The TSA: New uniforms, new rules!
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TSA agents apparently want more respect from the traveling public, and their white-shirted uniforms are being replaced this fall with more police-like regalia. The blue shirt, the badge… makes it a little harder to mouth off when you see that uniform, eh smart guy?
Beyond the cosmetic change, you’ll also face some changes if you’re traveling through America’s airports. As of this past weekend, you’ll need to pull “large video game consoles and DVD players” out of your carry-ons for separate screening, much as it’s been necessary to pull out your laptop for a while now.
Who travels with their Xbox? I guess some people do.
“Small electronic items, such as cellphones, MP3 players, iPods and portable video game systems do not have to be removed from passenger’s carrying cases.” …but how many frontline TSA agents will be requiring those items to be removed anyway? Who’s making book on that?
The new rules went into effect on Friday without prior warning, and some airlines sent out alerts to their customers.
How is it that the TSA can impose new restrictions with no advance warning, and yet it takes several weeks for long-standing restrictions on lighters to be rescinded? The argument that it takes a while for information to disseminate should apply to both new restrictions and rule revisions, don’t you think? I just don’t get it.
More things to pull out of your luggage generally means slower security lines. It’ll be a few days before I travel again, so in the interim, reports from the field are welcome. Is there a noticeable change on the front lines?
(image via Benet Wilson’s Towers & Tarmacs)
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August 6th, 2007 at 10:26 pm |
Whatever the color of the uniform, I believe it should remain at the airport. I quickly lose respect for the TSA when I see an agent sleeping on the CTA Blue Line train from O’Hare airport, drooling.
By the way, sleeping on the CTA is against the law!
mp/m
August 7th, 2007 at 7:13 am |
You only lost respect for them by the time you got to the train?
August 7th, 2007 at 8:18 am |
Not to defend the TSA, but when it comes to tightening and loosening restrictions, I’m giving them the benefit of the doubt… over at FlyerTalk last weekend there were quite a few reports of inconsistent TSA procedures across the country with regards to the new procedure, which is what happens when you don’t have time to train them completley. Unfortunately, I agree that you really don’t want to wait when it comes to tightening restrictions. Of course, frequent travelers are very annoyed by these inconsistencies, as they should be, and since there really is no pressing need to carry lighters through security a few days earlier, I don’t see harm in giving them the time to train properly. New security procedures are always going to be rushed, but with loosening of restrictions they can, and I think should, take the time to make sure its in the system properly. Better it come out one week later with a uniform approach, than one day later with varying applications across the country.
Eww… I can’t believe I defended them…
August 7th, 2007 at 9:50 pm |
Excuse me, but train them for what?
August 7th, 2007 at 10:28 pm |
[…] Travel reports that TSA officials, wanting more respect from the public, are having their white shirts replaced […]
August 8th, 2007 at 10:54 am |
The new requirements also cover CPAP machines, the assisted breathing devices used by people with sleep apnea. I travel at least twice a week; hauling my CPAP out every time I go through security is going to make my already unpleasant travel experience just a little bit worse.
August 12th, 2007 at 12:52 pm |
Flew From DFW on Monday, TSA Drone was insisting that all electronics devices be screened seperately. As if this wasn’t enough, he also wouldn’t allow me to put my belt, cellphone, and shoes in the same bin. Everything had to screen seperately. I usually use 2 bins when i travel. People were needing 4 and 5 bins each, and there wasn’t sufficient staff to travel the bins back around, the ensuing shortage slowed things down considerably. Flying out of PHX tomorrow, we shall see how it goes.
August 22nd, 2007 at 10:22 am |
This regulation went into effect in the middle of my recent 11 day trip. On the way back i was made to remove my portable DVD player (the TSA guy was extremely pleasant and respectful) from my bag. I later consulted the TSA website to read the rules–after having been challenged on the film rules, I carry a copy of it in my wallet. The rule actually refers to “full size” DVD players. I assumed that a “full-size DVD player” meant the size of the players that one normally has hooked up to one’s TV set, i.e. my “regular” DVD player is 17″ x 11.5″ x 4″. My portable DVD player is the size of a book, and not even a large book at that: 7.25″ x 5.5″ x 1.5″, less than a quarter of the size (in terms of cubic space or volume) of my home DVD player.
