SOP discussion
Dec 6, 2009, 1:20 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Florida
Posts: 3,006
SOP discussion
I think we have hijacked Phil's thread enough. Let's put all our SOP discussion here.
Anybody find anything worth redacting?
ADDED News links
http://www.denverpost.com/headlines/ci_13956523
http://blog.taragana.com/n/tsa-scree...xposed-241838/
http://www.11alive.com/news/national...8533&catid=166
http://www.hstoday.us/content/view/11383/149/
http://www.examiner.com/x-10438-Huma...ect-passengers
http://www.israelnationalnews.com/Ne...sh.aspx/176156
http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE5B80IK20091209
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn...l?hpid=topnews
http://www1.whdh.com/news/articles/local/BO131432/
http://www.latimes.com/news/nation-a...,6418033.story
http://indyposted.com/7033/tsa-manua...copy-surfaces/
http://www.examiner.com/x-5426-Inter...-leaked-online
http://blogs.abcnews.com/theworldnew...re-reform.html
http://www.avweb.com/avwebflash/news..._201659-1.html
http://www.cnn.com/2009/TRAVEL/12/08...aining.manual/
http://www.crn.com/security/22200117...PCKHWATMY32JVN
http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.ac...59174697244816
http://www.politicsdaily.com/2009/12...ing-practices/
http://www.computerworld.com/s/artic...cedures_online
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8402909.stm
http://www.statesman.com/blogs/conte...urity_man.html
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/...R3iFgD9CFDD3G0
http://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2009/...7961260315537/
http://www.cleveland.com/business/in..._a_comple.html
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/...n5942088.shtml
http://blogs.federaltimes.com/federa...breach-at-tsa/
http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/op...-78803832.html
http://gothamist.com/2009/12/08/tsa_..._screening.php
http://technologizer.com/2009/12/08/...edures-online/
http://www.itbusinessedge.com/cm/com...info/?cs=37993
http://hotair.com/archives/2009/12/0...ting-security/
http://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/massiv...ory?id=9280503
http://www.smartertravel.com/blogs/t...tml?id=3938369
http://www.myfoxdc.com/dpp/news/tsa-...nternet-120709
http://www.usnews.com/articles/news/...formation.html
http://gawker.com/5420989/the-gawker...-travel-season
http://www.wired.com/threatlevel/2009/12/tsa-leak
http://www.jaunted.com/story/2009/12...umbest+One+Yet
http://www.gadling.com/2009/12/07/ts...t-top-secrect/
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2009/12...edaction_fail/
Anybody find anything worth redacting?
ADDED News links
http://www.denverpost.com/headlines/ci_13956523
http://blog.taragana.com/n/tsa-scree...xposed-241838/
http://www.11alive.com/news/national...8533&catid=166
http://www.hstoday.us/content/view/11383/149/
http://www.examiner.com/x-10438-Huma...ect-passengers
http://www.israelnationalnews.com/Ne...sh.aspx/176156
http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE5B80IK20091209
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn...l?hpid=topnews
http://www1.whdh.com/news/articles/local/BO131432/
http://www.latimes.com/news/nation-a...,6418033.story
http://indyposted.com/7033/tsa-manua...copy-surfaces/
http://www.examiner.com/x-5426-Inter...-leaked-online
http://blogs.abcnews.com/theworldnew...re-reform.html
http://www.avweb.com/avwebflash/news..._201659-1.html
http://www.cnn.com/2009/TRAVEL/12/08...aining.manual/
http://www.crn.com/security/22200117...PCKHWATMY32JVN
http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.ac...59174697244816
http://www.politicsdaily.com/2009/12...ing-practices/
http://www.computerworld.com/s/artic...cedures_online
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8402909.stm
http://www.statesman.com/blogs/conte...urity_man.html
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/...R3iFgD9CFDD3G0
http://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2009/...7961260315537/
http://www.cleveland.com/business/in..._a_comple.html
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/...n5942088.shtml
http://blogs.federaltimes.com/federa...breach-at-tsa/
http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/op...-78803832.html
http://gothamist.com/2009/12/08/tsa_..._screening.php
http://technologizer.com/2009/12/08/...edures-online/
http://www.itbusinessedge.com/cm/com...info/?cs=37993
http://hotair.com/archives/2009/12/0...ting-security/
http://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/massiv...ory?id=9280503
http://www.smartertravel.com/blogs/t...tml?id=3938369
http://www.myfoxdc.com/dpp/news/tsa-...nternet-120709
http://www.usnews.com/articles/news/...formation.html
http://gawker.com/5420989/the-gawker...-travel-season
http://www.wired.com/threatlevel/2009/12/tsa-leak
http://www.jaunted.com/story/2009/12...umbest+One+Yet
http://www.gadling.com/2009/12/07/ts...t-top-secrect/
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2009/12...edaction_fail/
Last edited by Trollkiller; Dec 9, 2009 at 4:36 am Reason: added news links by request
Dec 6, 2009, 1:38 pm
#2
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Florida
Posts: 3,006
Screening location - Each site at which individuals, accessible property, or checked baggage is inspected for the presence of explosives, incendiaries, weapons, or other prohibited items. These include the screening checkpoint or boarding gate where individuals and accessible property are inspected with metal detectors, x-ray machines, and other methods; concourse, lobby, or baggage make-up areas where checked baggage is inspected with an EDS and/or ETD; locations where cargo is inspected; and any other location determined by the FSD.
