TSA screeners at BDL failed to find knife, fake bomb in tests of security
Jan 21, 2003, 10:15 am
#1
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TSA screeners at BDL failed to find knife, fake bomb in tests of security
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Posted in USA Today 1/21/03:
Report: Undercover agents slipped through fake bomb, knife
WINDSOR LOCKS, Conn. (AP) — Federal undercover inspectors slipped through Bradley International Airport security twice with a fake bomb in carry-on luggage, while one agent passed through with a knife taped to her leg, The Hartford Courant reported in Tuesday's editions.
The inspectors were able to smuggle the objects through the new federal baggage screeners at the airport during a surprise security test in November, the newspaper reported, citing airport sources it did not identify.
The fake bomb was loosely modeled on an explosive disguised as a radio that was used to blow up Pan Am 747 over Lockerbie, Scotland, in 1988, the newspaper reported.</font>
Report: Undercover agents slipped through fake bomb, knife
WINDSOR LOCKS, Conn. (AP) — Federal undercover inspectors slipped through Bradley International Airport security twice with a fake bomb in carry-on luggage, while one agent passed through with a knife taped to her leg, The Hartford Courant reported in Tuesday's editions.
The inspectors were able to smuggle the objects through the new federal baggage screeners at the airport during a surprise security test in November, the newspaper reported, citing airport sources it did not identify.
The fake bomb was loosely modeled on an explosive disguised as a radio that was used to blow up Pan Am 747 over Lockerbie, Scotland, in 1988, the newspaper reported.</font>
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">A federal screener at Bradley, speaking on condition of anonymity, questioned the effectiveness of the new screening system, The Courant reported.
"We're good at taking away scissors and tweezers from little old ladies, and pocket knives from 80-year-old men going to Florida," the screener said. "But when it comes to the real deal, quite frankly, I don't know that we're any better than the former screeners."</font>
"We're good at taking away scissors and tweezers from little old ladies, and pocket knives from 80-year-old men going to Florida," the screener said. "But when it comes to the real deal, quite frankly, I don't know that we're any better than the former screeners."</font>
And we're collectively paying billions to take away scissors from old ladies and pocket knives from old men. What a pathetic response to such a serious attack. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/frown.gif
Only in America would an act of war breed a zero-tolerance policy from incompetents like Norm Mineta instead of a real improvement in Aviation Security.
But of course, not everyone complains, and your mileage may vary (substantially).
Jan 21, 2003, 10:20 am
#2
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"We're good at taking away scissors and tweezers from little old ladies, and pocket knives from 80-year-old men going to Florida," the screener said. "But when it comes to the real deal, quite frankly, I don't know that we're any better than the former screeners."
I completely agree. It's absolutely pathetic how the TSA continues the Great Pointy Object and Other Non-Credible Weapons Search. Now we get to keep our checked bags unlocked with no one accepting responsibility for them too. Pathetic.
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"Give me Liberty or give me Death." - Patrick Henry
I completely agree. It's absolutely pathetic how the TSA continues the Great Pointy Object and Other Non-Credible Weapons Search. Now we get to keep our checked bags unlocked with no one accepting responsibility for them too. Pathetic.
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"Give me Liberty or give me Death." - Patrick Henry
Jan 21, 2003, 10:36 am
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Here's a link to the Hartford paper with more details:
Harford Courant Article
How nice that the highly paid professionals would steal a cellphone from a passenger. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/frown.gif
"Won't professionalize 'til you federalize." Still a load of crap.
Harford Courant Article
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Back at Bradley, November's failed inspections were not the only recent indication of trouble. The same month, two screeners were arrested and charged with larceny after one allegedly stole a passenger's cellphone and sold it to another for $50.
In early December, a screener was arrested by state police for threatening to "blow up" his checkpoint after losing his temper with a co-worker.
And a third, Christian Rosania, was fired after six months on the job after TSA officials said he failed to acknowledge a misdemeanor sexual assault conviction from 1992 on his job application. Rosania claims he did acknowledge the conviction and has filed a lawsuit for wrongful termination.</font>
In early December, a screener was arrested by state police for threatening to "blow up" his checkpoint after losing his temper with a co-worker.
