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Transportation Security Administration: Difference between revisions
Transportation Security Administration (view source)
Revision as of 22:54, 21 December 2024
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[[File:TSA Officer Carrying Prohibited Items.png|thumb|TSA officer carrying a bin of prohibited items that passengers have surrendered]] | [[File:TSA Officer Carrying Prohibited Items.png|thumb|TSA officer carrying a bin of prohibited items that passengers have surrendered]] | ||
Among the types of TSA employees are:<ref name="dhs.gov">{{cite web|url=https://www.dhs.gov/xoig/assets/mgmtrpts/OIG_08-66_Jun08.pdf |title=TSA's Administration Coordination of Mass Transit Security Programs |access-date=November 19, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100528125853/https://www.dhs.gov/xoig/assets/mgmtrpts/OIG_08-66_Jun08.pdf |archive-date=May 28, 2010 }}</ref> | Among the types of TSA employees are:<ref name="dhs.gov">{{cite web|url=https://www.dhs.gov/xoig/assets/mgmtrpts/OIG_08-66_Jun08.pdf |title=TSA's Administration Coordination of Mass Transit Security Programs |access-date=November 19, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100528125853/https://www.dhs.gov/xoig/assets/mgmtrpts/OIG_08-66_Jun08.pdf |archive-date=May 28, 2010 }}</ref> | ||
{{Unordered list|Transportation Security Officers: The TSA employs around 47,000 Transportation Security Officers (TSOs). They screen people and property and control entry and exit points in airports. They also watch several areas before and beyond checkpoints.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d08456t.pdf |title=GAO-08-456T Aviation Security: Transportation Security Administration Has Strengthened Planning to Guide Investments in Key Aviation Security Programs, but More Work Remains |access-date=November 19, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.portlandtribune.com/news/story.php?story_id=119467004054325800 |title=TSA needs screeners at PDX |publisher=Portlandtribune.com |access-date=November 19, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081225072334/http://www.portlandtribune.com/news/story.php?story_id=119467004054325800 |archive-date=December 25, 2008 }}</ref> TSOs do not carry weapons, do not have [[arrest]] powers, and are generally not permitted to use force.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.cnn.com/2011/12/09/politics/tsa-badges/|title=Bill would strip TSA officers of badges in reaction to alleged strip searches|last=Ahlers|first=Mike M.|date=December 9, 2011|work= | {{Unordered list|Transportation Security Officers: The TSA employs around 47,000 Transportation Security Officers (TSOs). They screen people and property and control entry and exit points in airports. They also watch several areas before and beyond checkpoints.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d08456t.pdf |title=GAO-08-456T Aviation Security: Transportation Security Administration Has Strengthened Planning to Guide Investments in Key Aviation Security Programs, but More Work Remains |access-date=November 19, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.portlandtribune.com/news/story.php?story_id=119467004054325800 |title=TSA needs screeners at PDX |publisher=Portlandtribune.com |access-date=November 19, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081225072334/http://www.portlandtribune.com/news/story.php?story_id=119467004054325800 |archive-date=December 25, 2008 }}</ref> TSOs do not carry weapons, do not have [[arrest]] powers, and are generally not permitted to use force.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.cnn.com/2011/12/09/politics/tsa-badges/|title=Bill would strip TSA officers of badges in reaction to alleged strip searches|last=Ahlers|first=Mike M.|date=December 9, 2011|work=CNN|access-date=April 6, 2013}}</ref> | ||
[[File:TSA Officer Badge.png|thumb|upright|Badge of a Transportation Security Officer]] | [[File:TSA Officer Badge.png|thumb|upright|Badge of a Transportation Security Officer]] | ||
