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PV Alert: Can I Take Photos at the Checkpoint and Airport?

PV Alert: Can I Take Photos at the Checkpoint and Airport?

Old Apr 2, 2009, 5:32 pm
  #46  
Original Poster
 
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Belated thanks for a huge task

I neglected to say so earlier, so let me say thanks to PMOCEK for all his hard work in trying to get straight answers re: the photography question. It speaks volumes, badly, about the country that we have come to this, but I think many here already knew that. Hopefully we will all still be around when that happy days comes that sanity returns!
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Old Apr 2, 2009, 6:37 pm
  #47  
 
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Florida
Posts: 3,006
Originally Posted by TSA Bob
It amazes me that the moderators here would allow Phil to post personal contact information for our Customer Support Managers. I had to delete one instance on the TSA Blog where Phil included one of the manager's addresses. Not cool.

These folks have taken the time to help Phil only to have their e-mail addresses and phone numbers posted for public view. I'm sure they'll appreciate being spammed and pranked.

Bob
Blogger Bob, I am amazed that you would find this objectionable.

These people are PUBLIC servants and the contact information that Phil has included are their PUBLIC contact information. It is not like Phil is tracking home addresses and phone numbers and giving those out.

Besides the DHS and TSA nomenclature is not hard to figure out. How do you think I got Kip's and Francine's email addresses?
Trollkiller is offline  
Old Apr 3, 2009, 2:30 pm
  #48  
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: USA
Posts: 1,439
additional correspondence with TSA re: airport photography policies

Following are the remainder of exchanges I've had with TSA airport representatives thus far (again, with quoted portions from previous messages trimmed). Included in this batch will be: CMH, DEN, IND, ONT, PDX, PHX, PIT, SAN, SJU, SNA, and TPA.

Note that in each case, I am still awaiting a response to followup questions (or unanswered and repeated questions) posed to the TSA representative. As I receive responses, I will update these posts, indicating within them where the new information begins and when it was added. At that time, I will also post a new response to the thread, noting which previous posts have been updated. In this manner, I hope to organize all correspondence applicable to a given airport in a single post, and also to allow subscribers to this thread to be aware of changes to posts that the system believes they have already read.

I'm open to suggestions for more effective use of this Web forum for posting and updating this information. I have loose plans to summarize it all on tsafaq.net sometime in the future. Suggestions for that are welcome as well.

Last edited by pmocek; Apr 3, 2009 at 2:37 pm Reason: fix typo
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Old Apr 3, 2009, 2:30 pm
  #49  
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: USA
Posts: 1,439
TSA re: airport photography policies: Port Columbus International (CMH)

Code:
Date: Wed, 1 Apr 2009 11:45:46 -0400
From: "Dipaola, John" <John.Dipaola%AT%dhs.gov>
Subject: FW: Got Feedback : Port Columbus International (CMH)
To: Phil Mocek, GotFeedback <Gotfeedback%AT%dhs.gov>

Mr. Mocek,

My name is John DiPaola, TSA Stakeholder-Customer Support Manager here
at Port Columbus International Airport.  You are asking if you are able
to take photos at our Checkpoint locations.  You can take pictures at
our checkpoints as long as you're not interfering with the screening
process or slowing things down at our Checkpoints. We also ask that you
do not film or take pictures of our monitors.  You may be approached by
one of our TSA Officers or local Port Columbus Law Enforcement if they
see you are taking photos inquiring as to why.

As far as local laws, state statutes, local ordinances I would recommend
calling Port Columbus International Airport at 614-239-4000 and speaking
with their local Public Affairs Offices.

Please visit our public website at www.tsa.gov for current
updates.

Thanks
John DiPaola
Code:
Date: Wed, 1 Apr 2009 09:20:18 -0700
From: Phil Mocek
Subject: Re: FW: Got Feedback : Port Columbus International (CMH)
To: John DiPaola - TSA <John.Dipaola%AT%dhs.gov>
Cc: GotFeedback <Gotfeedback%AT%dhs.gov>

Thank you, Mr. DiPaola, for confirming that TSA does not prohibit
photography of publicly-accessible areas of Port Columbus International
Airport.  Upon the suggestion of Bob Burns at TSA, I asked if you were
aware of any applicable local laws, state statutes, or local ordinances.
You did not mention any in your response, so I'll assume that you are
unaware of any.  There tends to be confusion over whether it is allowed,
particularly at security checkpoints.

I hope this doesn't sound like a silly question, but I'm afraid the
situation might come up, so I'll ask now:  Would the act of photography
or video recording itself, using hand-held equipment, without slowing
the line of people at the checkpoint, be considered by TSA staff to be
interference with the screening process?  I'm concerned that
"interference" may be defined as anything any member of TSA staff would
like to prevent from happening.

Could you please provide contact information (e-mail, postal mail, and
telephone, in that order of preference) for someone in particular at the
Public Affairs Office of the Port Columbus International Airport whom
you recommend as a better resource for this information?  Bob Burns at
TSA wrote that if you at TSA's "Got Feedback?" program did not have an
answer to questions related to his blog post, you could connect us with
someone who does.  I want to be sure I contact someone who is an
authoritative source for the information, and an e-mail or letter would
allow that person to respond at his or her convenience.

Thanks for your continued assistance.

-- 
Phil Mocek
(The following was added to this comment 2009-04-20.)

Code:
Date: Tue, 14 Apr 2009 09:08:55 -0700
From: Phil Mocek
Subject: Re: FW: Got Feedback : Port Columbus International (CMH)
To: John DiPaola - TSA <John.Dipaola%AT%dhs.gov>
Cc: GotFeedback <Gotfeedback%AT%dhs.gov>

I have received no further contact from you.  Are you able to provide
the information I have requested?

--
Phil Mocek
Code:
Date: Tue, 14 Apr 2009 13:02:43 -0400
From: "Dipaola, John" <John.Dipaola%AT%dhs.gov>
Subject: FW: FW: Got Feedback : Port Columbus International (CMH)
To: Phil Mocek

Phil,
Regarding if there are applicable local laws, state statutes, or local
ordnances; I will refer you to Robert Mauldin, Port Columbus Public
Safety.  He can be reached via email at:
Rmauldin%AT%columbusairports.com.

Regarding the act of photography or video recording itself, using
hand-held equipment, without slowing the line of people at the
checkpoint, be considered by TSA staff to be interference with the
screening process?  I'm concerned that "interference" may be defined as
anything any member of TSA staff would like to prevent from happening; I
will send a copy of this request to our Assistant Federal Security
Director of Screening for a reply.

John DiPaola
Code:
Date: Tue, 14 Apr 2009 10:09:03 -0700
From: Phil Mocek
Subject: Re: Got Feedback : Port Columbus International (CMH)
To: Robert Mauldin - Port Columbus Public
        Safety Manager <rmauldin%AT%columbusairports.com>,
	    John Dipaola - TSA <John.Dipaola%AT%dhs.gov>
Cc: GotFeedback <Gotfeedback%AT%dhs.gov>

Thanks, Mr. DiPaola, for the contact at Port Columbus.  This is helpful.

So that I may follow up later if necessary, who is your Assistant
Federal Security Director of Screening?

Mr. Mauldin, are there any local laws, state statutes, or local
ordinances, that affect the legality of photographing or video taping
things that can be seen from publicly-accessible areas of Port Columbus
International?

--
Phil Mocek
(The following was added to this comment 2010-06-28.)

Code:
Date: Tue, 14 Apr 2009 14:58:45 -0400
From: Robert Mauldin <RMauldin%AT%ColumbusAirports.com>
To: Phil Mocek, John Dipaola - TSA <John.Dipaola%AT%dhs.gov>
CC: GotFeedback <Gotfeedback%AT%dhs.gov>,
        Richard Morgan <RMorgan%AT%ColumbusAirports.com>
Subject: RE: Got Feedback : Port Columbus International (CMH)

Mr. Mocek:  Rule 11.6D of the Columbus Regional Airport Authority
states, "No person shall divulge information regarding the airport
security system, any airport tenant's security system, or any topic
affecting air transportation security to any unauthorized person."
Violation of this would be a level 2 minor misdemeanor.

So long as you confine your taping to non-security related areas and
items (passenger screening checkpoints, access control systems, CCTV
cameras, Explosive Trace Detection devices, etc. would be considered
security related) you should have no problem at Port Columbus.

Hope this helps.

Bob Mauldin
Public Safety Manager
(The following was added to this comment 2010-07-07.)

Code:
Date: Mon, 28 Jun 2010 08:45:55 -0700
From: Phil Mocek
To: Robert Mauldin - CMH Public Safety
        Manager <RMauldin%AT%ColumbusAirports.com>
Cc: John Dipaola - TSA Stakeholder-Customer Support Manager
        at CMH <John.Dipaola%AT%dhs.gov>,
        GotFeedback <Gotfeedback%AT%dhs.gov>,
        Richard Morgan <RMorgan%AT%ColumbusAirports.com>
Subject: Re: Got Feedback : Port Columbus International (CMH)

Mr. Mauldin and Mr. DiPaola:

In April, 2009, you reported to me that the only restriction on
photography at Port Columbus International Airport concerned such
action at security-related areas and items.

Three days ago, a passenger who flew out of CMH reported the
following:
<http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/travel-safety-security/1099444-using-cameras-airport.html>
> A few weeks ago, I was about to get on an early flight out of
> Concourse B at CMH. I had my camera with me, so I was taking a few
> pictures of the planes just to pass the time. One of the baggage
> handlers on the ground saw me taking pictures and waved his arm at
> me. I didn't think anything of it, and I sat down to do some work.
>
> A few minutes later, the baggage handler came through a door into
> the terminal from outside. He walked directly over to me and
> started questioning me. "Why are you taking pictures? You can't do
> that. Will you show me the pictures that you took?" The terminal
> was mostly empty at that hour, and I had chosen a pretty secluded
> corner of the Terminal to hang out. Maybe that's what alarmed this
> guy. In any case, I told him I was taking pictures of the planes
> in the morning light. Not satisfied with that response, the guy
> began asking about my flight details and from which gate I was
> departing.

Have your photography policies changed since April 14, 2009?