I wrote to the TSA asking for a more specific guideline, one in writing which I could print out. This was the “answer” I got:
“The Transportation Security Administration’s current security screening procedures require all carry-on luggage and accessible property be screened before passengers take them onboard an aircraft. Regardless of whether an item is on the prohibited or permitted items list, the Transportation Security Officers (TSO’s) have discretion to prohibit an individual from carrying an item through the screening checkpoint or onboard an aircraft if the item poses a security threat.
Therefore, TSA security screening personnel make the final decision on whether to permit items like a portable DVD player into the sterile area of the airport. Should you need additional assistance, feel free to contact us at toll free 866-289-9673.
Please visit our website at www.tsa.gov for additional information about TSA. We continue to add new information and encourage you to check the website frequently for updated information.
We hope this information is helpful.”
So basically there IS no guideline other than the whim of the TSA officer, aka “God”.
August 29th, 2007 at 9:01 pm |
I work for TSA in NYC. I would just like to take this time to say that for all of those passengers who have had a bad experience with a TSA “drone” as “CW” has colorfully put it, our job sucks. We have to deal with VERY VERY ignorant passengers, those who see thousands of TSA signs warning you ahead of time about certain rules and regulations about the security checkpoint and fail to actually read them. And then has the nerve to complain about why are there no signs out side. TSO’s believe it or not DO NOT LIKE DOING BAG CHECKS, its probably the worst part of our job, next to patting down someone with a medical device. WE DO NOT LIKE DOING IT, i feel its a completely waste of time, both mine and yours. Is it really difficlut to understand that the water in your water bottle is in fact LIQUID? If all passengers read and understood the rules a nd regulations, not only will your time through security be less then 5 minutes, and your experience might be better. The number one GOLDEN rule that i suggest that every passenger would follow is that PLEASE FOR THE LOVE OF GOD control your self when your going through security, the less of a racked you make, the more money they get. We don’t even get any respect from local Law Enforcement officer…aka PAPD, NYPD, Suffolk County PD, let alone the flying pubic. Our new uniforms are designed to make us feel better about going to work,. TO make us actually want to go to work, even though that means you need to get up early [3am eastern time]in the morning. The new uniforms, as much as i hate them makes us feel like we are actually federal government employees…Its just to make us feel good about what we do
September 2nd, 2007 at 3:43 pm |
TSA between a ROCK and a HARD place everyday. They must keep me safe and Keep me happy. This is no easy job. Thank you TSA. Keep up the good work.
September 30th, 2007 at 11:46 am |
Thank You. I try to smile and be courteous. We may not be rocket scientists but some of us are committed to customer service.
October 31st, 2007 at 7:38 pm |
what did they do to keep you safe
harrass you when you went thru security
i have not seen anything they do to keep me safe
mostly i see morons
November 3rd, 2007 at 7:43 pm |
Listen people I also work for Tsa have been doing it since 2002 when the agency was created would like to add that I was also a prior screener before the tragic events of 911. Before you get on my case (and I know some of u will) dont blame us prior screener for 911 because the boxcuters used to take the planes where not on the prohibited items list at that time (yes thats how horrible our training and inteligence were). Let me start by saying that we need to start to view the time we spend in security checkpoints as something good for all americans, and remember that even when Im the first one to admit that some of my felow officers are not always as nice as you would like whe are there for you whe are there to protect you and your loved ones your small children whe are trying every day to prevent you from losing a loved one to a terrorist act. So the next time you or someone you know is about to go in a security checkpoint remember that tragic morning of September 11 2001, before you start complaining about taking your shoes of or how slow the line is moving try to get out of that state of mind of everything fast,everything now like you do when you go to McDonals and remember that the men and women in front of you are not fliping burgers they are trying to keep you and your family safe.
November 7th, 2007 at 9:14 pm |
They are not supposed to wear their uniform outside of work and would be fired if caught.
November 9th, 2007 at 8:18 pm |
First, you ask, “what have they done to keep you safe”? Its not harrassment you ass, its for your safety. I bet you wouldnt fly if they had no security and anyone that wanted you fly can walk right onto the plane, never being checked out first. Do your reaserch, Guns are found at our checkpoints daily, instances were gernades have also been found.
But they do nothing to keep you safe, you just feel harrassed, well those families who lost relatives in 9/11, I bet they wish that security was this tough then, with all the restrictions. If that was the case, they might just be here today. So if you feel so harrassed then find another mode of transportation. You ungreatfully jerk.
