There are many complaints about airport security. Be careful to single you out for strict investigation! article cover image
News/Community Wire/Archive/Apr 24, 2011
Legacy archive / noindex

There are many complaints about airport security. Be careful to single you out for strict investigation!

Republished with permission

There are many complaints at the airport security check, be careful to single you out for strict investigation! Don't like the security screening process with federal Transportation Security Administration (TSA) airport screeners? While waiting in line for inspection, it's best to...

Local families

There are many complaints about airport security. Be careful to pick you out for strict inspection! Don't like the security screening process with federal Transportation Security Administration (TSA) airport screeners? When waiting in line for inspection, it's best not to complain too much, because TSA currently has about 3,000 uniformed "behavior detection officers" at about 175 airports. Based on the behavior and attitude of passengers, "high-risk passengers" are selected for strict investigation, so as to detect criminals or terrorists early. However, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) said that observing "indicators" should not include expressing opinions, even if "the arrogant expression of dissatisfaction with airport security is a right guaranteed by the First Amendment to the Constitution." CNN reported on the 15th that it had obtained a list from the TSA, which included about 70 "behavioral indicators" that should be paid attention to in order to identify "high-risk passengers" at airports across the country. "Arrogantly complaining about airport security" is one of the indicators. If combined with other behavioral indicators, it is likely that the passenger will be subject to additional security checks. Many "indicators" have been mentioned in earlier public government reports, such as nervousness, fear, intention to deceive, etc. TSA officials have repeatedly said that none of the indicators have religious or ethnic implications. However, Gilman, a legal counsel for the American Civil Liberties Union and a former FBI agent, said the TSA's list of indicators should not include behavior related to "expressing opinions." "Even the arrogance of flouting airport security is a right guaranteed by the First Amendment," he said. "We all have the right to express our opinions, especially when the government demands the right to search you." Some experts point out that real terrorists may avoid confrontation with authorities, and Al Qaeda's training manual urges members to blend in with society.

Sources and usage

This piece is republished or synchronized with permission and keeps a link back to the original source.

Editorial tags

Community WireArchiveRepublished with permission