Originally Posted by Spiff (Post 11655688)

I'd say a Virtual Constitution, but even that would be a stretch for TSA.

Originally Posted by TSORon (Post 11654865)

We could have signs putting out 3000 watts of visual energy and loudspeakers screaming at 150 decibels and people are still going to ignore it all. And then tell us that no one told them! Explain that if you can.

Originally Posted by nbs2 (Post 11653027)

Someday, if we are all lucky, we can all be like him and leave our silly notions of Constitutional Law at the sliding entry doors. And if we don't, we can always take some other mode of transportation.

Originally Posted by TSORon (Post 11654865)

Unfortunately that explanation is in error. The travelers I deal with are of all types. Some travel 1 time a year, some 1 time every 5 years, and some 3 times a week. They all forget a cell phone occasionally, keys, belt buckle, etc. The experienced traveled is just as apt to do this as the novice.

The problem I have is that the very next 4 people in line will make the exact same mistake that the first one did. They don’t pay attention, and then get upset with the TSO because they are also being pulled aside or delayed.

We could have signs putting out 3000 watts of visual energy and loudspeakers screaming at 150 decibels and people are still going to ignore it all. And then tell us that no one told them! Explain that if you can.

Originally Posted by TSORon (Post 11654865)

Sorry, not correct. That is only one aspect of the job of those on the screening checkpoint.

Originally Posted by TSORon (Post 11654865)

The actual constitution, or the unfounded concepts that those here believe to be their rights? There IS a significant difference.

Originally Posted by TSORon (Post 11654865)

So, you also are a TSO? THAT concerns me more than usual. If this is so then you have seen the very same things I have seen, experienced the same one after the other passenger who just cant get it together. They are indeed the exception to the rule, but you would have to admit that it is a very common exception.

Originally Posted by spotnik (Post 11671309)

Aw, I missed the party. Still, since I was picking on TSORon for not responding to my posts, I don't feel right leaving his questions unanswered.



Ron, This is the job that we do. Checkpoints are noisy and busy. Passengers are occupied getting their shoes off and their laptops out. You're right, they're not paying attention to the instructions you are giving to another person. They're also likely to be snappy because the airport security checkpoint tends to be a high stress, chaotic place. That's the work environment.

As to getting passengers to listen to you, I've actually found it works quite well to intentionally speak just barely loud enough for the passenger to hear you. If they have to work a bit to hear you, or ask you to repeat instructions, they actually listen more closely and follow directions better.



Funny, I didn't see other jobs for the screening checkpoint in my reading of ATSA. Would you point me to the section that describes the other aspects of the job of those on the screening checkpoint?
Here's a link:
http://www.tsa.gov/assets/pdf/Aviati...w_107_1771.pdf



Depends on who you talk to. Spiff seems to think any search that isn't based on a warrant supported by an oath and probable cause is a violation of the Constitution. (Not, actually, an unreasonable position) I recognize that the administrative search is a necessary legal construction if we are to have effective regulatory powers anywhere in this country, but I think that those entrusted with carrying out administrative searches need to be well schooled on the limits of such a search.

Also, I believe that it is never okay for someone who claims to be a federal employee to make comments disparaging a citizen's idea about their civil rights. I don't care if they think they have the constitutional right to sleep in the Lincoln bedroom and then fly to Neptune to meet the alien ambassador. It is not okay to belittle the person for having those beliefs.



I was a TSO for about 2.5 years, and have been a BDO now for a little over a year. Yeah, I have seen many of the same things you describe in passenger behavior, more so since I've been a BDO. The difference is, I recognize that this is a part of the job. I also enjoy helping people, even if it is the same bit of help repeated continuously for 40 hours a week.

Originally Posted by Trollkiller (Post 11671469)

^^^ on your post.

How'd you somebeeches know about my plan to sleep in the Lincoln bedroom and then fly to Neptune to meet the alien ambassador?

STAY OUT OF MY HEAD! :mad:

Originally Posted by Trollkiller (Post 11671469)

^^^ on your post.

How'd you somebeeches know about my plan to sleep in the Lincoln bedroom and then fly to Neptune to meet the alien ambassador?

STAY OUT OF MY HEAD! :mad:

Originally Posted by Superguy (Post 11671850)

Maybe spotting's not as useless as we thought? :D

Originally Posted by spotnik (Post 11675270)

I hear that we learn to levitate things in the advanced class. :cool:

Originally Posted by spotnik (Post 11675270)

I hear that we learn to levitate things in the advanced class. :cool:

Originally Posted by TSORon (Post 11632102)

The men and women who get up at 1:30am to be on the checkpoint by 3am, who endure the continuous changes of policy and procedure, who were courageous enough to accept jobs on the front line of America’s Anti-Terrorism efforts, dangerous though it may be. They endure low pay, long and unusual hours, less than perfect working conditions, unidentified hazardous materials, the diseases and infections of those passengers they come into contact with, undeserved attitude and the occasional cussing out, and a whole host of other things that make the job less than pleasant at times.

Originally Posted by TSORon (Post 11632102)

.....You can only see them as jack-booted thugs, intent on ruining your day, taking your personal property, and delaying your transit to the sterile area. You fail to see the humans behind the uniform. The men and women who get up at 1:30am to be on the checkpoint by 3am, who endure the continuous changes of policy and procedure, who were courageous enough to accept jobs on the front line of America’s Anti-Terrorism efforts, dangerous though it may be. They endure low pay, long and unusual hours, less than perfect working conditions, unidentified hazardous materials, the diseases and infections of those passengers they come into contact with, undeserved attitude and the occasional cussing out, and a whole host of other things that make the job less than pleasant at times.....