DEN TSA rigs WBI in order to grope male genitals
Apr 16, 2015, 11:11 am
#91
Join Date: May 2011
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(Both times, the STSOs were reassigned very soom thereafter. Coincidence? I certainly made sure that all around me knew what was going on during the entire process -- even got comments of sympathy from TSOs during subsequent excursions through the same checkpoints about the situation.)
In one case, the STSO was enjoying the process, humming and whistling to himself. The TSO "observing" seemed uncomfortable with the entire situation. I formally complained to TSA about this situation, especially the STSO's behavior. TSA gave me the standard "no-response/no-followup" response. Also complained to my legislators, who sent me form letters about the importance of protecting the public (forget about protecting the Constitution and citizens).
These two incidents, along with many other encounters with TSA's "finest' during the past 4.5 years since the implementation of the grope/NOSs, have firmly colored my opinion about the TSA and cemented even more firmly my opinion of my government. And they also have resulted in me almost NEVER flying my family anywhere, even when I can arrange an itinerary that involves traversing only through WTMD-only checkpoints -- I just do NOT trust the TSA's "representatives" to keep their hands off my wife, children, and grandchildren.
Apr 16, 2015, 11:32 am
#92
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: DFW
Posts: 28,113
Sad to say, both times I ended up going into the room after 10 minutes of haggling and asking for public inspection. Both times, it took me over 40 minutes to clear security. Both times, my carryon bags were completely emptied and all contents swabbed. Both times, it was a false ETD alarm that triggered the event. Both times, the STSO was arrogant and rude.
(Both times, the STSOs were reassigned very soom thereafter. Coincidence? I certainly made sure that all around me knew what was going on during the entire process -- even got comments of sympathy from TSOs during subsequent excursions through the same checkpoints about the situation.)
In one case, the STSO was enjoying the process, humming and whistling to himself. The TSO "observing" seemed uncomfortable with the entire situation. I formally complained to TSA about this situation, especially the STSO's behavior. TSA gave me the standard "no-response/no-followup" response. Also complained to my legislators, who sent me form letters about the importance of protecting the public (forget about protecting the Constitution and citizens).
These two incidents, along with many other encounters with TSA's "finest' during the past 4.5 years since the implementation of the grope/NOSs, have firmly colored my opinion about the TSA and cemented even more firmly my opinion of my government. And they also have resulted in me almost NEVER flying my family anywhere, even when I can arrange an itinerary that involves traversing only through WTMD-only checkpoints -- I just do NOT trust the TSA's "representatives" to keep their hands off my wife, children, and grandchildren.
(Both times, the STSOs were reassigned very soom thereafter. Coincidence? I certainly made sure that all around me knew what was going on during the entire process -- even got comments of sympathy from TSOs during subsequent excursions through the same checkpoints about the situation.)
In one case, the STSO was enjoying the process, humming and whistling to himself. The TSO "observing" seemed uncomfortable with the entire situation. I formally complained to TSA about this situation, especially the STSO's behavior. TSA gave me the standard "no-response/no-followup" response. Also complained to my legislators, who sent me form letters about the importance of protecting the public (forget about protecting the Constitution and citizens).
These two incidents, along with many other encounters with TSA's "finest' during the past 4.5 years since the implementation of the grope/NOSs, have firmly colored my opinion about the TSA and cemented even more firmly my opinion of my government. And they also have resulted in me almost NEVER flying my family anywhere, even when I can arrange an itinerary that involves traversing only through WTMD-only checkpoints -- I just do NOT trust the TSA's "representatives" to keep their hands off my wife, children, and grandchildren.
As well you should. TSA screeners have proven, time and time again, to not be trustworthy. The Denver deal is just one more case of TSA screwups.