[long quotation of previous correspondence omitted]
Mr. Mauldin responded:
Code:
Date: Mon, 28 Jun 2010 15:56:15 +0000
From: Robert Mauldin <RMauldin%AT%ColumbusAirports.com>
To: Phil Mocek
CC: John Dipaola - TSA Stakeholder-Customer Support Manager at CMH <John.Dipaola%AT%dhs.gov>,
        GotFeedback <Gotfeedback%AT%dhs.gov>,
        Richard Morgan <RMorgan%AT%ColumbusAirports.com>
Subject: RE: Got Feedback : Port Columbus International (CMH)

Mr. Mocek:  The policy is still the same.  I'm not sure what occurred in this
incident, but all of us in aviation security are keenly interested in providing
a safe environment for air travel, not in stifling interest in aviation.  Once
again, so long as there is no evidence of an attempt to compromise safety or
security, you should have no problem.

Hope this helps.

Bob Mauldin
Public Safety Manager
Columbus Regional Airport Authority

[long quotation of previous correspondence omitted]
Code:
Date: Mon, 28 Jun 2010 09:16:26 -0700
From: Phil Mocek
To: Robert Mauldin <RMauldin%AT%ColumbusAirports.com>
Cc: John Dipaola - TSA Stakeholder - Customer Support Manager 
    at CMH <John.Dipaola%AT%dhs.gov>, GotFeedback <Gotfeedback%AT%dhs.gov>,
    Richard Morgan <RMorgan%AT%ColumbusAirports.com>
Subject: Re: Got Feedback : Port Columbus International (CMH)

On Mon, Jun 28, 2010 at 03:56:15PM +0000, Robert Mauldin wrote:
> The policy is still the same.  I'm not sure what occurred in this incident,
> but all of us in aviation security are keenly interested in providing a safe
> environment for air travel, not in stifling interest in aviation.  Once
> again, so long as there is no evidence of an attempt to compromise safety or
> security, you should have no problem.

Thanks.  What action do you recommend someone take when faced with airport
staff who assert that photography is prohibited in a circumstance in which it
is not, in fact, prohibited?

--
Phil Mocek
Code:
Date: Mon, 28 Jun 2010 19:08:24 +0000
From: Robert Mauldin <RMauldin%AT%ColumbusAirports.com>
To: Phil Mocek
CC: John Dipaola - TSA Stakeholder - Customer Support Manager 
    at CMH <John.Dipaola%AT%dhs.gov>, GotFeedback <Gotfeedback%AT%dhs.gov>,
    John Rockwell <jrockwell%AT%ColumbusAirports.com>
Subject: RE: Got Feedback : Port Columbus International (CMH)

Actually, we do not encourage non-law enforcement people from confronting what
they may think is a security risk, but rather to report it to the police.
Conversely, if someone feels threatened or if they think they are being
challenged unjustly, I would suggest calling the police responsible for the
facility/area to straighten out the matter.

[quotation of previous correspondence omitted]
Code:
Date: Mon, 28 Jun 2010 12:19:03 -0700
From: Phil Mocek
To: Robert Mauldin <RMauldin%AT%ColumbusAirports.com>
Cc: John Dipaola - TSA Stakeholder-Customer Support Manager
        at CMH <John.Dipaola%AT%dhs.gov>,
        GotFeedback <Gotfeedback%AT%dhs.gov>,
        John Rockwell <jrockwell%AT%ColumbusAirports.com>
Subject: Re: Got Feedback : Port Columbus International (CMH)

On Mon, Jun 28, 2010 at 07:08:24PM +0000, Robert Mauldin wrote:
> Actually, we do not encourage non-law enforcement people from
> confronting what they may think is a security risk, but rather to
> report it to the police.

I wasn't suggesting that.  I'm curious about photography by the public
from publicly-accessible areas of the airport, and what to do when
misinformed airport staff claim that such activity is prohibited, not
about security risks.  Obviously, photographing something that thousands
of people look at every day -- things that many thousands of people can
remember seeing -- does not pose any more security risk than those
people's memories pose.

My question was:
> > What action do you recommend someone take when faced with airport
> > staff who assert that photography is prohibited in a circumstance in
> > which it is not, in fact, prohibited?

You continued:
> Conversely, if someone feels threatened or if they think they are
> being challenged unjustly, I would suggest calling the police
> responsible for the facility/area to straighten out the matter.

Okay.  It sounds like the person who reported trouble at your airport on
FlyerTalk forums was unjustly challenged, so it seems that your advice
would have been for him to contact police.  In your experience, do CMH
airport police understand that neither TSA nor local regulations
prohibit photography in publicly-accessible areas of the airport, of
"non-security related areas and items"?

Also, last year, you wrote:
On Tue, Apr 14, 2009 at 02:58:45PM -0400, Robert Mauldin wrote:
> Mr. Mocek:  Rule 11.6D of the Columbus Regional Airport Authority
> states, "No person shall divulge information regarding the airport
> security system, any airport tenant's security system, or any topic
> affecting air transportation security to any unauthorized person."
> Violation of this would be a level 2 minor misdemeanor.
>
> So long as you confine your taping to non-security related areas and
> items (passenger screening checkpoints, access control systems, CCTV
> cameras, Explosive Trace Detection devices, etc.  would be considered
> security related) you should have no problem at Port Columbus.

Is it your understanding that when someone takes a photograph in the
airport terminal, and the image contains a CCTV camera or explosive
trace detection device, he has committed a level two minor misdemeanor?

Thanks for your continued assistance.

--
Phil Mocek
Code:
Date: Mon, 5 Jul 2010 17:41:32 -0700
From: Phil Mocek
To: Robert Mauldin <RMauldin%AT%ColumbusAirports.com>
Cc: John Dipaola - TSA Stakeholder-Customer Support Manager 
        at CMH <John.Dipaola%AT%dhs.gov>,
        GotFeedback <Gotfeedback%AT%dhs.gov>,
        John Rockwell <jrockwell%AT%ColumbusAirports.com>
Subject: Re: Got Feedback : Port Columbus International (CMH)

Any word on the questions I asked a week ago?  I've received no
communication from Robert Mauldin, John Dipaola, John Rockwell, or
anyone from TSA's "Got Feedback?" program since sending my message on
June 28, 2010 (quoted below).

[quotation of previous correspondence omitted]

--
Phil Mocek
Code:
Date: Tue, 6 Jul 2010 01:06:04 +0000
From: John Rockwell <jrockwell%AT%ColumbusAirports.com>
To: Phil Mocek
CC: Philip Gehrisch <pgehrisch%AT%ColumbusAirports.com>,
        Bob Hartsell <robbie.hartsell%AT%dhs.gov>
Subject: RE: Got Feedback : Port Columbus International (CMH)

You have already responded. Our folks need to be aware that he or his
associates may try to bait us into some inappropriate action sometime in
the future.

Sent from my HTC smartphone

[quotation of previous correspondence omitted]
Code:
Date: Wed, 7 Jul 2010 12:02:55 -0700
From: Phil Mocek
To: John Rockwell - CMH Director of Public Safety
        and Airport Police Chief <jrockwell%AT%ColumbusAirports.com>
Cc: Robert Mauldin <RMauldin%AT%ColumbusAirports.com>,
        John Dipaola - TSA Stakeholder-Customer Support Manager
        at CMH <John.Dipaola%AT%dhs.gov>,
        GotFeedback <Gotfeedback%AT%dhs.gov>,
        Philip Gehrisch - CMH Airport Police
        Lieutenant <pgehrisch%AT%ColumbusAirports.com>,
        Rob Hartsell - DHS Assistant Federal Security Director
        at CMH <robbie.hartsell%AT%dhs.gov>
Subject: Re: Got Feedback : Port Columbus International (CMH)

On Tue, Jul 06, 2010 at 01:06:04AM +0000, John Rockwell wrote:
> You [Robert Mauldin] have already responded.  Our folks need to be
> aware that he or his associates may try to bait us into some
> inappropriate action sometime in the future.

Mr. Rockwell, I think you misunderstood.  Mr. Mauldin responded to the
first two messages I sent him on June 28, 2009, but not to the third
one.  In the second (quoted in its entirety below), I asked:

 1. What action do you recommend someone take when faced with
    airport staff who assert that photography is prohibited in a
    circumstance in which it is not, in fact, prohibited?

He didn't answer, instead informing me that he does not "encourage
non-law enforcement people from confronting what they think is a
security risk".  I didn't suggest any such thing.  In fact, I didn't
mention anything that is a security risk.  We're talking about
photographing something that thousands of members of the public see
every day.  I did not understand what Mr. Mauldin meant, and hope he is
able to clarify.

In my third message (quoted below), I asked:

 2. In your experience, do CMH airport police understand that
    neither TSA nor local regulations prohibit photography in
    publicly-accessible areas of the airport, of "non-security
    related areas and items"?

 3. Is it your understanding that when someone takes a photograph
    in the airport terminal, and the image contains a CCTV camera
    or explosive trace detection device, he has committed a level
    two minor misdemeanor?

None of the three questions has been answered.  I look forward to Mr.
Mauldin's response.

I would also appreciate answers from anyone else copied here who is able
to provide them.  Mr. Rockwell, as Chief of Airport Police, you are
particularly well situated to say whether or not your staff understand
that there are no TSA or local regulations which prohibit photography in
publicly-accessible areas of the airport, of "non-security related areas
and items".  Do you believe that they understand this?  The potential
"baiting" to which you referred could be as simple as someone taking a
photograph in the airport near the TSA barricade with an over-zealous
and misinformed police officer nearby.

Photography is Constitutionally-protected.  I hope that you would not
consider the exercising of our right to photography to be baiting your
staff.

[quotation of previous correspondence omitted]

--
Phil Mocek

Last edited by pmocek; Jul 7, 2010 at 4:31 pm Reason: add new messages sent & received
pmocek is offline  
Old Apr 3, 2009, 2:31 pm
  #50  
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: USA
Posts: 1,439
TSA re: airport photography policies: Denver International (DEN)

Date: Wed, 1 Apr 2009 09:05:59 -0400
From: "Kapp, Robert" <bob.kapp%AT%dhs.gov>
Subject: RE: Got Feedback : Denver International (DEN)
To: Phil Mocek
Cc: GotFeedback <Gotfeedback%AT%dhs.gov>

Mr. Mocek,

I am not aware of any laws, statutes, or ordinances that would prohibit taking photos at any airport. Perhaps the airport itself (DEN is managed by the City and County of Denver) would be a better resource for this information. As you are probably aware, DEN is a wide-open airport with a lot of architectural and artistic curiosities and people are running around with cameras all the time. If you have a specific project in mind that would include atypical locations, I am sure the airport will work with you.

