Relatively speaking, I'm not terribly bothered either.

But as others have said, if the problem with an unattended bag is that the gate checkpoint is not reliable, then perhaps TSA ought to focus on the real source of the problem (i.e. the checkpoint), where the resources are more likely to be useful in fixing the problem.

Happens all the time at IAD. Have seen it happen at JFK, DCA, RDU, and LAX.

I believe it is objectionable and I will state my reasons.

TSA is charged with screening all people and items entering the so called sterile area of airports for WEI.

Currently TSA exempts all airport workers from 100% screening.

Also TSA does not fully screen cargo that is loaded on airplanes and in many cases have "Trusted Shippers" doing all screening of these items entering the sterile area.

TSA does not maintain a peremiter security patrol over airports letting other local agencies handle that important task.

TSA claims to not have the manpower to do proper screening of all people and things that enter the sterile area or maintain proper airport security even while that is the core job of TSA yet TSA apparently has enough manpower to do these Terminal Patrols and Gate Rape screenings which would be unneeded if TSA did the core job they are tasked with.

TSA's ever increasing reach into things that are not part of their mission is troublesome.

On top of all of that TSA as an agency wins the incompetency prize for overall poor performance in the things they do choose to do. Yet instead of fixing the problems they take on tasks that are not related to the TSA mission.

Is that enough to find this practice objectionable?

Bingo. This is exactly what happens with the bdo's here pre-checkpoint

I see some of the overweight clerks walking around DEN, like they own the place. Maybe they are trying to get them some exercise?


If I had been the matron, I would have called the police.

How is that any different than stealing from travelers? Is this even a surprise? Thieves & thugs will always be thieves & thugs, regardless of where they are.

Any TSA employee using his status as a federal employee (doesn't have to be in uniform) for personal gain is guilty of a government ethics violation. I've posted on this subject at length a couple of times before. One of the rules states that a government employee may not use his/her office for personal gain. Jumping ahead in a coffee line, extorting free food & drink, or entering an airline club without being a member are all examples of this rule. If a coffee shop employee offers free coffee or some other perk, the TSA employee may not accept it.

I would be interested in feedback from some of the TSA employees who post here concerning the mandatory ethics training they receive (initial and recurring), particularly if this type of violation is addressed and enforced.

If you see this happen, report the individual using the DHS IG hotline. (Search on me and I have posted the particulars many times.) If you have the time & the intestinal fortitude, confront the screening clerk directly and/or go back to the checkpoint and talk to the supervisor. At the end of the conversation, inform them you are going to report this to the IG.

FYI, the government does not make a distinction between a "small or harmless" ethics violation and a "big" one. It either is or isn't.

Here is the source material: U.S. Office of Government Ethics

Ethical conduct of government officials (I am one.) is a HUGE hot button with me, if you haven't already figured that out.

This is excellent advice. Would it be possible to make a "sticky" of the DHS IG information and other related items? Possible thread title: Reporting TSA abuse, waste, ineffectiveness, etc.

I'd be happy to provide the raw materials if one of the mods would like to contact me via PM.

+ 1! As a Fed LEO, I receive mandatory Ethics training every year. I wouldn't dream of jeopardizing my morals or my position to extort a cup of coffee. To quote TSA, "If you see something, say something".

Thanks. I'm happy to wait in line and buy you a cup some day.

These would probably be the same TSOs who pick and choose which rules they want to apply at their discretion.

I'm talking directly about the references to when a passenger brings an approved item through the check point, cites the website rules and is told "Not today it isn't [approved]."

Practicing flexible ethics wouldn't be a far stretch...