December 6th, 2007 at 11:59 pm |
I would just like to say that as a passenger that TSA employees have it the worst. I fly all the time and see everything. people make big deals about absolutely nothing. SO what they took your bottle of water…ITS ONLY $1.50!!!!!!..quit being cheap and buy a another one. You not in a fast food place…stop acting like it. I always get to the airport 4 hrs early because i know there are gonna be long ass lines…it not TSA’S fault that your retarded ass wanted fly through security with your pocket knife and pretend that “you didn’t know you left it there”. I over heard a passenger scream at a TSA employee because he wasn’t able to carry his knife on board. A knife is a knife…thats a weapon for you morons who fail to realize that. I hate waiting in lines because my fellow dumbass passengers think that a cell phone is plastic..ITS NOT!!!!!!!!!!!cell phones are metal!!!!!. Damn..i defended TSA…folks..just shut the hell up and just follow the damn rules..if you dont like..dont fly..take a bus, train, boat, or a car..Just stop making me late because you want to keep your cheap ass cologne..
December 27th, 2007 at 8:50 am |
You are sadly mistaken. TSA Officers are allowed to wear their uniforms to and from work and can stop briefly for a cup of coffee or to mail a letter without being terminated, however they can’t parade around the shopping mall min their uniform.
TSA Officer
December 27th, 2007 at 8:56 am |
You’re comment shows you’re ignorance.
TSA Officers prevent weapons from boarding airplanes and you obviously mistaken security for harrassment. Grow up! You have too much pride!
December 27th, 2007 at 9:08 am |
TSA Officers are not the problem with not getting respect. The real problem lies with the travelers that don’t like TSA. The real reason that they don’t like TSA is because they are in rebellion against Authority. It is their own pride that is the problem.
These people have a problem with any type of authority, and not just TSA. They don’t like not being in control.
TSA Officer
December 27th, 2007 at 4:24 pm |
I’d like to know what unreliable source you got you’re information from. Sounds like you like shooting off you’re mouth without knowing the facts on what we can and cannot do my friend. We do not get fired for wearing our uniform outside of work.
December 27th, 2007 at 4:31 pm |
Yeah I guess you can say we’re “God” when you’re in our house and going through our checkpoint. But the truth to the matter is that we’re the boss when you’re in our jurisdiction, you are not and you’re pride is obviously offended when you make ignorant comments like calling TSA God.
Who made you a judge?
December 27th, 2007 at 4:37 pm |
We lose respect for the adult travelers that act like children before they get to the airport and make stupid, ignorant remarks.
December 27th, 2007 at 4:41 pm |
You must be legally blind and talking about yourself.
December 27th, 2007 at 4:46 pm |
No you don’t lose respect for the TSA when you see them you fear them because you’re in rebellion against constituted authority and are afraid of being found out! Maybe you’re hiding something.
December 27th, 2007 at 4:49 pm |
You believe it should remain at the airport because you’re afraid. You’re insecure about yourself and have something to hide.
January 5th, 2008 at 11:42 pm |
I am so sick of the traveling public and the ignorant comments that escape your lips. We dont go to McDonalds and tell them how to flip burgers, we dont go to banks telling them how to open vaults so stop telling us how to do our jobs. We are equally frustrated if not more than you are with all the rule changes. We have to adjust to new things as well and our jobs are on the line daily when some idiot is pissed because his .99 bottled water or dollar store lotion is being taken away! I cant count how many times myself or one of my co-workers have to stand by and get written up solely because someone lied on us or felt the need to exaggerate about an incident. I personally dont like going through your smelly, dirty underwear to find your hidden bottle of water! I also do not like patting down some drunk smelly passenger “of the same sex” day after day, minute after minute, because your jewelry is much too expensive to take offf!! Does anyone read anymore? Signs are posted everywhere, but you’re too busy talking on your cell phones to hear announcements being made at the walk thru- metal detector! Too busy complaining about the long lines when you should be preparing! Stop leaving boarding passes in your bags, stop trying to sneak pocket knives, lotion and other prohibited items in. Start emptying the change from your pockets, phones from your waist and pay attention! If half of you complaining folks used half of that energy to do what is asked instead of feeling that you should be the exception then maybe the lines wouldnt be so long! Next time you are traveling try to follow all the rules and maybe you wont have to lose your precious dollar store items, PACK THEM IN YOUR CHECKED BAGGAGE!!!