That said, it is not usually a good idea to take photos that might show TSA screening activities and equipment at any airport without setting it up with someone from TSA public affairs in advance. This is pretty much true of security activities and equipment internationally as well, and not just at airports.

Thanks, Bob

Bob Kapp
Customer Support Manager
US Department of Homeland Security
TSA / DEN, FNL, AKO
303-342-6512
303-342-6518 fax
bob.kapp%AT%dhs.gov

Remember to lock your checked bags with TSA-accessible locks, available at most department and luggage stores.
http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtrav...ant/locks.shtm
Date: Wed, 1 Apr 2009 08:30:57 -0700
From: Phil Mocek
Subject: Re: Got Feedback : Denver International (DEN)
To: Robert Kapp - TSA <bob.kapp%AT%dhs.gov>
Cc: GotFeedback <Gotfeedback%AT%dhs.gov>

Thank you, Mr. Kemp, for confirming that TSA does not prohibit photography in publicly-accessible areas of DEN, and stating that you are unaware of any laws, statutes, or ordinances that would do the same.

Could you please provide contact information (e-mail, postal mail, and telephone, in that order of preference) for someone at the City and County of Denver whom you recommend as a better resource for this information?

I do not have any specific project in mind. I'm simply interested in confirming the information that Bob Burns at TSA published yesterday, which is that TSA does not prohibit any photography of public areas of airports. There tends to be confusion over whether it is allowed, particularly at security checkpoints.

Whether photographing our government employees at work in public places where thousands of members of the public are watching is "a good idea" is not really at issue here, other than to say that if there is no law barring the activity and if the activity does not interfere with airport operations, but any of those employees resists being photographed, it's likely that there is a problem, and the sooner we, the public, daylight that problem, the sooner it can be addressed.

--
Phil Mocek
Date: Wed, 1 Apr 2009 11:56:37 -0400
From: "Kapp, Robert" <bob.kapp%AT%dhs.gov>
Subject: RE: Got Feedback : Denver International (DEN)
To: Phil Mocek

You are welcome,

For information from the airport on this you might try media%AT%flydenver.com

Bob Kapp
Customer Support Manager
US Department of Homeland Security
TSA / DEN, FNL, AKO
303-342-6512
303-342-6518 fax
bob.kapp%AT%dhs.gov

Remember to lock your checked bags with TSA-accessible locks, available at most department and luggage stores.
http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtrav...ant/locks.shtm
Date: Wed, 1 Apr 2009 09:48:35 -0700
From: Phil Mocek
Subject: Re: Got Feedback : Denver International (DEN)
To: Robert Kapp - TSA <bob.kapp%AT%dhs.gov>
Cc: GotFeedback <Gotfeedback%AT%dhs.gov>

Thanks for the suggestion that I send an e-mail to whomever receives mail at media%AT%flydenver.com.

You wrote to me that someone at the City and County of Denver would be a better resource for this information. Could you please direct me to the appropriate person?

Bob Burns at TSA wrote that if you at TSA's "Got Feedback?" program did not have an answer to questions related to his blog post, you could connect us with someone who does. I want to be sure I contact someone who is an authoritative source for the information, and an e-mail or letter would allow that person to respond at his or her convenience instead of being interrupted by a telephone call.

--
Phil Mocek
(The following was added to this comment 2009-04-20.)

Date: Tue, 14 Apr 2009 09:09:18 -0700
From: Phil Mocek
Subject: Re: Got Feedback : Denver International (DEN)
To: Robert Kapp - TSA <bob.kapp%AT%dhs.gov>
Cc: GotFeedback <Gotfeedback%AT%dhs.gov>

I have received no further contact from you. Are you able to provide the information I have requested?

--
Phil Mocek
Date: Tue, 14 Apr 2009 12:15:53 -0400
From: "Kapp, Robert" <bob.kapp%AT%dhs.gov>
Subject: RE: Got Feedback : Denver International (DEN)
To: Phil Mocek,
Robert Kapp - TSA <bob.kapp%AT%dhs.gov>
Cc: GotFeedback <Gotfeedback%AT%dhs.gov>

You should contact the airport at info%AT%diadenver.net.

Bob Kapp
Customer Support Manager
US Department of Homeland Security
TSA / DEN, FNL, AKO
303-342-6512
303-342-6518 fax
bob.kapp%AT%dhs.gov
Date: Tue, 14 Apr 2009 09:19:10 -0700
From: Phil Mocek
Subject: Re: Got Feedback : Denver International (DEN)
To: Robert Kapp - TSA <bob.kapp%AT%dhs.gov>
Cc: GotFeedback <Gotfeedback%AT%dhs.gov>

You wrote to me that someone at the City and County of Denver would be a better resource for this information. Could you please direct me to the appropriate person?

Bob Burns at TSA wrote that if you at TSA's "Got Feedback?" program did not have an answer to questions related to his blog post, you could connect us with someone who does. I want to be sure I contact someone who is an authoritative source for the information. Could you please tell me who that is?

--
Phil Mocek

Last edited by pmocek; Apr 20, 2009 at 3:40 am Reason: add new messages sent & received
pmocek is offline  
Old Apr 3, 2009, 2:32 pm
  #51  
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: USA
Posts: 1,439
TSA re: airport photography policies: Indianapolis International (IND)

Date: Wed, 1 Apr 2009 15:34:46 -0400
From: "Harris, Rene <IND>" <Rene.Harris%AT%dhs.gov>
Subject: Got Feedback
To: Phil Mocek
Cc: "Harris, Rene" <Rene.Harris%AT%dhs.gov>

Unfortunately, there isn't a cookie cutter answer that can be applied to all of our screening locations and airports. It's important to note that we know there's a difference between someone taking a casual photo and someone doing surveillance, but if you are taking pictures at or near the checkpoint, don't be surprised if someone (TSA, airport police, or a curious passenger) asks you what you're up to.

We don't prohibit public, passengers or press from photographing, videotaping, or filming at screening locations. You can take pictures at our checkpoints as long as you're not interfering with the screening process or slowing things down. We also ask that you do not film or take pictures of our monitors.

However... while the TSA does not prohibit photographs at screening locations, local laws, state statutes, or local ordinances might. Your best bet is to call ahead and see what that specific airport's policy is. To contact the local airport representative you can call: Susan Sullivan at 317-487-5025 or ssullivan%AT%indianapolisairport.com

Rene Harris
CSQIM
IND
317-390-6917
Date: Wed, 1 Apr 2009 12:56:11 -0700
From: Phil Mocek
Subject: Re: Got Feedback [request for information re: photography at IND]
To: Rene Harris - TSA <Rene.Harris%AT%dhs.gov>
Cc: GotFeedback <Gotfeedback%AT%dhs.gov>

Thanks for your response, Ms. Harris. I'm not seeking "cookie cutter" answers, nor answers that apply to all airports, just specifics about policies at Indianapolis International Airport.

Bob Burns at TSA published information yesterday indicating that TSA does not prohibit photography in publicly-accessible places at airports, but cautioned that there might be local laws, state statutes, or local ordinances that apply at a given airport, and said that related questions should be directed to TSA's "Got Feedback?" program.

I took Bob's advice and submitted my questions. You responded, apparently to my questions about IND. Are you aware of any laws, statutes, or ordinances at your airport that would affect whether photography and video recording of publicly-accessible places withing the airport is lawful? I'll contact Susan Sullivan at the airport as well.

You wrote, "We also ask that you do not film or take pictures of our monitors." Can you explain why you ask people not to do this although you allow them to do so? It seems that your request would only hinder the people who want to be cooperative and not affect people who don't care about your requests.

You also wrote, "if you are taking pictures at or near the checkpoint, don't be surprised if someone (TSA, airport police, or a curious passenger) asks you what you're up to." Those people shouldn't be surprised if I refuse to speak to them or politely inform them that what I am doing is none of their business.

--
Phil Mocek

(The following was added to this post 2009-04-07 20:30 -0700.)


Date: Fri, 3 Apr 2009 16:28:26 -0400
From: "Harris, Rene <IND>" <Rene.Harris%AT%dhs.gov>
Subject: RE: Got Feedback [request for information re: photography at IND]
To: Phil Mocek

I was not trying to give you a cookie cutter answer. I was trying to give you the most appropriate response to your question. I gave you further information to give you more assistance in your search for answers:

However... while the TSA does not prohibit photographs at screening locations, local laws, state statutes, or local ordinances might. Your best bet is to call ahead and see what that specific airport's policy is. To contact the local airport representative you can call: Susan Sullivan at 317-487-5025 or ssullivan%AT%indianapolisairport.com

Rene Harris
CSQIM
IND
317-390-6917
Date: Fri, 3 Apr 2009 15:48:06 -0700
From: Phil Mocek
Subject: Re: Got Feedback [request for information re: photography at IND]
To: Rene Harris - TSA <Rene.Harris%AT%dhs.gov>
Cc: GotFeedback <Gotfeedback%AT%dhs.gov>

I didn't write or imply that you tried to give me a "cookie cutter" answer; you did. Your response to my "Got Feedback?" query began, "Unfortunately, there isn't a cookie cutter answer that can be applied to all of our screening locations and airports." I don't find that to be unfortunate, as I'm not seeking such an answer.

Thank you for confirming that TSA does not prohibit photography or video taping of things that are visible from publicly-accessible areas of airports, and thank you for your referral to Susan Sullivan.

In your previous message, you wrote, "We also ask that you do not film or take pictures of our monitors." Can you explain why you ask people not to do this although you allow them to do so? It seems that your request would only hinder the people who want to be cooperative and not affect people who don't care about your requests.

--
Phil Mocek
(The following was added to this comment 2009-04-20.)

Date: Tue, 14 Apr 2009 09:12:21 -0700
From: Phil Mocek
Subject: Re: Got Feedback [request for information re: photography at IND]
To: Rene Harris - TSA <Rene.Harris%AT%dhs.gov>
Cc: GotFeedback <Gotfeedback%AT%dhs.gov>

I have received no further contact from you. Are you able to provide the information I have requested?