Dec 6, 2009, 1:45 pm
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Florida
Posts: 3,006
Under the STSO duties why in the world would you redact this?
I mean that is just plain smart. You don't want an untrained person dealing with things that can "bite" them. SSI seriously? Come on.
13) Ensure TSOs do not handle explosives, incendiaries, or weapons if such items are discovered during the screening process.
Dec 6, 2009, 1:49 pm
#4
Join Date: Aug 2004
Programs: Marriott Plat
Posts: 946
Just a quick reminder that the SOP is labeled as SSI, and posting information from it on a public forum might expose you to personal liability. It's unlikely, but certainly possible.
Now... anyone know a reporter who wants a scoop?
Now... anyone know a reporter who wants a scoop?
Dec 6, 2009, 1:54 pm
#5
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Florida
Posts: 3,006
I was deemed not worthy by the TSA as a reporter. Wonder if that will change now.
Dec 6, 2009, 2:15 pm
#7
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: PSM
Posts: 69,232
The bits on all the various classes of passengers exempted from screening are interesting as are the TDC details, like the 12 countries that have required SSSS when their passport is presented at the checkpoint.
Dec 6, 2009, 2:20 pm
#8
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 158
S206 Aviation and Transportation Security Screening Services
Solicitation Number: HSTS05-09-R-SPP061
Amendment 3
Posted Date: March 16, 2009
"SOP NO SSI.pdf" has the SSI warnings deleted
https://www.fbo.gov/index?s=opportun...&cck=1&au=&ck=
I have also copied the S206 Cover page to keep with the SOP
The Screening Contract is also posted in full.
Dec 6, 2009, 2:22 pm
#9
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Houston
Posts: 8,956
So how do you believe that it might expose any of us to personal liability?
Last edited by ND Sol; Dec 6, 2009 at 2:29 pm
Dec 6, 2009, 2:29 pm
#10
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Houston
Posts: 8,956
As I have posted previously,the compete Screening Management SOP is now public information:
S206 Aviation and Transportation Security Screening Services
Solicitation Number: HSTS05-09-R-SPP061
Amendment 3
Posted Date: March 16, 2009
"SOP NO SSI.pdf" has the SSI warnings deleted
https://www.fbo.gov/index?s=opportun...&cck=1&au=&ck=
I have also copied the S206 Cover page to keep with the SOP
The Screening Contract is also posted in full.
S206 Aviation and Transportation Security Screening Services
Solicitation Number: HSTS05-09-R-SPP061
Amendment 3
Posted Date: March 16, 2009
"SOP NO SSI.pdf" has the SSI warnings deleted
https://www.fbo.gov/index?s=opportun...&cck=1&au=&ck=
I have also copied the S206 Cover page to keep with the SOP
The Screening Contract is also posted in full.
Thanks for finding this.
Dec 6, 2009, 2:35 pm
#11
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Florida
Posts: 3,006
Look at 49 CFR Part 1520, which relates to protection and disclosure of SSI. The restrictions concerning the release of SSI contained in Part 1520 only apply to “covered persons.” That definition as set forth in 1520.7 does not include a person in the general public. That was the part that Blogger Bob tried to use for prohibiting photography of the monitors, but a TSA attorney agreed that Part 1520 is inapplicable to the general public.
