I've run into a similar situation, where I place my bags on the X-ray belt and am encouraged to walk right through the metal detector before the bags are inside the X-ray machine. I obviously don't want my bags to be separated from me, so what I do is remain on the outside of the metal detector watching my bags until they go into the machine.

I simply don't make eye contact with the TSO at the metal detector until my bags go through. That way, he won't force me to walk until I'm sure my bags are safely inside the machine and cannot be grabbed by somebody.

Yeah, that's a fair enough comment.

We just don't want to paint every TSO with the same broad brush as there are undoubtedly some good ones.

Particularly the ones who post here in TS/S. :)

Yeah, there have been quite a few good ones who I have interacted with, especially those who recognize me in my home airport and just do their job.

It is those who don't know policy, don't care what policy is, or who make up their own policy, that I have an issue with, and who when confronted, won't just back down and admit they are wrong, but continue to stand their ground, citing national security, when they are clueless.

A drill bit and a screwdriver bit are two very different items... but to one screener in MFE and her supervisor for instance, are DEADLY CONTRABAND and the same thing... that issue was already dealt with and actually did receive word back from the TSA person who dealt with the matter and have not had the issue since... even though I do say that the glare from the TSO each time I pass her checkpoint now, does let me know she WAS reprimanded for her failure to budge when she was clearly in the wrong... so glad the system works at least :)

"Sorry -- company policy. Have to watch all the bags go through before I enter the metal detector or I could get fired."

Works nicely.

"Will you take personal responsibility for any losses that might occur due to me being separated from my possessions?"

wrong thread

Is that backwards? That policy actually would allow you to push the bags through first, watch them go through (while the metal detector line is backed up), and then enter the metal detector 5 minutes later. Meanwhile, anyone can steal your stuff on the other side of the X-ray.

But I thought the OP's point was for the bags not to go through the X-ray before he entered the metal detector.

Hope you found the right one! :)

If you get the contractors that the OP is #$%&ing at, they would probably pull you aside for secondary screening and a bag check, for asking a question like that.