--
Phil Mocek
Date: Thu, 16 Apr 2009 12:01:12 -0400
From: "Harris, Rene <IND>" <Rene.Harris%AT%dhs.gov>
Subject: RE: Got Feedback [request for information re: photography at IND]
To: Phil Mocek

Mr. Mocek I had assumed that I had answered your enquiry. I stated that you should contact Susan Sullivan for further information on the local laws, state statutes and ordinances. I am at a loss to see how I can be of anymore assistance to you. It would appear that you are attempting to get more answers out of me than I have at my disposal.

Rene Harris
CSQIM
IND
317-390-6917
Date: Thu, 16 Apr 2009 11:37:22 -0700
From: Phil Mocek
Subject: Re: Got Feedback [request for information re: photography at IND]
To: Rene Harris - TSA <Rene.Harris%AT%dhs.gov>
Cc: GotFeedback <Gotfeedback%AT%dhs.gov>

Thank you for the referral to Ms. Sullivan.

In your e-mail of April 1, 2009 (attached to this one for your convenience), you wrote, "We also ask that you do not film or take pictures of our monitors." Can you explain why you ask people not to do this even though they are allowed to do so? It seems that your request would only hinder the people who want to be cooperative and not affect people who don't care about your requests.

--
Phil Mocek

Last edited by pmocek; Apr 20, 2009 at 3:38 am Reason: add new messages sent & received
pmocek is offline  
Old Apr 3, 2009, 2:32 pm
  #52  
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: USA
Posts: 1,439
TSA re: airport photography policies: Ontario International (ONT)

Date: Wed, 1 Apr 2009 16:42:39 -0400
From: "Ellis, April" <April.Ellis%AT%dhs.gov>
Subject: RE: Got Feedback : Ontario International (ONT)
To: Phil Mocek
Cc: GotFeedback <Gotfeedback%AT%dhs.gov>

Good Afternoon Mr. Mocek:

I am in receipt of your GotFeedBack? submission and would like to thank you for contacting us with your inquiry. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is committed to excellence in both security and customer service. Customer feedback is important to our operation, as it gives us the opportunity to review our operation from a customer's point-of-view, and improve or change in the areas where needed.

Photography at the security checkpoint and of security procedures is permitted as long as there are no photos of our computer monitors and the photography does not interfere with screening operations. As far as local airport policies, please contact Los Angeles World Airports for their policy.

If you have any further questions regarding your inquiry, please feel free to forward them to me. Thank you again for taking the time to submit your question.

Sincerely,

April Dawn Ellis
Customer Support/Stakeholder Liaison Manager
TSA *\240Ontario International Airport * Palm Springs International Airport
909-472-0113 office * 909-229-1853 cell * 909-937-1403 fax
Date: Wed, 1 Apr 2009 15:56:31 -0700
From: Phil Mocek
Subject: Re: Got Feedback : Ontario International (ONT)
To: April Ellis - TSA <April.Ellis%AT%dhs.gov>
Cc: GotFeedback <Gotfeedback%AT%dhs.gov>

Good afternoon, Ms. Ellis. I'm happy to learn of your agency's commitment to excellence, though I'm confused about the "customer service" part, as to my knowledge, TSA does not sell anything and thus does not have customers to service.

You wrote that photography of your computer monitors at airport security checkpoints is prohibited. This conflicts with information published yesterday by Bob Burns at TSA [1]. He wrote that photography was allowed, and that TSA asks people not to photograph the monitors. Also, among the dozen or so airport representatives who have responded to my question, your response is unique in describing that prohibition.

[1]: <http://www.tsa.gov/blog/2009/03/can-i-take-photos-at-checkpoint-and.html>

Could you please direct me to an authoritative source of information about this "no photographing monitors at the checkpoint" policy at your airport? I'd like to read the rule and make sure that it applies only to your airport, not to the others at which TSA representatives are apparently aware of no such rule.

Mr. Burns also wrote, "while the TSA does not prohibit photographs at screening locations, local laws, state statutes, or local ordinances might. Your best bet is to call ahead and see what that specific airport's policy is. I suggest you use the Got Feedback program to directly contact the Customer Support Manager at the airport you're going to be traveling through. They will have an answer for you and if they don't, they can connect you with somebody who does."

I took his suggestion and contacted TSA via the TSA "Got Feedback?" form. In response, you did not mention any applicable laws, statutes, or local ordinances. Are you aware of any?

Thank you for your assistance.

--
Phil Mocek
(The following was added to this comment 2009-04-20.)

Date: Tue, 14 Apr 2009 09:10:15 -0700
From: Phil Mocek
Subject: Re: Got Feedback : Ontario International (ONT)
To: April Ellis - TSA <April.Ellis%AT%dhs.gov>
Cc: GotFeedback <Gotfeedback%AT%dhs.gov>

I have received no further contact from you. Are you able to provide the information I have requested?

--
Phil Mocek

Last edited by pmocek; Apr 20, 2009 at 3:37 am Reason: add new messages sent & received
pmocek is offline  
Old Apr 3, 2009, 2:33 pm
  #53  
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: USA
Posts: 1,439
TSA re: airport photography policies: Portland International (PDX)

Date: Tue, 31 Mar 2009 21:49:39 -0400
From: "Burke, Tina A " <Tina.Burke%AT%dhs.gov>
Subject: RE: Got Feedback : Portland International (PDX)
To: Phil Mocek
Cc: GotFeedback <Gotfeedback%AT%dhs.gov>

Mr. Mocek,

Can you tell me what it is you'd like to do/photograph and I'll see what I can find out.

Thanks,

Tina

Tina A. Burke
Stakeholder and Customer Support Manager for Oregon
Portland International Airport (PDX)
Transportation Security Administration
#503.889.3055 (o)
#503.201.4563 (c)
www.tsa.gov

Date: Tue, 31 Mar 2009 19:50:07 -0700
From: Phil Mocek
Subject: Re: Got Feedback : Portland International (PDX)
To: "Tina A. Burke - TSA" <Tina.Burke%AT%dhs.gov>
Cc: TSA - GotFeedback <Gotfeedback%AT%dhs.gov>

Hi, Ms. Burke. Thank you for your prompt response.

I didn't have anything in particular in mind. I'm just interested in policies regarding photographing public places, so I followed the suggestion of Bob at TSA to find out more via their "Got Feedback?" program. You can read Bob's blog post on the TSA blog at <http://www.tsa.gov/blog/2009/03/can-i-take-photos-at-checkpoint-and.html>.

In an attempt to give you something more specific to work with, let's say that I want to video record and/or photograph everything that I can see as a passenger arriving at the airport, walking through the terminal, being searched at the TSA checkpoint, and waiting to board my flight at the gate. I won't enter any areas that I am not allowed to enter. I will only use small, hand-held equipment (possibly hanging it from my neck at times), without a tripod, without a flash, and I will not interfere with any airport or TSA staff as they do their jobs.

--
Phil Mocek


Date: Tue, 31 Mar 2009 23:12:03 -0400
From: "Burke, Tina A " <Tina.Burke%AT%dhs.gov>
Subject: RE: Got Feedback : Portland International (PDX)
To: Phil Mocek
Cc: GotFeedback <Gotfeedback%AT%dhs.gov>

Thanks, Mr. Mocek. I did read the info on the TSA blog, and I'll check with my counterpart at the airport and get back to you.

Tina

Tina A. Burke
Stakeholder and Customer Support Manager for Oregon
Portland International Airport (PDX)
Transportation Security Administration
#503.889.3055 (o)
#503.201.4563 (c)
www.tsa.gov

(The following was added to this comment 2009-04-20.)

Date: Tue, 14 Apr 2009 09:07:04 -0700
From: Phil Mocek
Subject: Re: Got Feedback : Portland International (PDX)
To: "Tina A. Burke - TSA" <Tina.Burke%AT%dhs.gov>
Cc: GotFeedback <Gotfeedback%AT%dhs.gov>

I haven't heard back from you. Have you found any additional information yet?

--
Phil Mocek

Last edited by pmocek; Apr 20, 2009 at 3:36 am Reason: add new messages sent & received
pmocek is offline  
Old Apr 3, 2009, 2:33 pm
  #54  
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: USA
Posts: 1,439
TSA re: airport photography policies: Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX)

Date: Thu, 2 Apr 2009 13:49:40 -0400
From: "Kaiser, Philip" <Philip.Kaiser%AT%dhs.gov>
Subject: Photography at the Security Checkpoints
To: Phil Mocek

Mr. Mocek,

First off, thank you for taking the time to write to us with your question. As you know, TSA policy states that photography in and around the security checkpoint is permitted, so long as the action does not interfere with screening operations and that photos of our computer monitors are not taken. For specific local prohibitions, you will need to contact the City of Phoenix for specifics regarding photography within the airport. They can be reached at 602-273-3300. You can also email them using the contact link found at www.phxskyharbor.com .

Again, thank you for writing us and if you have any further questions feel free to contact us again.

Philip A. Kaiser
Customer Support Specialist
TSA-Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)
Customer Service & Claims Management Team
Work: 602-794-3143
Cel: 571-268-4191

WARNING: The information in this email is confidential and may be legally privileged. Access to this email by anyone other than the intended addressee is unauthorized. If you are not the intended recipient of this message, any review, disclosure, copying, distribution, retention, or any action taken or omitted to be taken in reliance on it is prohibited and may be unlawful. If you are not the intended recipient, please reply to or forward a copy of this message to the sender and delete the message, any attachments, and any copies thereof from your system.
Date: Thu, 2 Apr 2009 11:27:54 -0700
From: Phil Mocek
Subject: Re: Photography at the Security Checkpoints [at PHX airport]
To: Philip Kaiser - TSA <Philip.Kaiser%AT%dhs.gov>
Cc: GotFeedback <Gotfeedback%AT%dhs.gov>

Mr. Kaiser:

You're very welcome. Thank you for responding.

Please allow me to correct your description of my knowledge of TSA policy. While I have, as you assumed, been informed that TSA policy does not prohibit photography in and around airport security checkpoints or anywhere else at airports that is publicly-accessible, I do not know that TSA policy prohibits photos of your computer monitors. In fact, it is my understanding that there is no such nation-wide TSA policy. Your colleague Bob Burns at TSA published information on Tuesday, March 31, 2009, indicating that such photography was discouraged but not prohibited. Additionally, I have received responses from TSA representatives of 17 other major U.S. airports to the same question posed to you, and 15 of them confirmed that non-commercial photography in publicly-accessible areas of their airports is not prohibited as long as it does not interfere with airport and TSA operations. Only two even mentioned computer monitors. I await clarification from them.

