So I'm hanging around the lobby at SMF, waiting to pick up a friend who is flying in from ORD. He's a private pilot and we're going to fly over to Napa for dinner in the evening if the weather holds - which it didn't as it turned out but oh well.

I've got my trusty Briggs & Riley computer bag with me just in case he's delayed so I can get some work done. I'm standing against the wall over by the gift shop. I go into the shop and buy a soda, when I come out I'm "spotted". In retrospect I remember seeing this guy staring at me earlier.

Here's the gist of the conversation:

Spot: Excuse me, sir.
Me: Yes, can I help you?
Spot (points at computer bag): What kind of bag is that?
Me: Why do you ask? Are you looking to buy one?
Spot: Just asking, that's all. Are you flying today?
Me: Yes. (which was a true statement - just not on an airline, that's all)
Spot: Where to?
Me: Why do you want to know? I don't know you.
Spot (a bit flustered, pulls out an ID): I'm with the TSA.
Me: That's nice. But you haven't answered my question.
Spot: Just a security check.
Me: Sorry, but I refuse to answer your questions.

Right about then a couple of Sacramento County sheriff's deputies assigned to SMF walk by so Spot calls them over.

Spot: He refuses to answer my questions about his travels today.
Deputy 1: Is that true?
Me: Yes sir.
Deputy 2: Do you mind telling me why?
Me: Because what I am doing in a public place is none of his business and unless I happen to be flying out of this airport then I'm not talking to him.
Spot (in an accusing tone of voice): You said you were flying today.
Deputy 2: Well?
Me: That is true. I am flying today. On a private plane. From Sacramento Executive airport, not here. I'm here waiting to meet an arriving passenger on the Chicago flight. The TSA guy asked me if I was flying today. I answered yes, because I didn't want to be accused of lying to a federal agent. It's his fault for not asking the right questions, not mine.
Deputy 1 chuckles.
Deputy 2 pulls Spot aside and they have an animated conversation. Spot walks away, goes up the escalators towards airside.
Deputy 2: Sorry for the inconvenience sir. Please go about your business.
Me: Appreciate your service. Thanks and be safe.

I return to my "spot" on the wall.

Awesome job. ^ ^ ^

Could you heard what the deputy was saying to Spot? Maybe go lie down?

The only other thing I would have said is when he pulled out the ID: "I'm sorry sir. How do I know that's real? Can I borrow your blacklight and loop to verify the ID?"

in a true hockey salute fashion-slapping my stick on the ice several times and then raising it high in your direction. outstanding job! ^^^

^

Now if the American traveling public could grow a set like our El Cochinito , the TSA would be a bad memory in no time.

Well done!

Honestly, I'd take a SSSS to know what the deputy said to the screener

How about, "Go back upstairs and quit harassing people down here!" Well, we can only hope.

I couldn't hear what was said and conversation only lasted maybe half a minute tops. Spot walked off without even giving me a glance.

To the op, I just spit my drink all over the place. Way to go. I love it,

Wonder if this brave, heroic act by the TSAer will make it to the TSA website.

BDO Prevents Distrurbed Man From Damaging Aircraft
SACRAMENTO - A BDO observed a very agitated individual near the security checkpoint at SMF today. Using his advanced behavioral detection skills the BDO deemed the disturbed man to be a potential threat to the airport, passengers and aircraft. The BDO requested backup from two Sacramento County Sherrif's deputies who were totally clueless to the imminent threat right under their noses. Using his powers as a federal officer, the BDO "federalized" the duputies and had them escort the criminaly insane man to a detention center. The detained cyberterrorist is #3 on the INTERPOL most wanted list and only speaks Farsi, had 3 forged passports, an unusually large sum of cash (>$300), a 20oz bottle of a dangerous liquid and a non-RealID compliant driver license from New Mexico--a state known for issuing driver licenses to illegal aliens. Further subtle probing by the heroic BDO got "The Catch" to admit to his drug smuggling operations, running the biggest offshore gambling-kiddie porn-secret banking website, owning The Pirate Bay and the assasination of Jimmy Hoffa thus closing 70% of the nation's cold case files. The BDO will receive a promotion and lateral transfer to become the new Western Hemisphere SAIC/Deputy Director of the Secret Service.

How ironic! I was at SMF today, flying to DCA (early this morning - went through security at 8:15) and the whole process from start to finish was smooth - quick lines, quick ID checking (including blacklights, for the first time), all X-RAY lanes open, and some friendly TSA people.

I didn't know that they were into the SPOT business... they sure didn't seem like it... but then again since I'm Deaf I don't hear a lot of what's going on.

El Cochinito, was the TSO in street clothes or in a TSA uniform? From your description, it sounds like the former.

If a TSO actually did that (whipped out credentials and announced their affiliation) I would have started laughing. Are they trying to mimic FBI raids from movies?

He was in street clothes, what I'd describe as "business casual".

I was laughing inside because the guy was so inept. Now I'm wondering if this was a real spot or just somebody trying to expand his mission with some extracurricular experience.

The bummer was that you ultimately disclosed everything you were doing to the cop. However, I must say that you handled the SPOTnik in an extraordinary fashion. They are completely amateurish, and add absolutely nothing to the legitimate counteterrorism mission.