding backpacks and lunchboxes at checkpoints. What about at CPX stations, Mr. Elliott, most of which are located far from pax sight (and even supervisory oversight)?
If 200 screeners have actually been dismissed for theft, how many counts of stealing are left unaccounted for? If more than one, either airline baggage handlers are to blame or more TSA personnel have yet to be caught.