Mr. Burns at TSA also wrote, "while the TSA does not prohibit photographs at screening locations, local laws, state statutes, or local ordinances might. Your best bet is to call ahead and see what that specific airport's policy is. I suggest you use the Got Feedback program to directly contact the Customer Support Manager at the airport you're going to be traveling through. They will have an answer for you and if they don't, they can connect you with somebody who does."

I took his suggestion and contacted TSA via the TSA "Got Feedback?" form. You replied via e-mail. You did not refute Mr. Burns' claim, and you did not mention any applicable laws, statutes, or local ordinances. I take this to mean that you are in agreement with the information Mr. Burns published and also that you are unaware of any applicable laws, statutes, or ordinances. Please correct me if I'm mistaken. I understand that this is simply the best of your knowledge, not an authoritative answer to the question of whether any such laws, statutes, or ordinances apply the airport where you are employed as TSA's Customer Support Specialist.

Since Mr. Burns at TSA wrote that if you at TSA's "Got Feedback?" program did not have an answer to questions related to his blog post, you could connect us with someone who does, could you please provide contact information for a specific person, possibly from Phoenix municipal government as you suggested, who will have an answer? I want to be sure I contact someone who is an authoritative source for the information, and I don't want to waste other people's time asking them questions they can't answer.

Thank you for your continued assistance.

--
Phil Mocek

(The following was added to this post 2009-04-07 20:30 -0700.)


Date: Fri, 3 Apr 2009 17:40:55 -0400
From: "Kaiser, Philip" <Philip.Kaiser%AT%dhs.gov>
Subject: RE: Photography at the Security Checkpoints [at PHX airport]
To: Phil Mocek

Mr. Mocek,

Just so you know that I have not forgotten about your email, I wanted to give you a status update on your inquiry. I forwarded your email to our contact with the City of Phoenix. They will be contacting you shortly and they should be able to provide you with the answers you are looking for.

If you have any further questions or are in need of any other assistance, feel free to call or write me anytime.

Thanks again for your patience.

Philip A. Kaiser
Customer Support Specialist
TSA-Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)
Customer Service & Claims Management Team
Work: 602-794-3143
Cel: 571-268-4191
Date: Fri, 3 Apr 2009 15:55:44 -0700
From: Phil Mocek
Subject: Re: Photography at the Security Checkpoints [at PHX airport]
To: Philip Kaiser - TSA <Philip.Kaiser%AT%dhs.gov>
Cc: GotFeedback <Gotfeedback%AT%dhs.gov>

Thank you very much for the status update, and for contacting the City of Phoenix on my behalf.

You might be interested to know that of the 50 airports for which I submitted this question three days ago, only you and 18 of your counterparts at other airports have responded, and only about half of those has yet provided the information that Bob Burns at TSA claimed would be made available via "Got Feedback?" query.

--
Phil Mocek
Date: Fri, 3 Apr 2009 17:13:45 -0700
From: alisa.smith%AT%phoenix.gov
Subject: Fw: Photography at the Security Checkpoints [at PHX airport]
To: Phil Mocek
Cc: Philip.Kaiser%AT%dhs.gov

Mr. Mocek,

Phillip Kaiser from the TSA forwarded your email and asked that I, on behalf of the City of Phoenix Aviation Department, respond to your inquiry regarding photography at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.

There is a City of Phoenix policy that applies to commercial photography inside the airport which requires special permitting. However, if you plan to take photographs of the airport and wish to do that as more than just as a casual traveler, please contact us directly so that we can inform our Operations and Police personnel of your presence.

If you have further questions about TSA policies, please contact their Public Affairs Office directly: Dwayne Baird 801-606-6009.

Please let me know if you have any additional questions regarding Sky Harbor.

Regards,

Alisa Nakashima-Smith
Customer Service Manager
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport
602.273.8874 (office)

America's Friendliest Airport ?
Date: Fri, 3 Apr 2009 17:30:47 -0700
From: Phil Mocek
Subject: Re: Photography at the Security Checkpoints [at PHX airport]
To: Alisa Nakamisha-Smith - City of Phoenix <alisa.smith%AT%phoenix.gov>
Cc: GotFeedback <Gotfeedback%AT%dhs.gov>, Philip Kaiser - TSA <Philip.Kaiser%AT%dhs.gov>

Thank you, Ms. Nakashima-Smith, for your prompt response.

At this time, I am not interested in what I would consider commercial photography, only in helping people understand what their rights are and avoiding conflict with over-zealous security guards and police who might erroneously equate photography in public places with wrongdoing.

How does the City of Phoenix define "commercial photography"? I hate to split hairs, but I'm concerned that others might. I'm a computer programmer, not a professional photographer, but I don't wear a badge proclaiming my profession. If I'm in an airport photographing or video recording something of interest to me or other people, how will airport staff determine whether or not my actions are commercial in nature and thus whether my activity is restricted or something that I need not speak to them about?

Is a copy of the City of Phoenix policy to which you referred available on the Web?

Also, thank you for the referral to Dwayne Baird at the TSA Public Affairs Office. Philip A. Kaiser, Customer Support Specialist, has already confirmed that TSA do not restrict photography in the airport unless it interferes with TSA operations, although there does seem to be some conflict over whether photography of computer monitors at TSA's search stations -- those that are visible to the public -- is prohibited or simply discouraged.

--
Phil Mocek
(The following was added to this comment 2009-04-20.)

Subject: RE: Photography at the Security Checkpoints [at PHX airport]
Date: Wed, 8 Apr 2009 17:55:40 -0400
From: "Kaiser, Philip" <Philip.Kaiser%AT%dhs.gov>
To: Phil Mocek

Mr. Mocek,

It may interest you that I took a few minutes to view your blog concerning your photography questions. I was very intrigued with the responses that you have gathered so far from the various cities. I hope that our referral to the City of Phoenix has cleared any questions you may have had, and I hope that we, PHX-TSA, have also.

I also happened to noticed that my name and e-mail was posted within your blog. As, a government employee, working in a position of customer service, this posting was expected, but I would like to ask that your readers please use this contact information responsibly. We try to accommodate every email and telephone inquiry to the best of our ability in our customer service department, and an influx of erroneous and petty emails and calls will only hinder our ability to help those that are in actual need of assistance.

With that being said, feel free to contact me directly at any time. Thank you again for writing us and I hope that I have helped!

Sincerely,

Philip A. Kaiser
Customer Support Specialist
TSA-Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)
Customer Service & Claims Management Team
Work: 602-794-3143
Cel: 571-268-4191

WARNING: The information in this email is confidential and may be legally privileged. Access to this email by anyone other than the intended addressee is unauthorized. If you are not the intended recipient of this message, any review, disclosure, copying, distribution, retention, or any action taken or omitted to be taken in reliance on it is prohibited and may be unlawful. If you are not the intended recipient, please reply to or forward a copy of this message to the sender and delete the message, any attachments, and any copies thereof from your system.
Date: Wed, 8 Apr 2009 16:05:18 -0700
From: Phil Mocek
Subject: Re: Photography at the Security Checkpoints [at PHX airport]
To: Philip Kaiser - TSA <Philip.Kaiser%AT%dhs.gov>
Cc: GotFeedback <Gotfeedback%AT%dhs.gov>

You have helped. Thank you.

Actually, the Web site where I've been publishing my findings is FlyerTalk Forums, which is sort of a bulletin board for people who fly a lot to post and discuss information about air travel. I don't have any control over it or its users, but I definitely support the avoidance of nuisance contact. You're free to join in that discussion as well. It's open to anyone.

Your referral to the City of Phoenix was at first helpful, but since I replied to Ms. Nakashima-Smith's April 3 e-mail about 15 minutes after receiving it and posing two followup questions (How does the city define "commercial photography" and is a copy of the policy she described available on the Web?), I have received no response from her.

I don't have a lot of time to devote to this project, so I've yet to nudge the many people from whom I still await responses.

In case you're interested, yesterday evening, I posted a summary of the more concerning responses I received from you and your counterparts at other airports. You can find that here: <http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/travel-safety-security/938543-pv-alert-can-i-take-photos-checkpoint-airport-post11545668.html#post11545668>

An index of all airport representative's responses is available at <http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/travel-safety-security/938543-pv-alert-can-i-take-photos-checkpoint-airport-post11507668.html#post11507668>

--
Phil Mocek
Date: Wed, 8 Apr 2009 19:10:37 -0400
From: "Kaiser, Philip" <Philip.Kaiser%AT%dhs.gov>
Subject: RE: Photography at the Security Checkpoints [at PHX airport]
To: Phil Mocek

I'm glad I could be of assistance. Actually, the forum I was referring to was, Flyer Talk, not the TSA Blog. I heard you mention it previously and being a former airline guy and married to an airline gal, I drop in there from time to time to see what's what anyway. It's healthy to get a different perspective on things from time to time.

Philip A. Kaiser
Customer Support Specialist
TSA-Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)
Customer Service & Claims Management Team
Work: 602-794-3143
Cel: 571-268-4191

WARNING: The information in this email is confidential and may be legally privileged. Access to this email by anyone other than the intended addressee is unauthorized. If you are not the intended recipient of this message, any review, disclosure, copying, distribution, retention, or any action taken or omitted to be taken in reliance on it is prohibited and may be unlawful. If you are not the intended recipient, please reply to or forward a copy of this message to the sender and delete the message, any attachments, and any copies thereof from your system.
Date: Tue, 14 Apr 2009 09:14:00 -0700
From: Phil Mocek
Subject: Re: Photography at the Security Checkpoints [at PHX airport]
To: Alisa Nakamisha-Smith - City of Phoenix <alisa.smith%AT%phoenix.gov>
Cc: GotFeedback <Gotfeedback%AT%dhs.gov>,
Philip Kaiser - TSA <Philip.Kaiser%AT%dhs.gov>

Ms. Nakashima-Smith, I have received no further contact from you. Are you able to provide the information I have requested?

