Oh BEEEP No!
Mar 19, 2011 | 4:41 pm
#31
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 78
Skynet "saw all humans as a threat; not just the ones on the other side," and "decided our fate in a microsecond: extermination." Skynet began a nuclear war which destroyed most of the human population, and initiated a program of genocide against the survivors.
At least with Skynet, most of the masses would be willing to fight back.
At least with Skynet, most of the masses would be willing to fight back.
Mar 19, 2011 | 5:04 pm
#32
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2010
Posts: 855
In defense of some police officers, I report my screening experience at FLG just before New Year's Eve.
The TSO spotted my gifts of valuable Navajo jewelry I was carrying home, and announced she had to re-screen my "suspicious items" - 2 jewelry boxes and my wallet. I believe her intent was to steal them once they were out of my sight behind the X-ray.
I asked the police officer standing at the CP if he would please supervise the process to protect me from having my family's Christmas gifts stolen. He watched her closely through each step and when the bin came out of the X-ray, he made her bring me the bin and my suitcase so I could check to be sure all my items were there, which they were.
I thanked the officer and sent an email to the Chief of Police commending the officer for his diligence. At least some police officers are willing to protect the pax from TSA transgressions.
The TSO spotted my gifts of valuable Navajo jewelry I was carrying home, and announced she had to re-screen my "suspicious items" - 2 jewelry boxes and my wallet. I believe her intent was to steal them once they were out of my sight behind the X-ray.
I asked the police officer standing at the CP if he would please supervise the process to protect me from having my family's Christmas gifts stolen. He watched her closely through each step and when the bin came out of the X-ray, he made her bring me the bin and my suitcase so I could check to be sure all my items were there, which they were.
I thanked the officer and sent an email to the Chief of Police commending the officer for his diligence. At least some police officers are willing to protect the pax from TSA transgressions.
I don't want to see the TSA permitted to run wild at checkpoints. The agency and their employees have shown they are unfit for that degree of responsibility.
Mar 19, 2011 | 5:34 pm
#33
Join Date: Jul 2006
Programs: United
Posts: 2,710
I think that TSA's desire for "complete control" might simply be a desire to have complete control over its physical space at the airports --- not merely the same (lack) control given to any other airport tenant.
Of course, the other theories promoted here could just as easily be true. I'm not saying whether or not my theory is more or less likely ... just pointing out an alternative theory that isn't quite as Orwellian.
Of course, the other theories promoted here could just as easily be true. I'm not saying whether or not my theory is more or less likely ... just pointing out an alternative theory that isn't quite as Orwellian.
Mar 19, 2011 | 6:20 pm
#35
Join Date: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,657
Mar 25, 2011 | 10:20 am
#36
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: LGA
Programs: HHonors Diamond, AA PLT
Posts: 195
Mar 25, 2011 | 10:34 am
#37
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: where the chile is hot
Programs: AA,RR,NW,Delta ,UA,CO
Posts: 49,067
LEOs can do an administrative search. Happens all the time at court house entrances. As such, it is not so much as who does the administrative search as to what and how the search is conducted.
In some discussions that I have had with a congressional staffer, they noted that some would like TSA to have LEO credentials. Under the current system, (i.e. those currently employed) the vast majority of the TSO would probably not be able to pass the LEO standards. As such, if they were weeded out, the system might be much more professional and efficient. Think what if TSOs had to have the same level of education and LEO training as those in the Secret Service/Federal Marshall.
BTW I am not saying I am for it. But I am certainly all for raising greatly the standard for those being hired as TSOs.
In some discussions that I have had with a congressional staffer, they noted that some would like TSA to have LEO credentials. Under the current system, (i.e. those currently employed) the vast majority of the TSO would probably not be able to pass the LEO standards. As such, if they were weeded out, the system might be much more professional and efficient. Think what if TSOs had to have the same level of education and LEO training as those in the Secret Service/Federal Marshall.
BTW I am not saying I am for it. But I am certainly all for raising greatly the standard for those being hired as TSOs.
In some airports, LEOs rubber stamp TSA's actions. There have been a few reports where the airport LEOs did not do so. If we give anyone in TSA LEO authority, we will completely lose. This is the scariest potential development I have heard yet.
BTW, we keep hearing that a significant percentage of TSOs have LEO/military backgrounds. Has anyone ever actually seen stats on this? There are clearly many many TSOs who, just based on appearance (age) couldn't have extensive pre-TSO background in much of anything, let alone LEO/military. I wonder how many base TSOs actually have such experience.
I should add, I don't see previous LEO experience (or even military experience) as necessarily helpful. Seems like folks with such backgrounds are pre-disposed to view every pax as a perp.
Mar 25, 2011 | 10:37 am
#39
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: where the chile is hot
Programs: AA,RR,NW,Delta ,UA,CO
Posts: 49,067
The rules are not what is on the website (outdated).
The rules are whatever the TSO or FSD has decided they are. They are SSI, so even LEOs don't have access to them.
Mar 25, 2011 | 1:30 pm
#40
Join Date: Dec 2010
Posts: 2,425