Originally Posted by petaluma1 (Post 29721175)

I have often read of the claim that terrorists are testing and probing security on a daily basis, but IIRC, that claim has always come from individuals who claim to be screeners and it makes me wonder if they are fed such propaganda during training or at their daily briefings. It doesn't seem quite believable that after a decade of daily testing and probing there hasn't been a successful attack, especially in light of TSA's failure rate.

As for exaggerating the threat, it's not only TSA that does so but also the security-industrial complex. Security has become a cash cow for so many (think Chertoff) that they are not going to give it up willingly.

Originally Posted by Boggie Dog (Post 29719999)

Pekoske's remarks

We can no longer focus only on preventing the bad guys from getting into the secure area of an airport. More and more we must focus on both sides of the checkpoint and in the public areas where airport and surface transportation systems intersect. We face ambitious adversaries who are continuously looking for a point of attack and waiting for their opportunity. Our job is to make sure they never have that opportunity.

Originally Posted by petaluma1 (Post 29721450)

I couldn't open Sai's link above, highlighted the parts that TSA redacted. I think this is what that link contains:

Originally Posted by Boggie Dog (Post 29721604)

Saying that terrorist are always testing and probing is TSA's mantra from the front office down to the newest employee. If TSA's screening failure rates are somewhere between 60 to 90% then terrorist success rates would be very high if an operation was attempted.

Regardless, TSA does claim that commercial aviation is under constant watch and testing by terrorists. Shouldn't TSA screening policies reflect those concerns? By not applying all policies equally to passengers and workers TSA is either lying about the threat or placing the public at risk.

Originally Posted by saizai (Post 29721967)

That says "looking" and "waiting". Not actually "testing" or "probing" in any active way whatsoever.

Originally Posted by Boggie Dog (Post 29758206)

TSA continues proving TSA Style Security is just an expensive show for travelers.

one of the suspects said he could transport guns via commercial airlines

Fed's at DFW arrest 10 airport workers who schemed with undercover agents to transport meth across the country. where it really gets concerning is plans to ship guns and explosives.





I have to wonder, TSA started the SHOE CARNIVAL after one failed attempt, small electronics have to be removed for no reason, and LGA's over 100 ml are prohibited over a rumor of a plan. All senseless demands on travelers that offer little to no security benefit. Yet there have been many cases of airport workers violating security requirements, smuggling guns, and other contraband inside the secure area yet TSA has failed to require screening of airport workers.

What will it take, a gunfight on board a plane, an explosion in flight, or some other horrible event?

TSA, we're not safer with them.

Originally Posted by Boggie Dog (Post 29758206)

I have to wonder, TSA started the SHOE CARNIVAL after one failed attempt, small electronics have to be removed for no reason, and LGA's over 100 ml are prohibited over a rumor of a plan.

Originally Posted by JamesBigglesworth (Post 29762855)

[emp added]

For the sake of accuracy, the electronics one stems from the ink jet cartridges incident out of.... Egypt/Sudan(?). It' still pointless, but it does have a "cause".

Originally Posted by Boggie Dog (Post 29763027)

Weren't those items being shipped as cargo. And I think it was laser toner cartridges.

Originally Posted by JamesBigglesworth (Post 29762855)

[emp added]

For the sake of accuracy, the electronics one stems from the ink jet cartridges incident out of.... Egypt/Sudan(?). It' still pointless, but it does have a "cause".

Originally Posted by JamesBigglesworth (Post 29763181)

Yup. Commercial cargo that went as cargo on scheduled pax service. Not sure about the form (laser vs ink jet), but the event was the trigger used to justify the change to electronics screening. Of note, as usual, is that the change actually implemented had little/nothing to do with the actual event.

Originally Posted by petaluma1 (Post 29763805)

The event you mentioned happened years ago, didn't it? The intense interest in "small electronics" began a year ago with basically a rumor that terrorists were capable of packing explosives into laptop computers. The fact that it took TSA a year to implement new screening practices for electronics (and granola bars/gummie bears/Jordan almonds) says to me that it's not a huge concern.

Originally Posted by WillCAD (Post 29779750)

Sure, but the whole "bomb in a laptop" carp has been around for years.

Originally Posted by saizai (Post 29781887)

Correction: every ordinary laptop is a bomb.

Obligatory: https://xkcd.com/651/
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...44a194625c.png

Originally Posted by WillCAD (Post 29782938)

Thanks, Sai. I have two laptops and a number of other LIon batteries in my home. I don't think I'll ever sleep soundly again...