FlyerTalk Forums - Terrorist at the Gate

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- - Terrorist at the Gate (https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/practical-travel-safety-security-issues/974873-terrorist-gate.html)

Quote:

Originally Posted by elektronkind (Post 12072468)

It makes me wonder how the subjective observation of someone's facial expressions or they way they carry themselves constitutes probable cause for a search of that person.

What ? You don't believe the super-secret spotnik program works ?

Report to the nearest DHS office at once for adjustment, Citizen.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boggie Dog (Post 12073394)

911...

911 Operator: Whats your emergency?

Caller: Yeah, I'm at gate XX here at the airport and I think some terrorist are hanging around the gate.

911 Operator: What kind of terrorist?

Caller: Some really strange creepy guys, I'm really afraid something bad is about to happen. Please send help now!!

911 Operator: OK, I've got people on the way......

Yep, because if I were a terrorist I would make, buy or steal TSA uniforms and use them as a cover to carry out my dastardly deed. Oh wait that could never happen.

You should have walked up to a couple of them and tried to start up a conversation, and try SPOTting them (i.e. "What are you guys doing here? Where do you live? What is your favorite color?") Maybe point at one and laugh hysterically.

I guess they'd try claiming you were "interfering with the screening process" or something equally ridiculous.

Pseudo Adults at Play

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mats (Post 12063829)

That is SUCH a power trip!

It's like something out of fifth grade: "we're going to come up with secret code signals to talk to each other! Then everyone will be scared of us and respect us!"

Some friends & I did that in 3rd grade only we used weird noises instead of hand signals.

TSA gets more bizarre by the day.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boggie Dog (Post 12073394)

Don't forget to mention that you know they're working together 'cause they're all dressed the same. ;)

To N965VJ - you are the best, that is exactly what they were doing.

The Cell-camera idea is the next step - I watched this time, I am going to take pictures next time. I am simply taking the picture of the sign at the gate announcing the flight.

Quote:

Originally Posted by rayraf (Post 12072881)

Ever get stopped at a DUI checkpoint? They rarely catch anyone either but they expend a lot of resources doing so. And they are legal, as long as they are pre-announced.

They might get a driver that had something to drink but the real goldmine for local law enforcement at these things is the many other citations (and the resulting revenue from 'court costs' and fines) such as no insurance, expired registration, no tags, etc. They do checks in Omaha but it's always in more affluent areas. Why not set one up in South Omaha and turn the illegals over to ICE?

take a position similar to theirs and then making similar hand signals to theirs.
then ... enlist other passersby to join you in mockingly imitating them in a sort of impromptu vigilante flashmob taunting/outing.

Quote:

Originally Posted by YXU Dude (Post 12074372)

^x4

Quote:

Originally Posted by spartacus (Post 12074180)

That's racist. And besides, they don't have any money.

Quote:

Originally Posted by rayraf (Post 12072881)

Ever get stopped at a DUI checkpoint? They rarely catch anyone either but they expend a lot of resources doing so. And they are legal, as long as they are pre-announced.

They are illegal in Texas. And as others pointed out, the stopping can't be arbitrary. Has to be all or some random number depending on the standards set in each state. And some states do require pre-announcements.

And lastly, driving is a privilege and not a right. As such, more constrictions can be placed.

Quote:

Originally Posted by DocDorfman (Post 12073962)

The Cell-camera idea is the next step - I watched this time, I am going to take pictures next time. I am simply taking the picture of the sign at the gate announcing the flight.

They are likely to give you a hassle over that.

On the other hand, if you're talking on your cellphone, they don't know which buttons you're hitting.

Quote:

Originally Posted by DocDorfman (Post 12062176)

I flew OAK - DEN on Sunday, and saw something I had not seen before. It was sort of a passive gate check - 5 TSA screeners stood in various corners of the gate and watched all the passengers, all the while making little "signals" to each other.

It was as if they were a special ops insertion team, sneaking up on the enemy, except it was as obvious as signs the catcher gives to the pitcher.

Stone faced, they stared at the passengers for any suspicious behavior, it was the most amateur effort at playing bounty hunter I could imagine. Two focused on the jetway gate, as if to assure nobody barged it, four stood in opposite corners and scanned the audience.

All wore gloves, and acted as if immediately ready to pounce on the terrorist. Except that immediately after calling the last boarding group, they responded as if the play was over and headed off as a group to the terminal - exactly like an actor might change personality when the scene was over.

Logistically I though it was interesting - unlike the gates, they had no LEO available to address escalating issues. They did not have radio's to call for an LEO and I imagine depend on one of the team to do such in another manner. And a single distraction would cause the house of cards to fall down.

Is this new or am I just noticing?

They were just playing cops and robbers. Makes them feel grown up. Secondary, selective gate check is back, but not for every flight. It has been for a while. On a DTW-DCA flight last year, they set up shop at the gate. I was returning from SIN and had shorts on, although it was a cold time of the year in DTW. I wore a knee brace. As they called the FC boarding, I got up, bracing myself with my hands, and walked leisurely towards the gate, so as not to be the first one to reach the GA. Lucky me. Perfect disguise for a terrorist. Shorts in freezing weather and a conspicuous knee brace. :D

"Sir,, would step over here please?" I was tired and in no mood to play. Against my better judgment, I said "You have got be kidding! Not again! Every time". The TSA lady was in a good mood. "Oh come one! Not every time?" I was calm but annoyed and replied. "Yes, Every time!", shaking my head. She wasn't about to be talked down. She took my shoulder bag, unzipped it, and zipped it back wihout even looking in. I guess they have learnt something.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ND Sol (Post 12075138)

According to TSA freely traveling is a privilege and not a right!

Must be something about that word "free" that TSA doesn't like.

You also have to remember what TSA really stands for...."Too Stupid for Arby's"!!!