--
Phil Mocek
Date: Tue, 14 Apr 2009 11:02:04 -0700
From: richard.anderson%AT%phoenix.gov
Subject: Fw: Photography at the Security Checkpoints [at PHX airport]
To: Phil Mocek
Cc: alisa.smith%AT%phoenix.gov

Good morning, Mr. Mocek--

Lisa asked me to look into this matter for her and, today, asked that I send you information on what I found. I had a conversation with our Operations Division to see what information they have on the subject. There are really two aspects of this issue that come into play.

First, what I understand is that the TSA really doesn't have a problem with photographs/video of the screening areas, provided that it doesn't interfere with what they are doing, with two exceptions. They will not allow pictures/video of their equipment, including the monitor screens and, if the photography/videoing goes on for an extended time, they might have a problem with that depending on the situation. Any further clarification on that will have to come from the TSA.

The City of Phoenix, which we (the Aviation Department) are a part of, only regulates commercial filming like motion pictures productions, filming of commercials, etc. In other words, photography/video for commercial purposes. This is outlined in the Phoenix City Code, Part II, Chapter 10, Article VIII. You can read that portion of the Code on the City's website, www phoenix.gov. In order to outline for the Aviation Department the procedures for complying with the Code, we have an Administrative Regulation on the subject. I'm attaching a copy of that for you to read. We have no problem with people taking pictures/video on the airport other than for commercial purposes unless, in rare circumstances, the activity somehow creates a disturbance or interferes with the flow of passengers or other operational aspects of the airport. As a courtesy to us, and to make it easier for the photographer, we do recommend that people let us know in advance when they want to take some pictures/video at the airport (other than a family taking routine pictures of an arriving/departing relative) so that we are aware of them doing that. Invariably, we will get a call about someone standing in a parking garage taking pictures of airplanes (seems to be a hobby of many people). When we know about that in advance, we don't have to hassle the person by sending someone up to check on them.

Hope that helps a bit. Let us know if you need more information.

Dick Anderson
Public Relations Division
City of Phoenix Aviation Department



----- Forwarded by Richard Anderson/AVN/PHX on 04/14/2009 10:28 AM -----

Alisa Smith/AVN/PHX
04/14/2009 10:04 AM

To: richard.anderson%AT%phoenix.gov
cc:
Subject: Fw: Photography at the Security Checkpoints [at PHX airport]

Dick,

Since I am facilitating training all day, can you respond to Mr. Mocek and copy me with the findings that we discussed yesterday? Thank you!

Alisa Nakashima-Smith
Customer Service Manager
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport
602.273.8874 (office)

America's Friendliest Airport ???
Date: Tue, 14 Apr 2009 11:23:34 -0700
From: Phil Mocek
Subject: Re: Photography at the Security Checkpoints [at PHX airport]
To: Richard Anderson - City of Phoenix <richard.anderson%AT%phoenix.gov>
Cc: GotFeedback <Gotfeedback%AT%dhs.gov>,
Philip Kaiser - TSA <Philip.Kaiser%AT%dhs.gov>,
Alisa Smith - City of Phoenix <alisa.smith%AT%phoenix.gov>

Thank you, Mr. Anderson.

I am not aware of any TSA policy that prohibits photos of their computer monitors. Bob Burns at TSA published information on Tuesday, March 31, 2009, indicating that such photography was discouraged but not prohibited. Additionally, I have received responses from multiple (15+) TSA representatives of other major U.S. airports confirmed that non-commercial photography in publicly-accessible areas of their airports is not prohibited as long as it does not interfere with airport and TSA operations.

I understand that for an authoritative source of information about TSA policies I will need to discuss the matter with TSA, but I'm curious about your own understanding of the situation.

Is it your understanding that it is unlawful to photograph TSA's equipment, or simply a policy that they enforce by way of disallowing people who violate their policy from passing the checkpoint? In either case, could you please cite the law or policy so that I can read it and ensure that I am in compliance with it?

--
Phil Mocek

Last edited by pmocek; Apr 20, 2009 at 3:31 am Reason: add new messages sent & received
pmocek is offline  
Old Apr 3, 2009, 2:34 pm
  #55  
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: USA
Posts: 1,439
TSA re: airport photography policies: Pittsburgh International (PIT)

Date: Wed, 1 Apr 2009 09:10:28 -0400
From: "Snell, Laura A. " <Laura.Snell%AT%dhs.gov>
Subject: RE: Got Feedback : Pittsburgh International (PIT)
To: Phil Mocek, "Snell, Laura A" <Laura.Snell%AT%dhs.gov>, "Martinelli, Jeff" <jmartinelli%AT%PITAIRPORT.com>
Cc: GotFeedback <Gotfeedback%AT%dhs.gov>

Dear Phil;

There are signs posted at our checkpoint that say you cannot take pictures past the posted signs.

These signs are property of the Airport Authority. Attached to this email is the Public Affairs Manager for the Airport Authority, Jeff Martinelli. He may be able to answer your question. I am not aware of any local or state laws, however, the airport may have their regulations discouraging the practice.

Respectfully;

Laura A. Snell
Customer Service and Quality Improvement Manager
Model Workplace Coordinator
Pittsburgh International Airport, PIT
ERI, BFD, DUJ, FKL, LBE, JST
200 Airside Drive, Suite 220
Coraopolis, PA 15108
412-375-4063
Date: Wed, 1 Apr 2009 09:10:35 -0700
From: Phil Mocek
Subject: Re: Got Feedback : Pittsburgh International (PIT)
To: "Laura A. Snell - TSA" <Laura.Snell%AT%dhs.gov>, Jeff Martinelli - Pittsburgh International Airport Authority <jmartinelli%AT%PITAIRPORT.com>
Cc: GotFeedback <Gotfeedback%AT%dhs.gov>

Thank you, Ms. Snell, for confirming that TSA does not prohibit photography of publicly-accessible areas of Pittsburgh International Airport. Upon the suggestion of Bob Burns at TSA, I asked if you were aware of any applicable local laws, state statutes, or local ordinances. You did not mention any in your response, so I'll assume that you are unaware of any. Thank you also for directing me to Jeff Martinelli at the Airport Authority.

Mr. Martinelli, are you aware of any such laws, statutes, or ordinances? If so, which ones? Also, why has your organization posted signs in Pittsburgh International Airport stating that photography is prohibited on the "secure side" of TSA's airport checkpoint?

--
Phil Mocek
(The following was added to this comment 2009-04-20.)

Date: Tue, 14 Apr 2009 09:08:11 -0700
From: Phil Mocek
Subject: Re: Got Feedback : Pittsburgh International (PIT)
To: "Laura A. Snell - TSA" <Laura.Snell%AT%dhs.gov>,
Jeff Martinelli - Pittsburgh International Airport Authority <jmartinelli%AT%PITAIRPORT.com>
Cc: GotFeedback <Gotfeedback%AT%dhs.gov>

I have received no further contact from either of you. Are you able to provide the information I have requested?

--
Phil Mocek
Date: Tue, 14 Apr 2009 12:23:55 -0400
From: "Snell, Laura A. " <Laura.Snell%AT%dhs.gov>
Subject: RE: Got Feedback : Pittsburgh International (PIT)
To: Phil Mocek
Cc: GotFeedback <Gotfeedback%AT%dhs.gov>

Dear Phil;

I spoke to the Airport Authority after receiving your response. They will be in contact with you shortly.

Laura A. Snell
Customer Service and Quality Improvement Manager
Model Workplace Coordinator
Pittsburgh International Airport, PIT
ERI, BFD, DUJ, FKL, LBE, JST
200 Airside Drive, Suite 220
Coraopolis, PA 15108
412-375-4063
Date: Tue, 14 Apr 2009 12:28:14 -0400
From: "Martinelli, Jeff" <jmartinelli%AT%PITAIRPORT.com>
Subject: RE: Got Feedback : Pittsburgh International (PIT)
To: Phil Mocek
CC: "'Snell, Laura A. '" <Laura.Snell%AT%dhs.gov>

Dear Phil,

Thank you for your inquiry and I apologize for the delay in my response.

The signs at the checkpoint read "no media photos and news cameras" beyond the checkpoint. In no way do these prohibit photography by passengers beyond the checkpoint. These signs were placed at the checkpoint shortly after September 11, 2001 when rules were different. However, we do require the media to contact us prior to taking photographs or filming in secured areas of the airport. Passengers are free to take pictures in any public-accessible area.

Again, thanks for your inquiry and I apologize for my tardiness.


Sincerely,
Jeff Martinelli
Public Affairs Manager
Pittsburgh International Airport
412-472-3581
__________________________________________________ ____________________
This e-mail has been scanned by MCI Managed Email Content Service, using Skeptic(tm) technology powered by MessageLabs. For more information on MCI's Managed Email Content Service, visit http://www.mci.com.
__________________________________________________ ____________________
Date: Tue, 14 Apr 2009 09:36:41 -0700
From: Phil Mocek
Subject: Re: Got Feedback : Pittsburgh International (PIT)
To: Jeff Martinelli <jmartinelli%AT%PITAIRPORT.com>,
"Laura A. Snell - TSA" <Laura.Snell%AT%dhs.gov>
Cc: GotFeedback <Gotfeedback%AT%dhs.gov>

Thank you, Mr. Martinelli.

Just to clarify, it seems that both of you are in agreement that if I were to come to the airport and photograph and/or video record everything that I can see from the time that I enter the airport until my arrival at the gate from which my flight is to depart, including all activities performed at the TSA checkpoint, including images of any TSA computer monitors that are visible to me, assuming that I do not enter any "off-limits" areas, assuming that my activity does not interfere with airport or TSA operations, and assuming that my activity is not commercial in nature, there would be no legal reason for airport or TSA staff to stop me from doing so. Is this an accurate summary?

If that is the case, could you please recommend that course of action I should take if I do attempt to do so and someone from TSA or the airport mistakenly believes that I am not allowed to do so, and attempts to make me stop?

--
Phil Mocek
Date: Tue, 14 Apr 2009 14:26:53 -0400
From: "Snell, Laura A. " <Laura.Snell%AT%dhs.gov>
Subject: RE: Got Feedback : Pittsburgh International (PIT)
To: Phil Mocek
Cc: "Martinelli, Jeff" <jmartinelli%AT%PITAIRPORT.com>,
"Burns, Curtis Bob" <Curtis.Burns%AT%dhs.gov>

Dear Phil;

Unfortunately, there isn't a cookie cutter answer that can be applied to your question. If you are taking pictures at or near the checkpoint, don't be surprised if someone (TSA, airport police, or a curious passenger) asks you what you're up to.