January 29th, 2008 at 11:19 am |
People just want something to complain about. Is it so difficult to take your xbox or dvd out of your bag for added safety??? Since TSA took over airport screening we have not had any incidents like we did on 911. What would you suggest? Have people do what they want and not adhere to the rules?? so you see nothing wrong with the guy in front of you in line not removing his shoes? or taking an unknow liquid substance onto the plane while your are travelling with your family? or maybe they shouldnt have people remove large electronics from their bag making it easier to sneak an item onto the plane that will harm you are everyone your are travelling with. Sounds like a good idea. anything to make it easier for you to travel, disregarding safety. I guess everyone is soo lazy that they dont care about the safety issue at hand. thats sad
February 3rd, 2008 at 2:12 pm |
yes.. your right.. God.. dont be pissed.. deal with it. When you have 80000 people come through the airport and you catch guns,knives,bullets,grenades etc.. at least once a day at any airport.. you should really research this stuff. And we are FEDERAL OFFICERS, so yes.. respect is going to be made whether you like it or not. The TSA is currently working on making sure you have NO way to argue what we do. We are a government agency.. deal with it. Obviously you were never in the military.
So, when you travel to Thailand to screw your 12 year old boys when your telling your wife your on business.. and you cant bring the video back because we do look at them.. thats too bad.. move there.. theres no security there!
February 3rd, 2008 at 3:00 pm |
“The TSA is currently working on making sure you have NO way to argue what we do.”
Care to elaborate??!
And why are you accusing commenters on this site of traveling abroad for sex tourism? If you really believe that passengers who object to being treated like criminals are all pedophilic sociopaths, then you’ve got a pretty skewed worldview. And it’s precisely that kind of thinking — fearing the worst everywhere, from everyone — that gives some TSO’s a bad rap.
February 3rd, 2008 at 9:33 pm |
Okay..lets get something straight..For those TSO’s who seem to have the false impression that just becasue you are getting a ACTUAL Department of Homeland Secuirty badage that it means that you are a Law Enforcement Officers…Your not..Your SECURITY OFFICERS…nothing more…nothing less. You may be a Federal Officer…just not Law Enforcement. I understand the difficulty of your job..Its rough..but dont pretend to be something your not. Accept your title of SECUIRTY officer..it serves the purpose that you do. remeber folks..
GUN= LAW ENFORCEMENT,
NO GUN= NOT LAW ENFORCEMENT
February 5th, 2008 at 8:35 am |
Its always easy to say negative things about a job you know nothing about you are a fool. If the people that died on 9-11 had a choice to have the security we have today I would bet they would choose the TSA to provide protection then what they had perviously.
February 5th, 2008 at 9:02 am |
Law enforcement officers are also employed with TSA. Some of them are retired as well as finding new careers with less stress. Also alot of TSA agents are prior military who served their country honorably. So if your distinction of a law enforcement officer and a TSA officer are one carries a gun and the other one doesn’t then maybe I could help break it down for you. They both try to protect your stupid ass from getting killed even if you are a moron.
So show a little respect when you see a man or woman in a position that tries protecting you there is more going on then saying one carries a gun and the other one doesn’t.
Dumb ass= you
Protecting you dumb ass= TSA
February 5th, 2008 at 8:13 pm |
This is to the guy that said TSA’s are Morons…
Your the moron! Does 9/11 ring any bells? , Unfortunately its going to take another 9/11 before anyone realize there are real threats out there and the TSA is doing a damn fine job providing safety for those who are flying. Don’t ask why TSA does this and that, just be thankful that they are putting they’re lives on the line for our safety. Im sure there is a reason behind taking out your labtops and ect… NOT to mention half of TSA are military veterans and deserve respect for continuing in serving our country!!! Thank you TSA! Your the reason why I feel safe when I’m on that plane, I just wish the other half of the Americans realize that! Keep up the EXCELLENT work..and get to the airport earlier, maybe you wont complain about long lines or missing your flight! I rather wait a few extra mins then to be flying with a terrorist.
February 5th, 2008 at 8:27 pm |
OH….and another thing….this is to Mr. Dan over there…There are LAW ENFORCEMENT officers that DONOT carry guns or a live weapon, but HELLO…still enforce the law…I happened to be one of them, so looks like your the DUMBASS!!! DUMBASS!!! God, what do you want a gun in your face to follow the damn rules, its not that hard people! What has America come to…What do you want, United States of America to become FRANCE? I cant believe some of these people on here seriously, where do you live in a wonderland where everything is pink with fairy dust. Im seriously annoyed with the ignorance of these people! If you hate the TSA that bad go catch a damn bus! Ungratefuls….
