TSA as event security?
Feb 22, 2016 | 7:25 pm
#1
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TSA as event security?
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So I was just at a Bernie Sanders Rally, on a college campus where the most transport we get is a regional bus and transit service or two. But event security was run by the TSA, of all people. Given that Secret Service was running the show, TSA, a sub department of DHS, makes some sense, especially given that they have the most "experience" with searching a crowds bags, and disposing of dangerous bottles of water, 50 miles from the nearest commerical airport.
But what basis is the TSA given the right, given that it's remit is transportation of all sorts, not college arena?
So I was just at a Bernie Sanders Rally, on a college campus where the most transport we get is a regional bus and transit service or two. But event security was run by the TSA, of all people. Given that Secret Service was running the show, TSA, a sub department of DHS, makes some sense, especially given that they have the most "experience" with searching a crowds bags, and disposing of dangerous bottles of water, 50 miles from the nearest commerical airport.
But what basis is the TSA given the right, given that it's remit is transportation of all sorts, not college arena?
Feb 22, 2016 | 8:23 pm
#3
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My educated guess is that at any event where the federal government has jurisdiction over security, they can choose to do it any way they want. Although not law enforcement officers, TSA screeners are employees of the federal government. It would be far cheaper to have local TSA screeners work an event than to have federal law enforcement from any agency do it (especially if they have to be flown in and housed), and there really isn't another agency with a large standing body of civilian screeners. I've only been to one event where Secret Service controlled security, and I vaguely remember it was conducted by sworn agents, but that was many years ago. It's possible that they've found a cheaper route.
Feb 23, 2016 | 7:24 am
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TSA also does "security" sweeps on mass transit systems. I've walked into the NYC subways numerous times and seen their ugly vests and I immediately turn around. NYPD is normally with them also but their authorities differ. NYPD has the authority (not right) to search a bag without reasonable suspicion while you're inside MTA property but they cannot search your person without reasonable suspicion. TSA can and do touch people in mass transit without any reasonable suspicion and just walking into a subway doesn't qualify as reasonable for the NYPD.
Feb 23, 2016 | 1:37 pm
#7
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So I was just at a Bernie Sanders Rally, on a college campus where the most transport we get is a regional bus and transit service or two. But event security was run by the TSA, of all people. Given that Secret Service was running the show, TSA, a sub department of DHS, makes some sense, especially given that they have the most "experience" with searching a crowds bags, and disposing of dangerous bottles of water, 50 miles from the nearest commerical airport.
But what basis is the TSA given the right, given that it's remit is transportation of all sorts, not college arena?
But what basis is the TSA given the right, given that it's remit is transportation of all sorts, not college arena?
My educated guess is that at any event where the federal government has jurisdiction over security, they can choose to do it any way they want. Although not law enforcement officers, TSA screeners are employees of the federal government. It would be far cheaper to have local TSA screeners work an event than to have federal law enforcement from any agency do it (especially if they have to be flown in and housed), and there really isn't another agency with a large standing body of civilian screeners. I've only been to one event where Secret Service controlled security, and I vaguely remember it was conducted by sworn agents, but that was many years ago. It's possible that they've found a cheaper route.
More or less, Secret Service calls the shots, we're just manpower to back them up.
Feb 24, 2016 | 9:04 am
#8
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