So how do you believe that it might expose any of us to personal liability?
So how do you believe that it might expose any of us to personal liability?
Dec 6, 2009, 2:36 pm
#12
Join Date: Aug 2004
Programs: Marriott Plat
Posts: 946
-- 1520.7(l) covers anyone who's ever applied to Clear.
-- a perverse reading of 1520.7(j) could potentially be construed to cover this
-- anyone who's ever worked for an airline (1520.7(k) or owned an aircraft required to have a security plan (1520.7(c))
Regardless, there is a risk here, at minimum, of there being problems. And I think it's only fair to make sure people are aware of that.
Dec 6, 2009, 3:00 pm
#13
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Florida
Posts: 3,006
According to these photos the TSOs working at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) are not only above the law but above SOP too.
4.3.13. TSA PERSONNEL
A. TSOs who enter the sterile area through the screening checkpoint must undergo screening at the beginning of their shift. TSOs who exit the screening checkpoint to perform work within the scope of their screening
duties (such as assisting with passengers or collecting divest bins) need not be rescreened upon reentering the screening checkpoint. Where the FSD has waived TSO rescreening, TSOs who leave the screening checkpoint area and are completely out of sight for rest breaks, lunch, etc. need not be rescreened upon returning to the screening checkpoint after presenting their TSA employee ID or local airport ID for review by a TSO or designated TSA representative. However, where the FSD has elected to waive TSO
rescreening, the FSD must implement random screening of TSOs returning from breaks.
B. FSDs may exempt themselves, DFSDs, AFSDs/DAFSDs for Screening, training coordinators, training specialists, scheduling operations officers, TSMs, Stakeholder Managers/Liaisons, STSOs, and LTSOs from screening, while on duty, after presenting their TSA employee ID or local airport ID for review by a TSO or TSA representative designated by the FSD. On duty includes meals and rest breaks.
C. The following credentialed TSA employees on official business at an airport with a valid TSA credential (and badge, if issued) are exempt from screening while performing official duties at that airport after presenting the credential (and badge) for review by a TSO. TSA credentialed employees are NOT exempt from screening when boarding an aircraft as part of official duty travel. These TSA credentialed employees are not permitted to escort individuals around or through the screening checkpoint to bypass screening unless otherwise permitted by this SOP.
1) TSA Inspector (credential only)
2) TSA Executive (credential only)
3) TSA Critical Personnel (credential only)
4) TSA Transportation Security Specialist (credential only)
5) Federal Security Director (credential and badge)
6) Deputy Federal Security Director (credential and badge)
7) Assistant Federal Security Director for Law Enforcement (credential and badge)
8) Assistant Federal Security Director for Inspections (credential and badge)
9) Other Assistant Federal Security Directors (credential only)
10) TSA Office of Inspection Special Agent (credential and badge)
11) TSA Office of Inspection Inspector (credential and badge)
12) TSA Explosives Security Specialist (credential only)
13) Bomb Appraisal Officer (credential only)
14) Attorney Advisor (credential only)
15) TSA Investigator (credential only)
16) TSA Field Intelligence Officer (credential and badge)
A. TSOs who enter the sterile area through the screening checkpoint must undergo screening at the beginning of their shift. TSOs who exit the screening checkpoint to perform work within the scope of their screening
duties (such as assisting with passengers or collecting divest bins) need not be rescreened upon reentering the screening checkpoint. Where the FSD has waived TSO rescreening, TSOs who leave the screening checkpoint area and are completely out of sight for rest breaks, lunch, etc. need not be rescreened upon returning to the screening checkpoint after presenting their TSA employee ID or local airport ID for review by a TSO or designated TSA representative. However, where the FSD has elected to waive TSO
rescreening, the FSD must implement random screening of TSOs returning from breaks.
B. FSDs may exempt themselves, DFSDs, AFSDs/DAFSDs for Screening, training coordinators, training specialists, scheduling operations officers, TSMs, Stakeholder Managers/Liaisons, STSOs, and LTSOs from screening, while on duty, after presenting their TSA employee ID or local airport ID for review by a TSO or TSA representative designated by the FSD. On duty includes meals and rest breaks.
