IAD TSA can't recognize a Flashlight
 

Well, I got picked for a full screening today because of my flashlight! :mad:
I carry a small metal INOVA 5 LED 65 Lumen flashlight in my briefcase (and have for 2 years). But today, I get a screener that alerts on it, so they tear my briefcase apart... claiming I have a "device" in it... The woman finally locates the flashlight, but can't find the button (it's a screw type butt plate with a momentary on, which I had unscrewed to make sure it doesn't come on in the bag). She finally screws it in while looking at the LEDs, it comes on and scares her, so she does one of those "EEEP" sounds and drops it. Of course that brings a crowd- I get hauled over to the side and get the full barrage... They wiped every bag, my shoes, my leather jacket, opened my carry on, and looked through EVERY item. There's a big discussion over the flashlight as it has lithium batteries and is "too bright". Finally, 20 minutes later, my stuff is thrown back in the bag and I'm told I can go. I asked for a complaint form, and get the song and dance that I was not "singled" out... Yeah, right!:mad:
I walk around writing the names of the individuals that were involved, and I get a supervisor who tells me, "If you don't leave I will have you arrested for harassing the officers." What a way to start the day!

Did you ask the super for his name instead? You suffered property damage as a result of their incompetence. You had every right to document it.

I did get his name, but didn't get all of his badge #, but I am documenting all of this and will mail the completed complaint to the FSD, copy to DHS. The flashlight still works, so I can't complain about that :D

Don't know what else to say to you except sorry for the way you were treated. Please make sure it goes directly to the FSD, mark it confiditional, that way it won't get lost. Let me know if I can help. Again, sorry. :(

As if you must be "singled out" for a complaint to be valid :rolleyes: :mad:

The fact that they were clueless, treated you and your property poorly, etc. should be grounds for complaint IMHO (but then again, I know some of the TSA staff at IAD all too well, and they feel that we are all potential Osamas who must be put in our places)

Make sure to point this threat out in your complaint, stating that you wanted to ensure the correct people were identified and that you felt your complaint might not be taken as seriously without this information, which you are (a) entitled to receive; and (b) they tried to cover up / conceal from you. Question the motivation for this!

If a TSAer "eeeks" over a flashlight and triggers that kind of a reaction from evryone else, what does that say about TSA preparedness if an actual bomb came through?

That one is easy! We leave! First we put on those shirts that say "if you see me running, try to keep up!

Thanks Bambi, it was just "one" of those days... sigh... It all goes back to the taking responsibility issue- She screwed up, but "I" was at fault for bringing something in my luggage. 20+ years in the military taught me if you have the responsibility you also have the accountability for your actions, and those of your subordinates. You also have a responsibility to stand up for your folks, AND if they are wrong, you also have the responsibility for making their error right. I'm sorry, but I just don't see this happening in TSA.

I had dinner Friday night with some folks from DHS and CBP, among other things, this subject came up- Our "consensus" was that many in TSA figure time is on their side, e.g. people have flights to catch and are less prone to complain as that takes time; also, pushing people through means people don't have the luxury of going against the push of people to find individuals and get names and numbers. Lastly, the implied threats tend to put people on the defensive and make them weigh whether they "really" want to push the issue and risk arrest.

I don't know why TSA expects battery-powered devices to turn on. If I'm simply transporting something battery powered I will flip a battery if possible to ensure that it doesn't turn on by accident.

Does marking it "confiditional" prevent it from being discombooberated? :D

Again this is more TSA stupidity involving flashlights(see other thread). These people are total idiots. They just don't get it.

Tell us something we don't know! Quite honestly, you are preaching to the choir here. The voting population of the U.S. should hear this story. Better yet would be video, but I imagine that anyone who tried to tape the public aspects of screeing at IAD would be summarily arrested. SSI and all. Finally, Congress needs to be aware of this farcial episode.

That strategy works with a grizzly bear (you don't have to outrun the bear, just the slowest person in the party); however, an actual blast from a bomb would likely kill many people, both TSA personnel and passengers, at a chokepoint, I mean checkpoint.