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Is that an IED in your pocket, or...
Shocking news from EWR:
An undercover TSA inspector with an improvised explosive device stuffed in his pants got past two security screenings at Newark Airport — including a pat-down — and was cleared to get on board a commercial flight, sources told The Post yesterday. The breach took place Feb. 25, when the Transportation Security Administration’s special operations team — the agency’s version of internal affairs — staged a mock intrusion at the airport. “This episode once again demonstrates how Newark Airport is the Ground Zero of TSA failures,” a source said. The “bomber” was part of the four-person “Red Team” that posed as ticketed passengers and filed through the B1 checkpoint of Terminal B — home of American Airlines, JetBlue and Delta, sources said. With the inert “bomb” stashed somewhere in his pants, he got through the magnetometer undetected at around 11 a.m. He was then pulled aside for a physical screening, and a TSA agent failed to discover the IED and allowed the “bomber” to go to his gate. |
Unfortunately, this probably now gives the TSA more justification to dig deep into genitals as I would bet a sizable sum that the "bomb" was hidden in his crotch.
Hopefully, those who opt out will advise as to whether the pat downs have become more vigorous since this. |
I think the real purpose from tests like this are so TSA can justify mandatory AIT participation, and implement a no opt-out policy. :rolleyes:
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This just serves to ramp up the paranoia in the AFS crowd, especially towards those of us who opt out. Clearly we're trying to smuggle an IED in our pants.
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I agree that this is bad news for fares. I expect that more intrusive and objectionable TSA practices will become the norm, while making us all less safe.
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Originally Posted by petaluma1
(Post 20382624)
Unfortunately, this probably now gives the TSA more justification to dig deep into genitals as I would bet a sizable sum that the "bomb" was hidden in his crotch.
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With the inert “bomb” stashed somewhere in his pants, he got through the magnetometer undetected at around 11 a.m. He was then pulled aside for a physical screening, and a TSA agent failed to discover the IED and allowed the “bomber” to go to his gate. Sounds like a test with a known outcome to me. Just anothe way to force the Strip Search Machines on the public. |
Originally Posted by Boggie Dog
(Post 20382909)
A bit odd that this one person was pulled aside for additional screening. I know that some are pulled aside even when not alarming the WTMD but what are the odds?
Sounds like a test with a known outcome to me. Just anothe way to force the Strip Search Machines on the public. One problem with the MMW machines is that the false positive rate is so high, screeners barely go through the motions of pat downs. I had my front jeans pocket false positive one time - TSO asked if I had anything, so I turned my pocket inside out and he let me go without ever touching me, so I could have had an IED in my pants and they never checked. |
Originally Posted by tev9999
(Post 20383074)
Also possible the media does not know a WTMD from a NOS. Is this terminal at EWR typically WTMD only?
One problem with the MMW machines is that the false positive rate is so high, screeners barely go through the motions of pat downs. I had my front jeans pocket false positive one time - TSO asked if I had anything, so I turned my pocket inside out and he let me go without ever touching me, so I could have had an IED in my pants and they never checked. The Strip Search Machines have been proven to be unreliable in detecting threats and for having false positives. It's just another TSA Boondoggle of buying expensive things without proper prior testing. That is one thing TSA seems good at. |
Coincidental timing? And the test results being released to the press? Really?
Or just in time to halt further removal of the BSX from airports? |
Here's a thought...
Since the puffer machines worked (though they broke often), why not take them back to the lab and tweak them a bit till they work? |
Originally Posted by LV702
(Post 20383637)
Here's a thought...
Since the puffer machines worked (though they broke often), why not take them back to the lab and tweak them a bit till they work? |
I also wonder why TSA released the results of this test.
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Originally Posted by Boggie Dog
(Post 20382909)
A bit odd that this one person was pulled aside for additional screening. I know that some are pulled aside even when not alarming the WTMD but what are the odds?
Originally Posted by chollie
(Post 20383381)
Coincidental timing? And the test results being released to the press? Really?
Originally Posted by LV702
(Post 20383637)
Since the puffer machines worked (though they broke often), why not take them back to the lab and tweak them a bit till they work?
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Originally Posted by Schmurrr
(Post 20384289)
I also wonder why TSA released the results of this test.
1) BSX will be removed (supposedly) by June 1. 2) small knives/walking sticks allowed on flights 3) TSA reports (controlled leak?) that WTMD+grope failed to detect IED 4) Nappy says huge lines will result if sequester holds because US is unable to screen pax with the same (much lower) staffing ratios used in the rest of the world and TSA is unable to cut anywhere else. (Excuse to delay BSX removal?) Put it all together, there's no way the outcome can be good for pax. |
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