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The TSA program was reviewed in 2013 by the federal government's [[Government Accountability Office]], which recommended cutting funds for it because there was no proof of its effectiveness.<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/25/science/in-airport-screening-body-language-is-faulted-as-behavior-sleuth.html | work=The New York Times | first=John | last=Tierney | title=At Airports, a Misplaced Faith in Body Language | date=March 23, 2014}}</ref> The [[JASON (advisory group)|JASON]] scientific advisory group has also said that "no scientific evidence exists to support the detection or inference of future behavior, including intent."<ref>{{cite journal |last=Weinberger |first=Sharon |date=May 27, 2010 |title=Intent to Deceive? |url=http://www.nature.com/news/2010/100526/pdf/465412a.pdf |journal=Nature |volume=465 |issue=7297 |pages=412–415 |doi= 10.1038/465412a|access-date=March 18, 2015 |pmid=20505706|s2cid=4350875 |doi-access=free }}</ref> | The TSA program was reviewed in 2013 by the federal government's [[Government Accountability Office]], which recommended cutting funds for it because there was no proof of its effectiveness.<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/25/science/in-airport-screening-body-language-is-faulted-as-behavior-sleuth.html | work=The New York Times | first=John | last=Tierney | title=At Airports, a Misplaced Faith in Body Language | date=March 23, 2014}}</ref> The [[JASON (advisory group)|JASON]] scientific advisory group has also said that "no scientific evidence exists to support the detection or inference of future behavior, including intent."<ref>{{cite journal |last=Weinberger |first=Sharon |date=May 27, 2010 |title=Intent to Deceive? |url=http://www.nature.com/news/2010/100526/pdf/465412a.pdf |journal=Nature |volume=465 |issue=7297 |pages=412–415 |doi= 10.1038/465412a|access-date=March 18, 2015 |pmid=20505706|s2cid=4350875 |doi-access=free }}</ref> | ||
| Transportation Security Specialist – Explosives,<ref name = TSSE>{{cite web |url=https://www.vaforvets.va.gov/vaforvets/docs/events/TSS-Explosive-ELP-18-484781_7_30_2018.pdf |title=Transportation Security Specialist-Explosives |author=<!--Not stated--> |date=July 26, 2018 |website=VA.gov |publisher=Transportation Security Administration |access-date=September 23, 2018}}</ref> formerly known Bomb Appraisal Officers<ref name=BAO /> are explosive specialists employed by TSA. These specialists are required to either be former military Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technicians who attended Naval School Explosive Ordnance Disposal or an FBI certified Public Safety Hazardous Devices Technician who attended the [[FBI Hazardous Devices School]]. Furthermore, they are required to possess at least 3 years of experience working in an EOD or bomb disposal unit. The TSS-Es provide workforce training to TSA employees, conduct an Advanced Alarm Resolution process when conventional alarm resolution has failed and serve as a liaison between TSA, law enforcement and bomb squads.<ref name=BAO>{{cite web |url=https://www.tsa.gov/blog/2009/07/14/what-heck-does-person-do-tsa-bomb-appraisal-officer-bao |title=What In the Heck Does That Person Do: TSA Bomb Appraisal Officer (BAO) |last=Burns |first=Bob |date=July 14, 2009 |website=TSA.gov |publisher=Transportation Security Administration |access-date=September 23, 2018 |archive-date=September 23, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180923235859/https://www.tsa.gov/blog/2009/07/14/what-heck-does-person-do-tsa-bomb-appraisal-officer-bao |url-status=dead }}</ref> | | Transportation Security Specialist – Explosives,<ref name = TSSE>{{cite web |url=https://www.vaforvets.va.gov/vaforvets/docs/events/TSS-Explosive-ELP-18-484781_7_30_2018.pdf |title=Transportation Security Specialist-Explosives |author=<!--Not stated--> |date=July 26, 2018 |website=VA.gov |publisher=Transportation Security Administration |access-date=September 23, 2018}}</ref> formerly known Bomb Appraisal Officers<ref name=BAO /> are explosive specialists employed by TSA. These specialists are required to either be former military Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technicians who attended Naval School Explosive Ordnance Disposal or an FBI certified Public Safety Hazardous Devices Technician who attended the [[FBI Hazardous Devices School]]. Furthermore, they are required to possess at least 3 years of experience working in an EOD or bomb disposal unit. The TSS-Es provide workforce training to TSA employees, conduct an Advanced Alarm Resolution process when conventional alarm resolution has failed and serve as a liaison between TSA, law enforcement and bomb squads.<ref name=BAO>{{cite web |url=https://www.tsa.gov/blog/2009/07/14/what-heck-does-person-do-tsa-bomb-appraisal-officer-bao |title=What In the Heck Does That Person Do: TSA Bomb Appraisal Officer (BAO) |last=Burns |first=Bob |date=July 14, 2009 |website=TSA.gov |publisher=Transportation Security Administration |access-date=September 23, 2018 |archive-date=September 23, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180923235859/https://www.tsa.gov/blog/2009/07/14/what-heck-does-person-do-tsa-bomb-appraisal-officer-bao |url-status=dead }}</ref> | ||