Apr 16, 2015, 12:43 pm
#93
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2012
Posts: 3,526
Sad to say, both times I ended up going into the room after 10 minutes of haggling and asking for public inspection. Both times, it took me over 40 minutes to clear security. Both times, my carryon bags were completely emptied and all contents swabbed. Both times, it was a false ETD alarm that triggered the event. Both times, the STSO was arrogant and rude.
(Both times, the STSOs were reassigned very soom thereafter. Coincidence? I certainly made sure that all around me knew what was going on during the entire process -- even got comments of sympathy from TSOs during subsequent excursions through the same checkpoints about the situation.)
In one case, the STSO was enjoying the process, humming and whistling to himself. The TSO "observing" seemed uncomfortable with the entire situation. I formally complained to TSA about this situation, especially the STSO's behavior. TSA gave me the standard "no-response/no-followup" response. Also complained to my legislators, who sent me form letters about the importance of protecting the public (forget about protecting the Constitution and citizens).
These two incidents, along with many other encounters with TSA's "finest' during the past 4.5 years since the implementation of the grope/NOSs, have firmly colored my opinion about the TSA and cemented even more firmly my opinion of my government. And they also have resulted in me almost NEVER flying my family anywhere, even when I can arrange an itinerary that involves traversing only through WTMD-only checkpoints -- I just do NOT trust the TSA's "representatives" to keep their hands off my wife, children, and grandchildren.
(Both times, the STSOs were reassigned very soom thereafter. Coincidence? I certainly made sure that all around me knew what was going on during the entire process -- even got comments of sympathy from TSOs during subsequent excursions through the same checkpoints about the situation.)
In one case, the STSO was enjoying the process, humming and whistling to himself. The TSO "observing" seemed uncomfortable with the entire situation. I formally complained to TSA about this situation, especially the STSO's behavior. TSA gave me the standard "no-response/no-followup" response. Also complained to my legislators, who sent me form letters about the importance of protecting the public (forget about protecting the Constitution and citizens).
These two incidents, along with many other encounters with TSA's "finest' during the past 4.5 years since the implementation of the grope/NOSs, have firmly colored my opinion about the TSA and cemented even more firmly my opinion of my government. And they also have resulted in me almost NEVER flying my family anywhere, even when I can arrange an itinerary that involves traversing only through WTMD-only checkpoints -- I just do NOT trust the TSA's "representatives" to keep their hands off my wife, children, and grandchildren.
At one of the airports where I worked, it was common for screeners to
impose additional screening and/or try to make passengers miss their
flights if the passenger made them feel disrespected or requested
special treatment -- for instance, asking for hand inspection of
medication or camera film. This was colloquially referred to as
"passenger education" -- i.e., we'll teach them not to do that again.
Supervisors were complicit in this, although we were warned not to admit
it if any of the higher-ups questioned our behavior. We were told to
simply say we were doing random screening, or had noticed something
suspicious that required investigation.
Incidentally, having worked briefly for the TSA twice, this article doesn't surprise me at all.
impose additional screening and/or try to make passengers miss their
flights if the passenger made them feel disrespected or requested
special treatment -- for instance, asking for hand inspection of
medication or camera film. This was colloquially referred to as
"passenger education" -- i.e., we'll teach them not to do that again.
Supervisors were complicit in this, although we were warned not to admit
it if any of the higher-ups questioned our behavior. We were told to
simply say we were doing random screening, or had noticed something
suspicious that required investigation.
Incidentally, having worked briefly for the TSA twice, this article doesn't surprise me at all.
~~
From Jason Harrington, former TSA screener:
http://time.com/3822487/tsa-sexual-assault-denver/
Apr 16, 2015, 2:35 pm
#94
Join Date: May 2011
Programs: Delta Diamond Medallion 1MM, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Gold, National Car Executive Elite
Posts: 550
QUOTE: At one of the airports where I worked, it was common for screeners to
impose additional screening and/or try to make passengers miss their
flights if the passenger made them feel disrespected or requested
special treatment -- for instance, asking for hand inspection of
medication or camera film. This was colloquially referred to as
"passenger education" -- i.e., we'll teach them not to do that again.