February 5th, 2008 at 8:41 pm |
This John guy is a JACK ASS! Obvisouly you dont travel or get out that often, if all you see is morons at TSA then quit looking at yourself in the mirror..ungrateful ass. Im sure your the type of person that delays my flight, because you dont have your crap together. DONT FLY if you dont like it, like I said before get on a GRAYHOUND!
February 6th, 2008 at 12:50 am |
Not argumentative, simply curious-
A law enforcement officer is generally defined as one empowered to make arrests and carry weapons. I am both a federal security officer (non-law enforcement) and a state trooper (law enforcement.) What type of law enforcement officer does not carry a gun? (and don’t say jail deputy because even I can’t carry my weapon into the jail.)
February 6th, 2008 at 1:48 pm |
mr “JME”…..the last time i checked..TSO’s do not have the power of arrest or even the authority to detain anyone. A TSO is not a LEO…and don’t even try to justify your urge to call yourself a LEO by saying that “the TSA does enforce laws at the checkpoint”….that may have some truth to it..but it still doesn’t classify you as LEO..You dont even have PBA or something similar to that affect. You don’t even have a GS classification. your not a cop..stop tryin to convince yourself you are. Who ever said anything about hating the TSA? TSA is a federal agency and should be recognized as such.. i have alot of respect for you guys..so keep your pants on and relax. o and by the way..I hate the French….
February 6th, 2008 at 2:03 pm |
TSO— I just wanted to say that i am in no way shape or form committed to “customer service” i could give a rats ass. However…. what i am committed to is “Customer Safety”.. that is my primary concern. You could hate me.love me..or just plain dont like me. I dont care. i do care about your safety. You flying safely is my number 1 purpose while im at work. If there is ever a problem at the airport related to terrorism..Rest assured that i will do what ever is in my power to ensure your safety and well being.. I will be there for you. I care about you..i took an oath to protect you when i first got my job. so i will put ur well-being over making you feel “good”. Im not a clown. thats not my job. Im not in the business to make anyone feel good..Just feel safe.
February 8th, 2008 at 10:24 am |
As a former Recon Marine I can say TSA Officers are doing their best to protect us. You are the Moron!!
February 8th, 2008 at 10:28 am |
If commenters don’t start acting civil, then I’ll close this thread.
February 16th, 2008 at 11:59 am |
The only morons I see are the passangers coming through demanding respect and not giving any. TSA works very hard and the whole keeping u safe is happening just because u cant see it doesnt mean it not going on.
Grow up and stop complaining or how about taking the Bus next time they dont have security or morons and u like to out it
February 22nd, 2008 at 5:04 am |
So I noticed that the website said the new uniforms would be out last fall…. That was awhile ago, so did they scrap the entire thing?
February 27th, 2008 at 1:48 pm |
No they are still coming out. They are just waiting for the badges to get done. There was some other organizations whom didn’t want TSA having real medal badges. So they will be out sometime in summer now. (supposedly)
March 6th, 2008 at 11:28 pm |
This is to DAN…if you ever read this…I just happend to stumble across this page by mistake in the first place…but…
I DONT work for TSA…NOR am I a LEO..so I think it would be hard to convince myself that I am one…(LOL)…I SAID that you dont have to carry a WEAPON TO ENFORCE THE LAW!!!!!! (or the rules/regulations or however you want to “lable” it)… Im simply saying that people need to follow the rules, and it seems that everyone, (or I think it was you) are making negative comments towards the TSA just because they dont carry a weapon, there for, do not respect the TSA or feel they dont have to comply…I guess thats where the LEO come in? Im guessing Law Enforcement Officer….that is what I was referring to….and Yes I do enforce the law, without a weapon, meaning not having a weapon on hand at all times… and what my job consist of is totally none of your business, and NO I dont work for the jail house..either. WTF, and yes I am being civil,so if you want to close this thread go ahead..it seems to be doing no good other than getting other TSA officers all rawled up anyways defending what they do…thats the only people that are on here making comments if you havent notice…besides some other morons… again I want to say thanks to the TSA…you are doing an outstanding job! As a Marine veteran I have great respect for you and the job you do. Thank you!