| Federal Air Marshals: The [[Federal Air Marshal Service]] is the law enforcement arm of the TSA. FAMs are federal [[law enforcement officers]] who work [[undercover]] to protect the air travel system from hostile acts. As a part of the Federal Air Marshal Service, FAMs do carry weapons.<ref name=grinberg>{{cite news|url=http://www.cnn.com/2009/TRAVEL/12/30/federal.air.marshals/|title=Federal air marshals back in spotlight after attempted plane bombing|last=Grinberg|first=Emanuella|date=December 30, 2009|work= | | Federal Air Marshals: The [[Federal Air Marshal Service]] is the law enforcement arm of the TSA. FAMs are federal [[law enforcement officers]] who work [[undercover]] to protect the air travel system from hostile acts. As a part of the Federal Air Marshal Service, FAMs do carry weapons.<ref name=grinberg>{{cite news|url=http://www.cnn.com/2009/TRAVEL/12/30/federal.air.marshals/|title=Federal air marshals back in spotlight after attempted plane bombing|last=Grinberg|first=Emanuella|date=December 30, 2009|work=CNN|access-date=April 6, 2013}}</ref> | ||
The FAM role, then called "sky marshalls", originated in 1961 with U.S. Customs Service (now [[U.S. Customs and Border Protection]]) following the first US hijacking.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.propublica.org/article/history-of-the-federal-air-marshal-service|title=History of the Federal Air Marshal Service|last=Grabell|first=Michael|date=November 13, 2008|work=Pro Publica|access-date=April 6, 2013}}</ref> It became part of the TSA following the creation of the TSA following the September 11 attacks,<ref name=grinberg/> was transferred to the [[U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement]] in 2003, and back to the TSA in [[fiscal year|fiscal]] 2006.{{Citation needed|date=April 2013}} | The FAM role, then called "sky marshalls", originated in 1961 with U.S. Customs Service (now [[U.S. Customs and Border Protection]]) following the first US hijacking.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.propublica.org/article/history-of-the-federal-air-marshal-service|title=History of the Federal Air Marshal Service|last=Grabell|first=Michael|date=November 13, 2008|work=Pro Publica|access-date=April 6, 2013}}</ref> It became part of the TSA following the creation of the TSA following the September 11 attacks,<ref name=grinberg/> was transferred to the [[U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement]] in 2003, and back to the TSA in [[fiscal year|fiscal]] 2006.{{Citation needed|date=April 2013}} | ||
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** [[Veteran Health Identification Card]] (VHIC) | ** [[Veteran Health Identification Card]] (VHIC) | ||
Passenger names are compared against the [[No Fly List]], a list of about 21,000 names ({{as of|2012|lc=y}}) of suspected terrorists who are not allowed to board.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/no-fly-list-doubles-in-a-year-now-21000-names/|title=No-fly list doubles in a year – now 21,000 names|date=February 2, 2012|work=[[CBS News]]|access-date=April 6, 2013}}</ref> Passenger names are also compared against a longer list of [[selectee]]s; passengers whose names match names from this list receive a more thorough screening before being potentially allowed to board.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.cnn.com/2008/TRAVEL/10/22/no.fly.lists/index.html|title=Terrorist watch lists shorter than previously reported|last=Alvarez|first=Lizette|date=October 22, 2008|work= | Passenger names are compared against the [[No Fly List]], a list of about 21,000 names ({{as of|2012|lc=y}}) of suspected terrorists who are not allowed to board.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/no-fly-list-doubles-in-a-year-now-21000-names/|title=No-fly list doubles in a year – now 21,000 names|date=February 2, 2012|work=[[CBS News]]|access-date=April 6, 2013}}</ref> Passenger names are also compared against a longer list of [[selectee]]s; passengers whose names match names from this list receive a more thorough screening before being potentially allowed to board.