Furthermore, I disagree. You will not be able to take pictures of monitors that are visible to you. I agree with Blogger Bob's earlier comments on this issue to you. Please refer all further comments to the Blog site.

Have a great day and thanks for your comments.

Laura A. Snell
Customer Service and Quality Improvement Manager
Model Workplace Coordinator
Pittsburgh International Airport, PIT
ERI, BFD, DUJ, FKL, LBE, JST
200 Airside Drive, Suite 220
Coraopolis, PA 15108
412-375-4063
Date: Tue, 14 Apr 2009 12:06:18 -0700
From: Phil Mocek
Subject: Re: Got Feedback : Pittsburgh International (PIT)
To: "Laura A. Snell - TSA" <Laura.Snell%AT%dhs.gov>
Cc: GotFeedback <Gotfeedback%AT%dhs.gov>,
Jeff Martinelli <jmartinelli%AT%PITAIRPORT.com>,
Curtis Bob Burns - TSA <Curtis.Burns%AT%dhs.gov>

Ms. Snell:

I didn't ask for and do not seek a "cookie-cutter answer," so I do not find the fact that none is available to be unfortunate.

I want to know what the law requires of me so that I can ensure my compliance with it. I also want to know what TSA's checkpoint rules are so that I can ensure my compliance with them when I wish to cross TSA checkpoints.

Mr. Burns' earlier comment, that which he published on the TSA blog on March 31, 2009, was that photography of TSA's monitors was discouraged. He later wrote in a comment on the blog that such photography was prohibited, but never updated the earlier post. Despite repeated requests from multiple people, he has not reconciled the two statements, and he has not said whether such activity is unlawful or simply a violation of the rules TSA imposes on people who wish to cross a TSA checkpoint. Mr. Burns referred readers to you for specifics about your airport.

Is it your understanding that photography of the TSA equipment that people can see from publicly-accessible areas of your airport is unlawful or a violation of TSA policy? If either is the case, could you please cite the law or policy so that I can read it and ensure that I am in compliance with it?

Thank you for your continued assistance.

--
Phil Mocek

Last edited by pmocek; Apr 20, 2009 at 3:31 am Reason: add new messages sent & received
pmocek is offline  
Old Apr 3, 2009, 2:34 pm
  #56  
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: USA
Posts: 1,439
TSA re: airport photography policies: San Diego International (SAN)

Date: Wed, 1 Apr 2009 18:51:52 -0400
From: "Adlam, Leslie" <Leslie.Adlam%AT%dhs.gov>
Subject: Reply to Email REquest re: photography at airports
To: Phil Mocek
Cc: GotFeedback <Gotfeedback%AT%dhs.gov>

TSA San Diego follows national guidelines when it comes to photography at the checkpoint. As such, photography is permitted so long as there is no picture taking of our monitors and the practice does not interfere with the screening process.

Leslie E. Adlam
Customer Support/Quality Improvement Manager
San Diego International Airport/CRQ/IPL
Transportation Security Administration
U. S. Department of Homeland Security
401 West A Street, Suite 1800
San Diego, CA 92101
www.tsa.gov <http://www.tsa.gov/>
Date: Wed, 1 Apr 2009 16:11:11 -0700
From: Phil Mocek
Subject: Re: Reply to Email REquest re: photography at airports
To: Leslie Adlam <Leslie.Adlam%AT%dhs.gov>
Cc: GotFeedback <Gotfeedback%AT%dhs.gov>

Thank you for your response, Ms. Leslie.

Could you please direct me to an authoritative source for the national guidelines you referenced? This conflicts with the information published yesterday on the TSA blog by Bob Burns [1]. Mr. Burns wrote that photography not prohibited anywhere in airports by TSA, and that TSA *asks* people not to photograph the monitors. There was no mention of a policy prohibiting photography of your monitors. Among the dozen or so airport representatives who have responded to my question, yours is only the second to describe any such prohibition.

[1]: <http://www.tsa.gov/blog/2009/03/can-i-take-photos-at-checkpoint-and.html>

Also, Mr. Burns wrote, "while the TSA does not prohibit photographs at screening locations, local laws, state statutes, or local ordinances might. Your best bet is to call ahead and see what that specific airport's policy is. I suggest you use the Got Feedback program to directly contact the Customer Support Manager at the airport you're going to be traveling through. They will have an answer for you and if they don't, they can connect you with somebody who does." I followed his suggestion and used TSA's "Got Feedback?" form to request this additional information. Are there any such laws, statutes, or ordinances in your area that affect photography of publicly-accessible areas of San Diego International Airport?

--
Phil Mocek
(The following was added to this comment 2009-04-20.)

Date: Tue, 14 Apr 2009 09:10:34 -0700
From: Phil Mocek
Subject: Re: Reply to Email REquest re: photography at airports
To: Leslie Adlam <Leslie.Adlam%AT%dhs.gov>
Cc: GotFeedback <Gotfeedback%AT%dhs.gov>

I have received no further contact from you. Are you able to provide the information I have requested?

--
Phil Mocek

Last edited by pmocek; Apr 20, 2009 at 3:35 am Reason: add new messages sent & received
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Old Apr 3, 2009, 2:35 pm
  #57  
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: USA
Posts: 1,439
TSA re: airport photography policies: Luis Muoz Marn International Airport (SJU)

Date: Wed, 1 Apr 2009 10:58:01 -0400
From: "Martinez, Joy V." <Jose.V.Martinez%AT%dhs.gov>
Subject: Please call me
To: Phil Mocek

In order to better address your questions>>>>>>

Joy Martinez
US Department of Homeland Security
Transportation SecurityAdministration
Quality Improvement, Customer Support, Real Estate Manager
jose.v.martinez%AT%dhs.gov <mailto:jose.v.martinez%AT%dhs.gov>
Joy.martinez %AT%dhs.gov
(787) 242-6513
(787) 298-0867

"It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; because there is not effort without error and shortcomings; but who does actually strive to do the deed; who knows the great enthusiasm, the great devotion, who spends himself in a worthy cause, who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement and who at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly. So that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat." Theodore Roosevelt
Date: Wed, 1 Apr 2009 12:16:17 -0700
From: Phil Mocek
Subject: Re: Please call me [re: questions submitted via TSA's "Got Feedback?" form]
To: "Joy V. Martinez - TSA" <Jose.V.Martinez%AT%dhs.gov>, joy.martinez%AT%dhs.gov
Cc: GotFeedback <Gotfeedback%AT%dhs.gov>

Mr. or Ms. Martinez, I've addressed multiple questions to TSA recently. Your response does not indicate to which question you are attempting to respond, nor for which airport you are responding.

I'm working in a rather noisy environment now, and I have difficulty talking on the telephone while taking notes about my conversation, so I'd prefer to correspond via e-mail. Is that feasible? If not, please let me know what information you'll need from me when we talk so I can prepare myself for the talk.

Also, note that your e-mail signature lists two different e-mail addresses: joy.martinez%AT%dhs.gov and jose.v.martinez%AT%dhs.gov. Your message came addressed from the latter. My response is addressed to both.

--
Phil Mocek
Date: Wed, 1 Apr 2009 15:16:36 -0400
From: Postmaster%AT%mta3.dhs.gov
Subject: Undeliverable mail
To: Phil Mocek

Your message was not delivered to the following recipients:

joy.martinez%AT%dhs.gov: User unknown
(The following was added to this comment 2009-04-20.)

Date: Tue, 14 Apr 2009 09:09:56 -0700
From: Phil Mocek
Subject: Re: Please call me [re: questions submitted via TSA's "Got
Feedback?" form]
To: "Joy V. Martinez - TSA" <Jose.V.Martinez%AT%dhs.gov>, [email protected]
Cc: GotFeedback <Gotfeedback%AT%dhs.gov>

I have received no further contact from you. Are you able to provide the information I have requested?

--
Phil Mocek

Last edited by pmocek; Apr 20, 2009 at 3:35 am Reason: add new messages sent & received
pmocek is offline  
Old Apr 3, 2009, 2:36 pm
  #58  
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: USA
Posts: 1,439
TSA re: airport photography policies: Orange County John Wayne (SNA)

Date: Thu, 2 Apr 2009 17:12:26 -0400
From: "Paine, Cheryl" <Cheryl.Paine%AT%dhs.gov>
Subject: FW: Got Feedback : Orange County John Wayne (SNA)
To: Phil Mocek

Dear Mr. Mocek,

Thank you for visiting the TSA website, specifically our blog. While I cannot speak on behalf of the state or city regarding photography at the airport security screening checkpoints, I can tell you that the TSA does not prohibit passengers or media from filming or photographing at our checkpoints, provided you refrain from filming of our x-ray monitors. I would recommend that you contact the John Wayne Airport, or visit their website at www.ocair.com, in order to obtain the airport policies on filming or photographing within the terminal or any other airport specific information.

Feel free to contact me if you have additional questions.

Cheryl Paine
Stakeholder and Customer Support Manager
TSA-John Wayne Airport
949-862-5524 Office
Date: Thu, 2 Apr 2009 14:30:48 -0700
From: Phil Mocek
Subject: Re: Got Feedback : Orange County John Wayne (SNA)
To: Cheryl Paine - TSA <Cheryl.Paine%AT%dhs.gov>
Cc: GotFeedback <Gotfeedback%AT%dhs.gov>

Ms. Paine:

You're welcome. Thank you for responding.

I haven't asked you to speak on behalf of any state or city, only to provide the location-specific information that your colleague Bob Burns stated on Tuesday, March 31, 2009, would be made available to those who contacted TSA using your "Got Feedback?" program [1].

[1]: <http://www.tsa.gov/blog/2009/03/can-i-take-photos-at-checkpoint-and.html>

Mr. Burns has already published the fact that TSA does not prohibit any photography at airports unless it is done in such a manner that airport or TSA operations are disrupted. He wrote that photographing monitors at TSA's luggage search stations was discouraged but not prohibited. Additionally, I have received responses from TSA representatives of 18 other major U.S. airports to the same question posed to you, and 15 of them confirmed that non-commercial photography in publicly-accessible areas of their airports is not prohibited as long as it does not interfere with airport and TSA operations. Only three even mentioned computer monitors. I await clarification from them.