March 12th, 2008 at 12:46 am |
IM A TSO AT LAX AND I JUST WANT TO SAY THAT I LOVE MY JOB!…I UNDERSTAND BOTH SIDES…TSA AND THE TRAVELING PUBLIC…BUT WHEN NEGATIVE REMARKS ARE TOSSED AROUND ABOUT US AND THE WAY WE DO THINGS IT REALLY DOES STRIKE A NERVE…AND IT MAKES ME WONDER WHY I WOULD PUT MY LIFE ON THE LINE FOR PEOPLE WHO JUST DONT CARE.. I KNOW THAT BEFORE I WAS A TSO I WAS ONE OF THEM WHINEY PASSENGERS, WHO DIDNT GIVE A RATS ASS ABOUT SOME STUPID RULES..BUT AFTER GETTING THE JOB I SOON REALIZED THAT FOR EVERY RULE WE HAVE THERE IS A STORY AND A PURPOSE BEHIND IT LIKE THE FOOTWEAR RULE…MAJORITY OF THE PUBLIC DOES NOT KNOW THAT THE REASON WE HAVE THAT RULE IS BECAUSE OF THE SHOE BOMBER *RICHARD REID*…WHO BOARDED AMERICAN AIRLINES FLIGHT 63 FROM PARIS TO MIAMI IN DECEMBER 2001 JUST A LITTLE OVER 2 AND A HALF MONTHS AFTER 9/11…HE WAS OVERPOWERED BY PASSENGERS AND CREW ON THE FLIGHT AFTER TRYING TO SET LIGHT TO A FUSE CONNECTED TO THE EXPLOSIVE THAT WAS IN HIS SHOES!…ITS HASSLE FOR US TO DO THESE THINGS AS WELL AS THE TRAVELING PUBLIC TO TAKE EVERYTHING OUT BUT IF WE TOOK THE TIME TO RESEARCH THEN WE’D ALL UNDERSTAND…I ALSO ADMIT THAT WE HAVE TSO’S WHO DO GIVE UNNECESSARY ATTITUDE BECAUSE I FIND MYSELF DOING IT..AND I APPOLOGIZE BUT WE ALL NEED TO WORK TOGETHER TO MAKE THIS A BETTER EXPERIENCE…I THANK THOSE PASSENGERS WHO APPRECIATE WHAT WE DO..AND I PRAY THAT ONES WHO DONT WILL IN TIME COME TO UNDERSTAND WHY WE PUT OUR LIVES ON THE LINE BECAUSE WHO’S TO SAY THAT ONE DAY THESE TERRORIST WONT COME AND BLOW UP THE CHECKPOINT..THIS IS A TSO’S WORST FEAR…ITS THAT THOUGHT THAT RUNS THROUGH OUR MINDS WHEN WE COME TO WORK EVERYDAY…
March 16th, 2008 at 11:12 pm |
Hello all, Does anyone know when and if the new tso uniforms are comming out? and if they are receiving new badges?
March 19th, 2008 at 9:48 pm |
Learn how to spell or use spell check. And the guns will probably be coming soon so don’t be surprised!
March 19th, 2008 at 9:57 pm |
You ungratful people need to start taking the AMTRAK, Greyhound bus or even rent a car. We don’t need people like you coming through the checkpoints. You are probably the ones that never have their stuff right and holding up the lines for everyone else. Get a life and quit complaining!
Oh…did I mention that I AM a TSO?
March 22nd, 2008 at 1:32 pm |
Dan - you’re the ass hole.
March 22nd, 2008 at 1:49 pm |
How am I an Asshole? I just simply said that passengers need to get thier heads out of their ass and follow the rules.You wouldnt want someone to come toy our job and tell you how things are done when they have no clue. Just follow the rules and quit acting like children. We are all grown adults who know hot to follow directions. Oh and TSO’s are not Law Enforcement Officers,they are security officers. I dont understand why TSO’s are offended by that statement.It a fact of reality, a TSO is a TRANSPORTATION SECURITY OFFICER, they are not Law Enforcement Officers. Why is that so difficult to believe? You guys are not morons,so why the misunderstanding?
March 22nd, 2008 at 8:32 pm |
You ungrateful traveler! If you have to take out your CPAP everytime you travel, don’t you think there is a REASON!I just hope that you never have an experience like 9/11. You know…maybe that’s what you need, then you won’t ever have to WORRY about taking out your CPAP because you won’t need it ever again.
March 22nd, 2008 at 8:37 pm |
AGAIN! You ungrateful travelers! Oh my goodness, is it really going to kill you to follow instructions at the checkpoints? There is a reason for the electronic devices to be run separately. You know…there have been soldiers in IRAQ killed by IED’S made of laptops or other similar devices. GROW THE HELL UP!
