TSA agents on trains
 

Yesterday I saw two people in TSA uniforms get on an NJ Transit train at the EWR Airport station. They didn't do anything on the train, but I've never seen the TSA on a commuter train.

Probably commuting to/from "work".

you're probably right! :)

what if a TSA agent gets off work and shops at the local grocery store?
it doesn't mean the TSA is now patrolling grocery stores, right? :)

Commuting to/from "work" is the only time they are supposed to be wearing their costumes when not officially on the public dole.

Well, we all know how dangerous yogurt is to national security ... :):)

Now that TSO's are considered Officers (reference, shiny silver badge on uniform), could they legitimately intervene in an unpleasant situation and drop kick a bad guy on the Subway?

I would love to see a TSO think there equal to a LEO intervene(in unifrom) in a situation and get there butt whipped as i can see it happen. I can also see it that when the real cops show up that the TSO could be arrested for impersating a LEO.

They would be acting outside of their scope. They can't (legally) physically intervene in such a situation in the airport, nor should they.

If they chose to attempt to do so on the subway as an ordinary citizen, then they could get into trouble if wearing the costume while off duty as they may be construed to be acting in an official capacity.

Only as civilians in as much as you could do exactly the same drop kick routine.

They have these stupid VIPR teams that swarm public transit, but absent a cop to tell you you need to get off the bus/subway/train, if they question you, you can tell them get lost. They have no right to search or question you outside the airport checkpoint or sterile area unless they've been hired by some delusional group as private security for a venue.

That goes for other parts of the airport too - you do not need to submit to questioning, ID checks or baggage checks in the non-sterile area or outside the terminal. I recall someone posting here a year or so ago about being approached and questioned by screeners in the parking garage - if this happens to you, say the magic words - 'go away'

No.

You can find plenty on the R1 airport line to PHL. I've been tempted to ask them if they had a great day keeping america safe from toothpaste, but I do have some common courtosey and leave people alone outside the checkpoint, just as they should do the same to me....

Can an FBI agent take any action (other than that which any citizen can) if he sees something which is a violation of state, but not federal, law?

Unless the state grants federal law enforcement some type of recognition as state law enforcement, then no.

Same thing can occur within a state - I cannot be pulled over for speeding by a Broward Sheriff while driving in Palm Beach County (unless my speeding meets the definition of a felony).

I think any law enforcement can act in the same capacity as a private citizen if they witness a crime regardless of the jurisdiction.

Do TSO's have to take an oath of some sort? I would imagine so, I mean even enbalmers and hairdressers take an oath these days (because they are licensed by the state?). Anyway, my point is that if they do take an oath, I'm quite sure there is verbage in there that speaks to protecting the public, and if that's the case, why can't a TSO knee an OAP in the goolies for not having a train ticket, and not be operating outside their professional scope ?

And that, of course, varies by state. Arizona has POST certified officers that can make traffic stops, etc. in any jurisdiction (except for reservation land.)