C. The following credentialed TSA employees on official business at an airport with a valid TSA credential (and badge, if issued) are exempt from screening while performing official duties at that airport after presenting the credential (and badge) for review by a TSO. TSA credentialed employees are NOT exempt from screening when boarding an aircraft as part of official duty travel. These TSA credentialed employees are not permitted to escort individuals around or through the screening checkpoint to bypass screening unless otherwise permitted by this SOP.
1) TSA Inspector (credential only)
2) TSA Executive (credential only)
3) TSA Critical Personnel (credential only)
4) TSA Transportation Security Specialist (credential only)
5) Federal Security Director (credential and badge)
6) Deputy Federal Security Director (credential and badge)
7) Assistant Federal Security Director for Law Enforcement (credential and badge)
8) Assistant Federal Security Director for Inspections (credential and badge)
9) Other Assistant Federal Security Directors (credential only)
10) TSA Office of Inspection Special Agent (credential and badge)
11) TSA Office of Inspection Inspector (credential and badge)
12) TSA Explosives Security Specialist (credential only)
13) Bomb Appraisal Officer (credential only)
14) Attorney Advisor (credential only)
15) TSA Investigator (credential only)
16) TSA Field Intelligence Officer (credential and badge)
Dec 6, 2009, 3:09 pm
#14
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Houston
Posts: 8,956
First of all, this is TSA; they'll make up a rule if need be. Within the CFR, I see a few ways they might be able to claim it:
-- 1520.7(l) covers anyone who's ever applied to Clear.
-- a perverse reading of 1520.7(j) could potentially be construed to cover this
-- anyone who's ever worked for an airline (1520.7(k) or owned an aircraft required to have a security plan (1520.7(c))
Regardless, there is a risk here, at minimum, of there being problems. And I think it's only fair to make sure people are aware of that.
-- 1520.7(l) covers anyone who's ever applied to Clear.
-- a perverse reading of 1520.7(j) could potentially be construed to cover this
-- anyone who's ever worked for an airline (1520.7(k) or owned an aircraft required to have a security plan (1520.7(c))
Regardless, there is a risk here, at minimum, of there being problems. And I think it's only fair to make sure people are aware of that.
As for (j), that would be rather perverse as it is only applicable to those that have a "need to know," which would be hard to fathom in this case.
Yes, (c) is applicable, but I would think that if you get the info outside of the channels that you are able to access due to your clearance, then you have a reasonable chance that this type of disclosure to the general public is not going to cause issues.
A true reading would require any TSO that reads this thread to immediately report the breach of the SSI or else they could be subject to discipline. Do I think that would happen - no.
Dec 6, 2009, 3:10 pm
#15
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 158
Here is SOP info on some of the topics/complaints that are regularly posted and re-posted.
1.4. DOCUMENT CONTROL AND AVAILABILITY
A. TSA management must maintain at each checkpoint and screening location:
1. A complete, current copy of this SOP and associated addendums.
2. PERSONNEL STAFFING, DUTIES, AND RESPONSIBILITIES
2.1. STAFFING
B. Screening checkpoint staffing requirements:
1) One TSO designated as LTSO for every two screening lanes
2) Each checkpoint must also include at least one STSO
G.Individuals performing the duties of TSOs, TSOs, or STSOs must be in uniform
2.4. SUPERVISORY TRANSPORTATION SECURITY OFFICER (STSO) DUTIES
An STSO must be present at each screening location that is open for operation. However, an STSO’s absence from the checkpoint is excused for break periods and unforeseen situations requiring an STSO’s absence. If the STSO must be absent during routine operation of a screening location, he or she must designate an LTSO to act on his or her behalf and must advise the designated LTSO of his or her whereabouts
15) *Make every effort to actively monitor all screening activities and intervene to resolve alarms in any of the functions performed by TSOs to ensure effective, vigilant, and courteous screening.
37) Ensure chairs are available at checkpoints to accommodate Persons With disabilities (PWDs) before, during, and after the screening process.