March 22nd, 2008 at 8:40 pm |
That was putting it to him STRAIGHT Pacheco!
March 22nd, 2008 at 11:22 pm |
Ok Folks, Lets simmer down and get some insight from a TSA Supervisor for a change.
As a former LEO from the military.
First and foremost I’d like to say all of the Officers that work for TSA are someones Husband,Wife,Son,Daughter and yes even Gradparents. So try to show them some respect as you would want anyone else to show yours.
Next I would like to dispel the notion that
TSO(Transportation Security Officers) are an
uneducated group. I myself was shocked to find
at least 3 out of 4 are college students regardless of age, trying to better a career within the DHS Agency. I work with TSO’s that
hold part time jobs as College Professors, some with PHD’s and many that are working
towards a Masters while others are actively getting a Bachelors and Associates so say what you may. Most are more qualified to except a position as an LEO than exist already in the field.
For the record TSA has had arrested off Duty
LEO’s (and Im not picking on you) for Weapons,
Drugs as well as Pilots for intoxication.
For the LEO’s that think this group of TSO’s should not have a badge consider this..
They spend more time analyzing x-ray images
to detect I.E.D’s (Improvised Explosive Devices) than all of the Police Bomb Squad Units across the United States in one day than
they will ever do in the Span of a 20 Year
career. They are trained by some of the best
E.O.D Specialist trained by the U.S.. They may work for 30K a year? But would you like to do the same job knowing anyday you may encounter a bomb? Most of them are thinking “How will my family
survive if the real deal happens?” Think about it. I would rather take a bullet anyday
and I held a former job as a Drug Interdiction Officer which my chances was far better off.
Some may say anyone can get a job within the agency but the truth of the matter is the exam fail rate falls above 70%. Far less than any LE agency. The testing alone for TSA physical exam alone superceeds the Step Test or the 10 lb test that most LE positions require. I hear comments from LEO’s that say
“I wont call anyone an LEO unless they have
been through the 26 week Academy.”
Well after 5yrs dont you think they have proven themselves? Not to mention prior military training and the Vets that have more
experience that spanned over 20 yrs and are still working? Not asking you to cut them some slack but 10-15% of TSA worforce has seen active military duty overseas and has had to draw a weapon more times than any weapon carrying LEO in his lifetime.
As far as having to carry a weapon to be a LEO thats a farse. Most do not. Parole Officers,Corrections Officers,Postal Investigation Officers(Thats another subject) no pun intended.ICE,Customs ie.. Some but not all.
For myself arming and angency that has so many Officers in close quarters with the public would spell disaster. But consider the
same on the LE Side. You wouldn’t consider
putting 28-150 officers at any time against a
crowed of 10,000-150,000 in one shift would you? Not a chance.
One last thing to say.. Giving an Officer a badge doesnt make him or her any better, we all work on the same side of the Law. We all
have Bad Apples and you know who they are.
We have come together a very long way over 5 yrs that TSA has been established now is not the time to bring it down because of the bad
apples. I actually encourage my TSO’s to get
another job in LE becuase its far easier to
keep a JOB.
This is My first Post here so forgive me if my spacing is inadequate but Im sure I can qualify on a gun range on any given day that I am on duty instead of being tested every 3 months that it takes to remain in my position without a gun and having to face the loss of my Job. Its no Cake Walk.
March 23rd, 2008 at 2:03 am |
Just want to tell you that you wrote a very good articial, right to the point of things. Do you know when the TSO are getting there new uniforms?
March 23rd, 2008 at 2:36 pm |
That was well said supervisor..and to retnypd…they already got their uniforms. They just waiting on their badges,the center of all the controversy.
March 23rd, 2008 at 7:49 pm |
That’s telling them Boss!
March 23rd, 2008 at 10:55 pm |
Thanks for the reply, I didnt know that they already got there new uniforms.. whats the problem with the badges? I dont work for the TSA a all, but i think that it would make scense for them to get it. IT would only make passengers feel much safer in the way of presents of more of a Officers authority. Sometimes appeariance is everything..