And a third, Christian Rosania, was fired after six months on the job after TSA officials said he failed to acknowledge a misdemeanor sexual assault conviction from 1992 on his job application. Rosania claims he did acknowledge the conviction and has filed a lawsuit for wrongful termination.</font>
"Won't professionalize 'til you federalize." Still a load of crap.
Jan 21, 2003, 10:49 am
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The more of this I read, the more inclined I am to conclude that the whole security deal is purely P.R. But I really fear that the heads of this operation sincerely believe that this all makes sense!
I'm still for removing all passenger screening and having one or two marshalls on every plane - arming them or not is another discussion. This would not require great expense if specially trained police on a volunteer (fly for free) basis were recruited. While I'm very cyncial about law enforcement in general - certainly we could try to recruit and train some great marshalls - who, in a pinch could help out with safety on the planes.
I'm still for removing all passenger screening and having one or two marshalls on every plane - arming them or not is another discussion. This would not require great expense if specially trained police on a volunteer (fly for free) basis were recruited. While I'm very cyncial about law enforcement in general - certainly we could try to recruit and train some great marshalls - who, in a pinch could help out with safety on the planes.
Jan 21, 2003, 11:10 am
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<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by RS:
The more of this I read, the more inclined I am to conclude that the whole security deal is purely P.R. But I really fear that the heads of this operation sincerely believe that this all makes sense!
I'm still for removing all passenger screening and having one or two marshalls on every plane - arming them or not is another discussion. This would not require great expense if specially trained police on a volunteer (fly for free) basis were recruited. While I'm very cyncial about law enforcement in general - certainly we could try to recruit and train some great marshalls - who, in a pinch could help out with safety on the planes.</font>
The more of this I read, the more inclined I am to conclude that the whole security deal is purely P.R. But I really fear that the heads of this operation sincerely believe that this all makes sense!
I'm still for removing all passenger screening and having one or two marshalls on every plane - arming them or not is another discussion. This would not require great expense if specially trained police on a volunteer (fly for free) basis were recruited. While I'm very cyncial about law enforcement in general - certainly we could try to recruit and train some great marshalls - who, in a pinch could help out with safety on the planes.</font>
But if you clear that relatively non-intrusive search (like we have had for 30 years now), and you are not a potential terrorist (which TSA is not even trying to determine now), then I say you are free to go without further delay.
What is frustrating is the pointless Search for Many Innocuous Sharp and Pointy Objects, and the attendant slow-down in the checkpoints while screeners search for them.
If it's true that you get what you pay for, I'm not sure I want volunteer marshals taking up seats on the plane (unless they pay for their seats).
Since September, 2001, several times I've been seated in aisle seats in F even though my BP says WINDOW at the request of the flight crew. Not so often lately, but everyone on board now knows the drill. All pax are now volunteer marshals.
Jan 21, 2003, 11:15 am
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Have I mentioned how much safer I feel now that the TSA has taken over security at airports!?!?! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/mad.gif
They are stealing cell phones and people wonder why we don't like our belongings out of our sight! The next time I am pulled aside for a random wand harrassment when I didn't set the detector off, I intend to demand my belongings be brought within sight while it is done.
A government agency that monitors itself and does not have to make public that information. Total BS!
They are stealing cell phones and people wonder why we don't like our belongings out of our sight! The next time I am pulled aside for a random wand harrassment when I didn't set the detector off, I intend to demand my belongings be brought within sight while it is done.
A government agency that monitors itself and does not have to make public that information. Total BS!
Jan 21, 2003, 11:36 am
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<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by FWAAA:
I respectfully disagree. I'm still in favor of metal detectors to find guns and large knives and x-raying your carry-on to see if you have the same (or a bomb).
But if you clear that relatively non-intrusive search (like we have had for 30 years now), and you are not a potential terrorist (which TSA is not even trying to determine now), then I say you are free to go without further delay.
</font>
I respectfully disagree. I'm still in favor of metal detectors to find guns and large knives and x-raying your carry-on to see if you have the same (or a bomb).