Supervisors were complicit in this, although we were warned not to admit
it if any of the higher-ups questioned our behavior. We were told to
simply say we were doing random screening, or had noticed something
suspicious that required investigation.
impose additional screening and/or try to make passengers miss their
flights if the passenger made them feel disrespected or requested
special treatment -- for instance, asking for hand inspection of
medication or camera film. This was colloquially referred to as
"passenger education" -- i.e., we'll teach them not to do that again.
Supervisors were complicit in this, although we were warned not to admit
it if any of the higher-ups questioned our behavior. We were told to
simply say we were doing random screening, or had noticed something
suspicious that required investigation.
Apr 17, 2015, 6:09 am
#95
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: An NPR mind living in a Fox News world
Posts: 14,165
What If We Did an Opt-Out Day at DEN?
Given all of this in the news and the scumbags involved, I think the ultimate form of protest & harassment would be to hold an Opt-Out Day at DEN. Imagine if everyone opted out and had to be groped in public while someone else filmed it? Imagine if all of the PreCheck extortionees refused to go through PreCheck and also opted out? The lines would be out the door and every clerk would have to participate in the gropings. Wished I was flying through DEN soon.
Apr 17, 2015, 6:19 am
#96
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: An NPR mind living in a Fox News world
Posts: 14,165
DEN Sexual Assault: Melvin The Singer Responds
http://blog.tsa.gov/2015/04/disturbi...in-denver.html
He called it a "disturbing incident..."
It's also clear that he wrote it for his own clerkforce's consumption.
He called it a "disturbing incident..."
It's also clear that he wrote it for his own clerkforce's consumption.
Apr 17, 2015, 6:32 am
#97
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Under the Cone of Silence
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Posts: 1,499
Interesting that the standard
"The actions of a few individuals in no way reflects upon the 50,000+ employees..."
boilerplate was now replaced with:
"This blatant violation of public trust by two individuals has significantly tarnished TSA’s reputation. Think about it – in an agency that employs more than 50,000 people, the irresponsible and potentially illegal behavior of just one or two reckless employees can severely and negatively impact the operational effectiveness of everyone else committed to carrying out our vital national security mission."
"The actions of a few individuals in no way reflects upon the 50,000+ employees..."
boilerplate was now replaced with:
"This blatant violation of public trust by two individuals has significantly tarnished TSA’s reputation. Think about it – in an agency that employs more than 50,000 people, the irresponsible and potentially illegal behavior of just one or two reckless employees can severely and negatively impact the operational effectiveness of everyone else committed to carrying out our vital national security mission."
Apr 17, 2015, 7:07 am
#98
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: An NPR mind living in a Fox News world
Posts: 14,165
Interesting that the standard
"The actions of a few individuals in no way reflects upon the 50,000+ employees..."
boilerplate was now replaced with:
"This blatant violation of public trust by two individuals has significantly tarnished TSA’s reputation. Think about it – in an agency that employs more than 50,000 people, the irresponsible and potentially illegal behavior of just one or two reckless employees can severely and negatively impact the operational effectiveness of everyone else committed to carrying out our vital national security mission."
"The actions of a few individuals in no way reflects upon the 50,000+ employees..."
boilerplate was now replaced with:
"This blatant violation of public trust by two individuals has significantly tarnished TSA’s reputation. Think about it – in an agency that employs more than 50,000 people, the irresponsible and potentially illegal behavior of just one or two reckless employees can severely and negatively impact the operational effectiveness of everyone else committed to carrying out our vital national security mission."
Apr 17, 2015, 7:09 am
#99
Join Date: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,657
Interesting that the standard
"The actions of a few individuals in no way reflects upon the 50,000+ employees..."
boilerplate was now replaced with:
"This blatant violation of public trust by two individuals has significantly tarnished TSA’s reputation. Think about it – in an agency that employs more than 50,000 people, the irresponsible and potentially illegal behavior of just one or two reckless employees can severely and negatively impact the operational effectiveness of everyone else committed to carrying out our vital national security mission."
