"Please proceed for continuous screening"? (Curiosity)
 

So I was departing DSM yesterday, as almost every Thursday or Friday. Yesterday was the first time I was told to go for secondary search (despite the fact I ditched my shoes). I had no SSSS on my boarding pass. While I was at the secondary search area, a bunch of other TSA screeners brought my stuff to me and asked to see my boarding pass. Then, they told me that my bags wouldn't need to be further searched, unlike SSSS passengers.

Any idea what went on? My theory is that the screener at the metal detector either had seen me fly out of DSM in the past, or I had more metal on me than usual and the screener saw that indicated in the metal detector.

- Pat

Nope. You didn't do anything wrong. Just chosen for continuous screening. This has happened to me before too. I asked and was told that it was random.

If they didn't keep all those people busy then we might still call the TSA Thousands Standing Around. Since they're now running a make-work project we'll have to settle for calling them the Terrorism Support Agency instead.

I wasn't bothered by the continuous at all. Screener was professional and got through the wanding fairly quickly.

Hey
 

That is totally uncalled for and I resent that remark.

Some airports do "continuous screening" more than others. IAD seems to be one of the worst.

Will they let you walk back out of the WTMD, get your shoes off the belt, put them on and then walk through again? If you are getting the SSSSpecial treatment anyway, might as well.

Typically, I expect these kind of remarks from the regulars. I expect a bit more civility and professionalism from the moderators. This is my reminder why I strayed away from this site. Completely uncalled for. :td:

EVeryone is entitled to their own opinion, even moderators.

That's a very good point, tazi. Every now and then I forget that this forum is more specifically for TSA bashing then it is for exchanging information.

I agree that everyone is entitled to their own opinion. However, I also believe that the moderators have a better understanding of the concept behind these types of forums and would not resort to insulting comments. I understand that this forum is for the frequent flyers. TSA personnel who learned about this forum wanted to enter it in order to help create a clearer understanding of what is going on as well as provide views from the screener's point of view. We understand that we are the minority. After all, the TSA posters here are in fact in The Lion's Den. I have a lot of respect for the moderators and their positions in enforcing the TOS. I just get offended when they decide join the crowd and insult us.

If I am wrong and this forum hasn't grown into an information exchange type forum and is simply a TSA bashing place, then I obviously have no reason to be here. I've tried to explain things on some hot topics and I even sided with the FF'ers at times. It just appears to fall on deaf ears. I've noticed some posters like TSAMGR that just dissappeared from all the abuse. Moderators, if this is the way it is, let me know and I will terminate my account and bid farewell.

The only thing I have to say after reading just the page of msgs is, do what the Mag screener tells you to do and shut up. If you have something nice to say, say it, if not, put your clothes back on and move out of the way.
Spearhead...

I don't think that's a wise way to put things.

Although it would be ideal if everyone did what the screeners said, it's definitely not the best idea. Although we are the enforcers of our policies, sometimes we need the public to keep us in check. If the flying public is educated on their rights and responsibilites, then there would be no worries of any TSA employees overstepping their bounds and power tripping. With so many specifics in our SOP, it can be possible to forget any recent changes. If the public brings it up, then training can be conducted to correct it. IT can also create material for briefings if they happen to be repeated comments by passengers. I welcome all remarks that the public has to offer. I've received compliments as well as benn cussed out. All the comments help give me a better understanding about what needs to be addressed and what needs to be praised. If the passengers never said anything, this job would be a real bore. They help keep it colorful. :)

IMHO, simply telling them to shut up, strip, walk through, get dressed, and get out doesn't seem to cut it.

If you got a ticket for going 65 mph in a 45 mph zone and you were in fact doing only 40 mph, would you just pay it or would you fight it, Spearhead? Would you not file a complaint against the cop who gave you that ticket?

It's the same thing with some TSA employees. There are published procedures that screeners are supposed to be following; many of us are just trying to make them do their job according to their SOP.

When a pax refuses to remove his/her non-profile shoes and then is sent to secondary because of that, it is nothing but a power play by the screener and does nothing to improve security. A complaint should be filed against that screener.

If it doesn't bother you, please go right ahead and take your shoes off, walk on the filthy floors in your stocking feet, let yourself be ordered around by former McD's employees.

I choose to respect myself too much to allow someone to treat me like a potential terrorist. If I am doing nothing wrong, you will not treat me as if I am and get away with it.

By the way, the itimidation game can be played two ways. As someone suggested in another post (maybe not in this thread), there are ways to imply that one might be doing a spot check of screeners without saying anything that is false. Bullies are easily intimidated.

You know, many respectful people in our country had their first job with McD's. Are you saying that former McD's employees deserve less respect than yourself? I too was once a McD's employee. I assume you are going to judge my character and commitment by my previous employer?

True. However, TSA screeners here are entitled to leave this forum whenever they want. As a compromise, say your opinion tastefully, keeping in mind TSA screeners are checking FT on their own free will. We want them here to keep us posted, don't we?

- Pat