Proposed changes to TSA under Trump
Apr 4, 2017, 1:36 pm
#46
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While I generally agree with what you're saying the bolded part isn't quite accurate. Officers acting under the TSA umbrella have a different set of rules than local LEOs. This is why when the TSA/VIPR teams have showed up at NYC subways the cops are often there next to them. TSA members have the authority to stop anyone and search them & their belongings if the person is within the transportation system where as a police officer can stop, question and if the person is proceeding to enter the turnstiles a bag can be searched but the physical person cannot be searched unless the officer has reasonable suspicion of a crime just like on the street.
This "limitation", aka civil protection, of local LEOs is a good thing but TSA isn't restricted in this manner and should be the standard but then the feds power grabbers and those that make money off the TSA wouldn't be happy.
I definitely think the BDO & VIPR defunding is good but the funding of airport police needs to be thoroughly thought out before implementation to assure holes don't pop up.
This "limitation", aka civil protection, of local LEOs is a good thing but TSA isn't restricted in this manner and should be the standard but then the feds power grabbers and those that make money off the TSA wouldn't be happy.
I definitely think the BDO & VIPR defunding is good but the funding of airport police needs to be thoroughly thought out before implementation to assure holes don't pop up.
Funding for TSA and local police operations are two completely different matters.
TSA is funded through the federal budget process. Only two TSA functions are being discussed, ending BDO and VIPR operations. Apparently the BDO program has already been terminated by TSA. VIPR functions are conducted for the most part by FAM's who aren't flying for some reason. Since FAM's qualify for Federal Law Enforcement Availability Pay, 25% of their salary, I think VIPR operations are a waste of manpower. Local police can easily fill this function if this is even needed.
Funding for airport police operations is another matter. Currently a combination of local and apparently some federal dollars are being used for this. The administration is suggesting ending federal grants for local airport police operations.
I, and I realize I am a minority on this point, think doing all three is a positive step.
TSA is funded through the federal budget process. Only two TSA functions are being discussed, ending BDO and VIPR operations. Apparently the BDO program has already been terminated by TSA. VIPR functions are conducted for the most part by FAM's who aren't flying for some reason. Since FAM's qualify for Federal Law Enforcement Availability Pay, 25% of their salary, I think VIPR operations are a waste of manpower. Local police can easily fill this function if this is even needed.
Funding for airport police operations is another matter. Currently a combination of local and apparently some federal dollars are being used for this. The administration is suggesting ending federal grants for local airport police operations.
I, and I realize I am a minority on this point, think doing all three is a positive step.
Apr 4, 2017, 1:41 pm
#47
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Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: DFW
Posts: 28,113
While I generally agree with what you're saying the bolded part isn't quite accurate. Officers acting under the TSA umbrella have a different set of rules than local LEOs. This is why when the TSA/VIPR teams have showed up at NYC subways the cops are often there next to them. TSA members have the authority to stop anyone and search them & their belongings if the person is within the transportation system where as a police officer can stop, question and if the person is proceeding to enter the turnstiles a bag can be searched but the physical person cannot be searched unless the officer has reasonable suspicion of a crime just like on the street.
This "limitation", aka civil protection, of local LEOs is a good thing but TSA isn't restricted in this manner and should be the standard but then the feds power grabbers and those that make money off the TSA wouldn't be happy.
I definitely like the BDO & VIPR defunding is good but the funding of airport police needs to be thoroughly thought out before implementation to assure holes don't pop up.
This "limitation", aka civil protection, of local LEOs is a good thing but TSA isn't restricted in this manner and should be the standard but then the feds power grabbers and those that make money off the TSA wouldn't be happy.
I definitely like the BDO & VIPR defunding is good but the funding of airport police needs to be thoroughly thought out before implementation to assure holes don't pop up.
Apr 4, 2017, 1:42 pm
#48
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Apr 4, 2017, 2:02 pm
#49
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Apr 4, 2017, 2:41 pm
#51
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Section 107 summed things up fairly well. Airport revenue from its various sources takes care of most airport LEO needs.