"The actions of a few individuals in no way reflects upon the 50,000+ employees..."
boilerplate was now replaced with:
"This blatant violation of public trust by two individuals has significantly tarnished TSA’s reputation. Think about it – in an agency that employs more than 50,000 people, the irresponsible and potentially illegal behavior of just one or two reckless employees can severely and negatively impact the operational effectiveness of everyone else committed to carrying out our vital national security mission."
On the whole, I think the statement is really good. It doesn't attempt to deflect blame; it specifically praises the whistleblower as "the lone bright spot" in the whole incident. Other than not allowing the incident to have occurred in the first place, this seems to be an appropriate response.
Apr 17, 2015, 7:32 am
#100
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 33
Why should I trust ANYONE who wears one of your phony cop uniforms? As far as I'm concerned every single one of you is a creep who's abusing their power to commit sexual assault. Why else would you be taking naked pictures of people and rubbing their genitals for a living?
Apr 17, 2015, 7:33 am
#101
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2012
Posts: 3,526
Actually ... I can't remember the last time I saw a TSA statement that used the former boilerplate. I think someone in TSA's hierarchy has finally understood that the actions of a few, in fact, do reflect on everyone else.
On the whole, I think the statement is really good. It doesn't attempt to deflect blame; it specifically praises the whistleblower as "the lone bright spot" in the whole incident. Other than not allowing the incident to have occurred in the first place, this seems to be an appropriate response.
On the whole, I think the statement is really good. It doesn't attempt to deflect blame; it specifically praises the whistleblower as "the lone bright spot" in the whole incident. Other than not allowing the incident to have occurred in the first place, this seems to be an appropriate response.
Apr 17, 2015, 7:57 am
#102
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Under the Cone of Silence
Programs: UA Gold; AA Dirt; HH Diamond; National Emerald; CONTROL SecretAgent Platinum; KAOS EvilFlyer Gold
Posts: 1,499
While potentially promising, it remains to be seen if this is a one-off, or an actual longer term change.
Apr 17, 2015, 8:05 am
#103
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Under the Cone of Silence
Programs: UA Gold; AA Dirt; HH Diamond; National Emerald; CONTROL SecretAgent Platinum; KAOS EvilFlyer Gold
Posts: 1,499
Actually ... I can't remember the last time I saw a TSA statement that used the former boilerplate. I think someone in TSA's hierarchy has finally understood that the actions of a few, in fact, do reflect on everyone else.
On the whole, I think the statement is really good. It doesn't attempt to deflect blame; it specifically praises the whistleblower as "the lone bright spot" in the whole incident. Other than not allowing the incident to have occurred in the first place, this seems to be an appropriate response.
On the whole, I think the statement is really good. It doesn't attempt to deflect blame; it specifically praises the whistleblower as "the lone bright spot" in the whole incident. Other than not allowing the incident to have occurred in the first place, this seems to be an appropriate response.
Apr 17, 2015, 8:20 am
#104
Join Date: May 2011
Programs: Delta Diamond Medallion 1MM, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Gold, National Car Executive Elite
Posts: 550
Given all of this in the news and the scumbags involved, I think the ultimate form of protest & harassment would be to hold an Opt-Out Day at DEN. Imagine if everyone opted out and had to be groped in public while someone else filmed it? Imagine if all of the PreCheck extortionees refused to go through PreCheck and also opted out? The lines would be out the door and every clerk would have to participate in the gropings. Wished I was flying through DEN soon.
Apr 17, 2015, 8:31 am
#105
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: An NPR mind living in a Fox News world
Posts: 14,165
You could start the encounter by asking the clerk in a loud enough voice to be heard by those around you: "What gender to you have it set to?" I may say that at Dulles on Monday morning.