If you have an airport-specific policy with regards to photography of monitors that are visible to the public, please tell me where I can read that policy.

Mr. Burns at TSA wrote, "while the TSA does not prohibit photographs at screening locations, local laws, state statutes, or local ordinances might. Your best bet is to call ahead and see what that specific airport's policy is. I suggest you use the Got Feedback program to directly contact the Customer Support Manager at the airport you're going to be traveling through. They will have an answer for you and if they don't, they can connect you with somebody who does."

I'll assume that you are unaware of any applicable local laws, state statutes, or local ordinances, since you did not mention any. Please correct me if I am mistaken.

If you don't have an authoritative answer, could you please provide me with the name and e-mail address, postal address, or telephone number (in that order of preference) of someone who does?

Thank you for your continued assistance.

--
Phil Mocek
(The following was added to this comment 2009-04-20.)

Date: Tue, 14 Apr 2009 09:11:33 -0700
From: Phil Mocek
Subject: Re: Got Feedback : Orange County John Wayne (SNA)
To: Cheryl Paine - TSA <Cheryl.Paine%AT%dhs.gov>
Cc: GotFeedback <Gotfeedback%AT%dhs.gov>

I have received no further contact from you. Are you able to provide the information I have requested?

--
Phil Mocek

Last edited by pmocek; Apr 20, 2009 at 3:34 am Reason: add new messages sent & received
pmocek is offline  
Old Apr 3, 2009, 2:36 pm
  #59  
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: USA
Posts: 1,439
TSA re: airport photography policies: Tampa International (TPA)

Date: Fri, 3 Apr 2009 07:25:04 -0400
From: "Mcelroy, Michael" <Michael.Mcelroy%AT%dhs.gov>
Subject: Photography at TPA
To: Phil Mocek
Cc: "St Louis, Scott" <Scott.Stlouis%AT%dhs.gov>

Phillip Mocek,

I am responding to your inquiry regarding photography at an airport. Although TSA Does not prohibit public, passengers or press from photographing, videotaping, or filming at screening locations, please understand that airport employees and the flying public are becoming increasingly more suspicious of any person taking pictures in the airport. These suspicions will sometimes result in an investigation by the Airport Police. You can take pictures at our checkpoints as long as you're not interfering with the screening process or slowing things down. We also ask that you do not film or take pictures of our monitors.

Also, you requested information about taking pictures at the airport. Attached for your review is the official policy of the Hillsborough County Aviation Authority. If you have further question about their policy, you may contact:

Kelly Figley
COMMUNITY RELATIONS COORDINATOR
Tampa International Airport
P.O. Box 22287
Tampa, FL 33622
Ph: (813) 801-6028
Fx: (813) 875-6670


Respectfully,

Michael McElroy
Administrative Supervisor
Transportation Security Administration
Tampa International Airport
(813) 227-4065
michael.mcelroy%AT%dhs.gov

.PRIVACY ACT NOTICE
"The information contained in this documentation is protected by the Privacy Act and should be disseminated only to those within TSA with a need to know the information in the course of their official duties. Dissemination outside of TSA is not authorized without the written consent of the subject employee or after consultation with the Chief Counsel's office. An individual who wrongfully discloses information covered by the Privacy Act may be subject to criminal penalties. 5 U.S.C. 552a."
Attached to the preceding message was a document titled "D901_01_02-ProceduresforFilmingorPhotoonAuthProp.doc". Its content has been converted from a proprietary word processor format to plain text:

PURPOSE: To establish procedures that will govern all filming or photography on Authority property.

GENERAL: All filming or photography conducted on Authority property must be approved by the Director of Public Information and Community Relations or their representative. Prior approval must be obtained whether the filming or photography is for commercial or non-commercial purposes.

The Director of Public Information and Community Relations will coordinate filming or photography activities with the following:

1. Airport Police
2. Operations
3. Communications Center
4. Public Information and Community Relations
5. Other interested parties

Authorization to film or photograph on Authority property will be based upon a clear understanding that activities will in no way interfere with the safe, orderly uninterrupted use of airport facilities by airport users.

Depending on the scope and location of the activity, the Authority may require use of approved barricades and signs for the protection and direction of airport users. Escorts may also be assigned to these groups, again, depending on the scope and location of activity. The escort will be an Authority representative from either Public Information and Community Relations or Operations.

This Operating Directive does not cover media activity on airport property (see directive D901.01.01) with the exception of instances when the media uses cables and lighting. In these cases, the Authority will determine if an escort is required.

The Authority may require reimbursement for costs incurred as a result of filming or photography projects.

PROCEDURES:

A. Letter of Intent - At least two weeks in advance, parties interested in photographing or filming on Authority property must submit a letter of intent to the Director of Public Information and Community Relations or their representative. The letter must include the following information:

1. Date and time requested
2. Purpose
3. Duration – How long the filming or photography session is expected to last
4. Requested locations
5. Type of equipment used
6. Whether or not portable lights will be used
7. Whether or not electrical outlets will be needed
8. The total number of crew members involved
9. Whether or not props will be used and if so, what they are.

Upon receipt of this information, the Director of Public Information and Community Relations or their representative will determine the Authority’s requirements in granting or denying the request.

B. Commercial Purposes - Parties filming or photographing for commercial purposes will be required to submit proof of comprehensive general liability insurance in an amount to be determined by the Risk Manager depending on the scope of the project. On the certificate of insurance the Authority must be listed as an additional insured and the specific project must be referenced.

These parties must also sign the Authority’s hold harmless agreement.

Commercial purposes include not only photography and filming for advertising but also manufacturers or contractors filming or photographing their work at the airport for documentation purposes or for use in company brochures or advertising.


C. Non-Commercial Purposes - Students working on class projects are not considered commercial purposes.

In cases such as these the parties requesting authorization must sign the Authority’s hold harmless agreement. Submission of insurance coverage is not a requirement.


APPROVED: /s/ Louis E. Miller DATE: 12/05/02
Date: Fri, 3 Apr 2009 07:13:08 -0700
From: Phil Mocek
Subject: Re: Photography at TPA
To: Michael Mcelroy - TSA <Michael.Mcelroy%AT%dhs.gov>
Cc: GotFeedback <Gotfeedback%AT%dhs.gov>, "Scott St. Louis" <Scott.Stlouis%AT%dhs.gov>

Thank you, Mr. Mcelroy, for confirming that TSA does not prohibit photographing or video taping any public areas of TPA airport (unless, of course, doing so interferes with TSA operations), and for confirming that TSA discourages but does not prohibit the photographing of computer monitors. This is congruent with the information published to the TSA blog by Bob Burns on March 31, 2009.

Do TSA staff participate in enforcement of the Hillsborough County Aviation Authority policy you attached, and if so, what would their involvement entail?

It seems that violation of this policy requiring prior approval for *all* photography, would happen multiple times per day, since thousands of tourists, most of them carrying cameras or camera phones, pass through your airport daily, and most of them are presumably unaware of this unique and heavy-handed policy.

Also, I was referred to you by your colleague, Bob Burns, at TSA, who suggested that if you weren't able to provide information about applicable local laws, state statutes, or local ordinances, you would be able to connect me with someone who does. Are you aware of any such laws, statutes, or ordinances? If not, is Kelly Figley, Community Relations Coordinator for Tampa International, someone who would be able to provide the information I seek?

Given your experience with Airport Police at Tampa International, and your note that people are becoming increasingly suspicious of airport photography, can you recommend how best to handle a situation in which Airport Police wish to conduct an investigation into one's lawful act of taking photographs? Presumably, one would decline to speak with them, verify that he is free to go, and go on about his business.

--
Phil Mocek
Date: Fri, 3 Apr 2009 11:58:32 -0400
From: "Mcelroy, Michael" <Michael.Mcelroy%AT%dhs.gov>
Subject: RE: Photography at TPA
To: Phil Mocek

Phil Mocek

Regarding your questions about the HCAA policy, casual photography by tourists, Airport Police and information about applicable local laws, state statutes, or local ordinances, as they pertain to Tampa International Airport, Kelly Figley, Community Relations Coordinator for Tampa International Airport would be the person to contact.

Respectfully,
Michael McElroy
Date: Fri, 3 Apr 2009 09:06:08 -0700
From: Phil Mocek
Subject: Re: Photography at TPA
To: Michael Mcelroy - TSA <Michael.Mcelroy%AT%dhs.gov>
Cc: GotFeedback <Gotfeedback%AT%dhs.gov>, "Scott St. Louis" <Scott.Stlouis%AT%dhs.gov>

Thank you, Mr. Mcelroy, for the referral to Ms. Figley for questions that are outside your domain of expertise.

Do TSA staff participate in enforcement of the Hillsborough County Aviation Authority policy you attached, and if so, what would their involvement entail?

--
Phil Mocek
(The following was added to this comment 2009-04-20.)

Date: Tue, 14 Apr 2009 09:12:00 -0700
From: Phil Mocek
Subject: Re: Photography at TPA
To: Michael Mcelroy - TSA <Michael.Mcelroy%AT%dhs.gov>
Cc: GotFeedback <Gotfeedback%AT%dhs.gov>,
"Scott St. Louis" <Scott.Stlouis%AT%dhs.gov>

I have received no further contact from you. Are you able to provide the information I have requested?

--
Phil Mocek
Date: Wed, 15 Apr 2009 07:57:01 -0400
From: "Mcelroy, Michael" <Michael.Mcelroy%AT%dhs.gov>
Subject: RE: Photography at TPA
To: Phil Mocek

Good morning Mr. Mocek,
The enforcement of laws and policies at Tampa Airport is the responsibility of the TPA Police Department. The TSA is a tenant at TPA and if necessary we will cooperate with law enforcement.
Michael McElroy

Last edited by pmocek; Apr 20, 2009 at 3:32 am Reason: add new messages sent & received
pmocek is offline  
Old Apr 3, 2009, 3:31 pm
  #60  
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: USA
Posts: 1,439
additional correspondence with TSA re: airport photography policies

Following are exchanges with airport TSA representatives that I previously neglected to post: LGA, MDW, and RDU.
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