And they're doing bag checks on the DC Metro, because... ???
 

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Especially when some of those officers are putting on security theater shows at station entrances. I mean, random bag checks as part of a multi-layered approach to keeping the bad guys out.

How much is this costing us? :rolleyes:

How many of the aggravated assaults they counted are actually the sexual assaults performed by the traitors wearing the blue shirts?

Fortunately I haven't been through one of these illegal dragnets on Metro yet. Should it happen, though, I fully intend to refuse the search.

I start video/audio recording on both of my smartphones (one for work, one personal) every time I leave the car and start walking to the station. My intent is to make some dumb cop a real YouTube star some day... :)

Seems like the biggest problem are their own employees. Maybe it is time for a round of background checks since those prevent criminal and terroristic behavior.

How does searching a bag to make sure someone does not have a weapon stop a pick pocket or snatch-grab robber that does not need a weapon?

Not only that, what would they do in Virginia where it's legal to carry a concealed weapon with permit?

^ :D

I may start recording with my iPhone, as I enter the checkpoint. That way, I can have a record of any/all interactions regarding my NEXUS card.

This is something that I am interested in. What happens if somebody is pulled aside and the clerks discover their pistol?

http://www.examiner.com/gun-rights-i...n-trains-buses

and

http://www.wmata.com/about_metro/new...m?faqID=50#378

Apparently not much they can do, so its all a show!!

The same way that having background checks prevents TSA employees from rifling through your luggage and stealing stuff they like.

(I.e., not at all.)

Almost happened to me one day at Federal Center SW. I had just come from a meeting at NASA HQ. It was mid-morning and there was absolutely nobody in the station. They also had one cop standing guard inside the turnstiles.

I had planned to refuse and simply walk 1/2 mile to L'Enfant Plaza.

This is a totally STUPID waste of time and money!

Who would "volunteer" for a bag search when the SIGN OUTSIDE declares that they are checking bags.
Do they expect terrorists to be that stupid?
Even potheads would avoid these searches.
You'd have to have the intellect of a typical TSO to go into a station with a sign like this while carrying something illegal.
I think the Metro police are smoking something real good.

But really, you know they are only doing it cause they got training and funding from Nappy. There is no other plausible reason. The transit system is chronically broke, and can't afford this sh**.

Well, I've known a few potheads, and I must respectfully disagree.

Yep, when I saw such a search here on the T in Boston two months ago, there was a guy wearing a "TSA Inspector" jacket in addition to the police and dog.

http://www.wmata.com/about_metro/new...ReleaseID=4776

"Based on programs now successfully used in New York and Boston, Metro Transit Police will randomly identify carry-on items for inspection at station entrances."

Gee, no one's bombed the T or MTA the past five years, so the program must be a success!

"This adds another layer of security to our system," said MTPD Chief Michael A. Taborn. "The program will increase visible methods of protecting our passengers and employees, while minimizing inconvenience to riders."

Sure sounds like TSA-speak.

Besides, none of these police chiefs (or for that matter, no one at the TSA) has stated what is the protocol if a checkpoint does uncover an explosives-laden bag or person. Do they politely ask the bomber to not blow himself up and accompany them to the police station? Or if there is a protocol, they can't let the public know since it might give an advantage to the terrorists?

They could minimize the inconvenience by not harassing pax @:-)