Why does TSA require palms be held up during search?
Feb 15, 2011 | 6:45 am
#16
Join Date: Dec 2010
Posts: 855
TSA seems to have a requirement that when undergoing the intrusive physical search, the arms be extended straight out and the arms be rotated so that the palms are up. See accounts here, here, and here (in comments), and here.
Extending the arms full out and rotating the palms up becomes tiring and painful. It must be particularly so for older persons. It would be much easier to hold the palms down with the arms extended.
What is the point of requiring this particular posture?
Extending the arms full out and rotating the palms up becomes tiring and painful. It must be particularly so for older persons. It would be much easier to hold the palms down with the arms extended.
What is the point of requiring this particular posture?
Feb 15, 2011 | 7:01 am
#17
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Feb 15, 2011 | 7:37 am
#18
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It's for the same reason that they make you assume the "arrest" posture. To remind you that you're inferior to their power.
Feb 15, 2011 | 7:42 am
#19
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Again, it just goes to highlight their vulnerability. The net effect is the opposite of what they intend. By revealing they need this, they reveal far too much.
Feb 15, 2011 | 10:35 am
#21
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During my last pat-down at SJC 
, I had my palms facing down during the assault. Did not get any attitude from the clerk.
I could see myself smacking the clerk
, I had my palms facing down during the assault. Did not get any attitude from the clerk.I could see myself smacking the clerk
Feb 15, 2011 | 11:33 am
#22
Join Date: Dec 2010
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Depending on whether the perv is standing a tad in back of you, back fist would also be a reasonable technique....
Feb 15, 2011 | 1:37 pm
#25
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I think it comes down to some blue-shirted moron asking, "Well, the procedure calls for the potential terrorist to raise their arms, but it doesn't specify whether they should do so palms-up or palms-down," and getting a clarification of the procedure written and distributed without so much as a thought for whether the resulting position was comfortable or not.
Never attribute to evil what can be adequately explained by abject stupidity.
Feb 16, 2011 | 10:18 am
#28
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Feb 16, 2011 | 10:30 am
#29
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Why does TSA require palms be held up during search?
Feb 16, 2011 | 10:33 am
#30
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