But if you clear that relatively non-intrusive search (like we have had for 30 years now), and you are not a potential terrorist (which TSA is not even trying to determine now), then I say you are free to go without further delay.
</font>
Jan 21, 2003, 11:40 am
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<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by FWAAA:
Since September, 2001, several times I've been seated in aisle seats in F even though my BP says WINDOW at the request of the flight crew. Not so often lately, but everyone on board now knows the drill. All pax are now volunteer marshals.</font>
Since September, 2001, several times I've been seated in aisle seats in F even though my BP says WINDOW at the request of the flight crew. Not so often lately, but everyone on board now knows the drill. All pax are now volunteer marshals.</font>
Jan 21, 2003, 12:33 pm
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<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by tazi:
Have I mentioned how much safer I feel now that the TSA has taken over security at airports!?!?! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/mad.gif
They are stealing cell phones and people wonder why we don't like our belongings out of our sight! The next time I am pulled aside for a random wand harrassment when I didn't set the detector off, I intend to demand my belongings be brought within sight while it is done.
A government agency that monitors itself and does not have to make public that information. Total BS! </font>
Have I mentioned how much safer I feel now that the TSA has taken over security at airports!?!?! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/mad.gif
They are stealing cell phones and people wonder why we don't like our belongings out of our sight! The next time I am pulled aside for a random wand harrassment when I didn't set the detector off, I intend to demand my belongings be brought within sight while it is done.
A government agency that monitors itself and does not have to make public that information. Total BS! </font>
Jan 21, 2003, 1:39 pm
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<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by tsadude:
Don't get me wrong, but the TSA was at BWI 4 ever because of the quality of people not found fit for this work. These "screeners" were stealing from each others purses in the break room. Background checks take some time also, it is not instant. I was at Bradley as a trainer for a week and the new screeners had an attitude there also. I was at Louisville and had no problems there. They were glad to have a decent job with benefits. I think it is a regional thing. The upper east coast is always having problems, but this is thru rumor control. </font>
Don't get me wrong, but the TSA was at BWI 4 ever because of the quality of people not found fit for this work. These "screeners" were stealing from each others purses in the break room. Background checks take some time also, it is not instant. I was at Bradley as a trainer for a week and the new screeners had an attitude there also. I was at Louisville and had no problems there. They were glad to have a decent job with benefits. I think it is a regional thing. The upper east coast is always having problems, but this is thru rumor control. </font>
Jan 21, 2003, 7:22 pm
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<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by RS:
Just out of curiosity, why do you think you were asked to be in aisle. I've never seen this happen. Are you male, tall, or look like a karate expert? I'm just curious, don't be offended by my asking, please.</font>
Just out of curiosity, why do you think you were asked to be in aisle. I've never seen this happen. Are you male, tall, or look like a karate expert? I'm just curious, don't be offended by my asking, please.</font>
I'm tall, somewhat ugly, an elite member of AA for many years now, and look like I enjoy killing with my bare hands just for the hell of it. I'm guessing that has influenced some of my seating reassignments. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif
This happened more often in the six months following September 11 than in the past 10 months or so.
Jan 21, 2003, 8:27 pm
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With this seeming to be the norm (weapons getting through checkpoints), why do we continue to go through the efforts hassling the good people? I just don't get it.
Jan 21, 2003, 8:51 pm
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<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by NoStressHere:
With this seeming to be the norm (weapons getting through checkpoints), why do we continue to go through the efforts hassling the good people? I just don't get it.</font>
With this seeming to be the norm (weapons getting through checkpoints), why do we continue to go through the efforts hassling the good people? I just don't get it.</font>
If prisons can't eliminate contraband, why try so bloody hard at the airport?
Short Answer? Small-minded "Gotta Do Something" Norm Mineta.
Jan 21, 2003, 8:56 pm
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<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by tsadude:
The theft part. </font>
The theft part. </font>
Honest, innocent citizens are being subjected to this crap. The law might say it is allowable, but every part of me is screaming that this is not what our country represents and I will fight it every time I am subjected to it.