March 24th, 2008 at 2:02 pm |
in response to retnypd…well, there are several issues concerning the uniform change. First, its the roll-out of the uniforms. They need to make sure that all sizing errors are corrected, and there were a few. Some people got sizes that are completely incorrect. So they need to return those and receive the new adjusted size uniforms. We wouldn’t want our pants to look like they are dragging now would we? 2nd, there are roughly 40,000 TSO’s give or take a few. Thats alot of badges that need to be created, and that can take some time. 3rd, they need to make sure that the badge number correspond correctly to the individual officer. wouldn’t want to mix up badge numbers now would we? 4th, many Law Enforcement organizations,( this includes at the federal, state and local level)seem to be having extreme difficult with TSO’s wearing official badges that resemble their badges. Their argument being that since TSO’s are not trained to be law enforcement officers that the mere appearance of a law enforcement officer gives a sense of false security and authority, as far as i can tell from what i read and heard. This of course you know can take some time to resolve so that all parties that have a vested interest can leave the table satisfied (or not) as much as possible
March 24th, 2008 at 9:59 pm |
to tso-jfk, Thanks for replying back, and i can understand about it taken time to order all thoses badges. theres alot of you. But what i dont get is why all the fuss.. to me the first line of defense should at least have some kinda deterence (a fed shield at the very least) it would definitly make people think twice. I think what happened now after 911 and homeland security took over the the TSOs deserve at least that. They do work for Homeland security…dont they??
March 25th, 2008 at 4:05 am |
The Roll out of the new uniforms will begin in May. By That time Most airports should have everyone on the same Page.
March 25th, 2008 at 4:06 am |
And The Badges was a bidding process that took time.
March 25th, 2008 at 6:33 pm |
your welcome and I dont understand the fuss either but it is what it is. people will always have an opinion, but in this case most of those opinions are negative. Just gotta deal with it and move on. “adapt and Over Come” as i always say
March 25th, 2008 at 6:36 pm |
The TSA is an agency under Homeland Security. I believe we might be the biggest agency within the department (not sure)….
March 25th, 2008 at 11:22 pm |
Well thanks for all the information, I was thinking about applying for a PT posistion so thats why all the questions. Well, as a retired Officer i wanted to go fed now and figured TSO was a place to start. But it was hard to find answers and the web sites are all old. at least here you answered me. Thanks I tried called TSA and asking them about the new uniforms, shields and a contract, but no one seem to know..
April 1st, 2008 at 10:44 am |
Most people flying forget that this terrorist are here and happy that most flying americans are ignorant and do not understand how important security at the airport has become. TSA is doing a good job regardless what the uniforn looks like or whatever you people need to complaint about. This people is waiting for the right moment to strike again, why dont stop complaining and accept the fact that we need to help this guys to keep our country secure and we also should be paying attention to what happen around us when you are flying and stop paying attention at uniforms and stupid, ignorant stuff. Is our lives on the air and on the ground. think about it man. Having a shield GOOD, uniforms GOOD, whatever they got to do. i like to see my family and myself going back and forth with not problems (being screen just take a minute or two, big deal). grow and learn jerks… you may be on a plane and something happen and then you will like to ask the question.. why this S>>> happening to me..
April 7th, 2008 at 12:05 pm |
Lordy, Lordy…here I’ve sat, for months and months waiting with bated breath to see what our new uniforms would look like (yes I am TSA). All i wanted was something not white…the white shirts are simply too hard to keep clean and neat when wrestling around with so many pieces of luggage…they get dingy real fast. I had heard we were getting metal badges, didn’t think a thing of it. I used to work as a correction officer, had a metal badge. I used to work as a regular security guard, had a metal badge. Who knew that giving TSA metal badges would create such controversy? I certainly didn’t. Shoot, I had been hoping for a more comfortable uniform…you know, like kahakis and polo shirts LOL. Well, I was. Anyway, I decided to look up a picture today to see what they (the new uniforms) will look like. And, yeah, I have found pics. Looks ok I guess. I really don’t like them much, but I have to work to pay the bills and I have to wear what they make me wear. But beyond that, every single site that I’ve found that shows the pictures also has these threads of folks going on and on and on about the badges. I don’t know what to think at this point. What gives? It’s just a uniform. And hey, if I had it my way, it would be the khakis and polos.
April 15th, 2008 at 4:06 pm |
I got my uniform and it felt really good and It looks good too so I am Ok with it.
As far as security goes. Get on the internet and do some research. You will not believe what you can use to make an Explosive device Or were you can hide a gun. The worse part is that it is available to virtually anyone. There are people out there that do not care about respecting the lives of others.
Some people do not understand this.
April 23rd, 2008 at 3:24 pm |
Gotta love those government drones echoing Bush’s bullshit lines of “Anything we do to you is for Homeland Security therefore good.” And then whining when they’re called on it.