41) Ensure TSOs provide only their TSA nametag information when an individual requests a TSO’s personal information during, or as a result of, the screening process
2.7. PHOTOGRAPHING, VIDEOTAPING, AND FILMING SCREENING LOCATIONS
A. TSA does not prohibit the public, passengers, or press from photographing, videotaping, or filming screening locations unless the activity interferes with a TSO’s ability to perform his or her duties or prevents the orderly flow of individuals through the screening location. .... Photographing EDS or ETD monitor screens or emitted images is not permitted.
B. TSA must not confiscate or destroy the photographic equipment or film of any person photographing the screening location.
C. In addition to this policy, local laws, State statutes, or local ordinances may prohibit photographing, videotaping, or filming screening locations………
….. TSOs must alert an LEO to individuals who may be violating these State or local laws, but must not confront these individuals.
2.11. INDIVIDUALS WHO REFUSE SCREENING OF THEIR PERSON
C. If the individual, who has refused to complete screening, returns to the
public area prior to clearance or the arrival of an LEO
2) Screening personnel must not physically detain or hinder the
movement of the individual.
2.12. INDIVIDUALS WHO REFUSE SCREENING OF ACCESSIBLE PROPERTY
B. If the individual refuses to complete screening of property after it
has begun,
3) Not attempt to physically detain or hinder the movement of the
individual.
APPENDIX 2: TRAVEL DOCUMENT AND ID CHECKS
APPENDIX 4: PROHIBITED/PERMITTED ITEMS LIST (no Ice just dry ice)
Please no flames, I know I went overboard with emphasizing the use of must.
1.4. DOCUMENT CONTROL AND AVAILABILITY
A. TSA management must maintain at each checkpoint and screening location:
1. A complete, current copy of this SOP and associated addendums.
2. PERSONNEL STAFFING, DUTIES, AND RESPONSIBILITIES
2.1. STAFFING
B. Screening checkpoint staffing requirements:
1) One TSO designated as LTSO for every two screening lanes
2) Each checkpoint must also include at least one STSO
G.Individuals performing the duties of TSOs, TSOs, or STSOs must be in uniform
2.4. SUPERVISORY TRANSPORTATION SECURITY OFFICER (STSO) DUTIES
An STSO must be present at each screening location that is open for operation. However, an STSO’s absence from the checkpoint is excused for break periods and unforeseen situations requiring an STSO’s absence. If the STSO must be absent during routine operation of a screening location, he or she must designate an LTSO to act on his or her behalf and must advise the designated LTSO of his or her whereabouts
15) *Make every effort to actively monitor all screening activities and intervene to resolve alarms in any of the functions performed by TSOs to ensure effective, vigilant, and courteous screening.
37) Ensure chairs are available at checkpoints to accommodate Persons With disabilities (PWDs) before, during, and after the screening process.
41) Ensure TSOs provide only their TSA nametag information when an individual requests a TSO’s personal information during, or as a result of, the screening process
2.7. PHOTOGRAPHING, VIDEOTAPING, AND FILMING SCREENING LOCATIONS
A. TSA does not prohibit the public, passengers, or press from photographing, videotaping, or filming screening locations unless the activity interferes with a TSO’s ability to perform his or her duties or prevents the orderly flow of individuals through the screening location. .... Photographing EDS or ETD monitor screens or emitted images is not permitted.
B. TSA must not confiscate or destroy the photographic equipment or film of any person photographing the screening location.
C. In addition to this policy, local laws, State statutes, or local ordinances may prohibit photographing, videotaping, or filming screening locations………
….. TSOs must alert an LEO to individuals who may be violating these State or local laws, but must not confront these individuals.
2.11. INDIVIDUALS WHO REFUSE SCREENING OF THEIR PERSON
C. If the individual, who has refused to complete screening, returns to the
public area prior to clearance or the arrival of an LEO
2) Screening personnel must not physically detain or hinder the
movement of the individual.
2.12. INDIVIDUALS WHO REFUSE SCREENING OF ACCESSIBLE PROPERTY
B. If the individual refuses to complete screening of property after it
has begun,
3) Not attempt to physically detain or hinder the movement of the
individual.
APPENDIX 2: TRAVEL DOCUMENT AND ID CHECKS
APPENDIX 4: PROHIBITED/PERMITTED ITEMS LIST (no Ice just dry ice)
Please no flames, I know I went overboard with emphasizing the use of must.
Last edited by OnTheAsile; Dec 6, 2009 at 4:04 pm