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.cnn.com/2008/TRAVEL/10/22/no.fly.lists/index.html|title=Terrorist watch lists shorter than previously reported|last=Alvarez|first=Lizette|date=October 22, 2008|work=CNN|access-date=April 6, 2013}}</ref> The effectiveness of the lists has been criticized on the basis of errors in how those lists are maintained,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2009-dec-29-la-oe-schoenfeld29-2009dec29-story.html|title=Politics and the no-fly list|last=Schoenfeld|first=Gabriel|date=December 29, 2009|work=[[Los Angeles Times]]|access-date=April 6, 2013}}</ref> for concerns that the lists are [[Constitutionality|unconstitutional]], and for its ineffectiveness at stopping [[Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab]], who attempted to detonate plastic explosives in his underwear, from boarding an aircraft.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2009/12/31/how-did-us-no-fly-list-miss/|title=Plane bombing plot: No-fly list procedure needs revamping, critics say|last=Tankersley|first=Jim|date=December 31, 2009|work=[[Chicago Tribune]]|access-date=April 6, 2013}}</ref> | ||
At the airport security checkpoint, passengers are screened to ensure they are not carrying prohibited items. These include most sorts of sharp objects, many sporting goods such as baseball bats and hockey sticks, guns or other weapons, many sorts of tools, flammable liquids (except for conventional lighters), many forms of chemicals and paint.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/prohibited-items|website=tsa.gov|title=Prohibited Items|publisher=Transportation Security Administration|access-date=April 6, 2013}}</ref> In addition, passengers are limited to {{convert|3.4|USoz|lk=in}} of almost any liquid or gel, which must be presented at the checkpoint in a clear, one-quart [[Zipper storage bag|zip-top bag]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tsa.gov/traveler-information/3-1-1-carry-ons|title=3-1-1 for Carry-ons|publisher=Transportation Security Administration|access-date=April 6, 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130411045917/http://www.tsa.gov/traveler-information/3-1-1-carry-ons|archive-date=April 11, 2013}}</ref> These restrictions on liquids were a reaction to the [[2006 transatlantic aircraft plot]]. | At the airport security checkpoint, passengers are screened to ensure they are not carrying prohibited items. These include most sorts of sharp objects, many sporting goods such as baseball bats and hockey sticks, guns or other weapons, many sorts of tools, flammable liquids (except for conventional lighters), many forms of chemicals and paint.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/prohibited-items|website=tsa.gov|title=Prohibited Items|publisher=Transportation Security Administration|access-date=April 6, 2013}}</ref> In addition, passengers are limited to {{convert|3.4|USoz|lk=in}} of almost any liquid or gel, which must be presented at the checkpoint in a clear, one-quart [[Zipper storage bag|zip-top bag]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tsa.gov/traveler-information/3-1-1-carry-ons|title=3-1-1 for Carry-ons|publisher=Transportation Security Administration|access-date=April 6, 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130411045917/http://www.tsa.gov/traveler-information/3-1-1-carry-ons|archive-date=April 11, 2013}}</ref> These restrictions on liquids were a reaction to the [[2006 transatlantic aircraft plot]]. | ||
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In December 2010, ABC News Houston reported in an article about a man who accidentally took a forgotten gun through airport security, that "the failure rate approaches 70 percent at some major airports".<ref name="quinn">{{cite news|last=Quinn|first=Kevin|title=Man boards plane at IAH with loaded gun in carry-on|url=https://abc13.com/archive/7848683/|access-date=May 12, 2011|newspaper=ABC News KTRK-TV/DT Houston|date=December 17, 2010|archive-date=June 29, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629051305/http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/story?section=news%2Flocal&id=7848683|url-status=live}}</ref> | In December 2010, ABC News Houston reported in an article about a man who accidentally took a forgotten gun through airport security, that "the failure rate approaches 70 percent at some major airports".<ref name="quinn">{{cite news|last=Quinn|first=Kevin|title=Man boards plane at IAH with loaded gun in carry-on|url=https://abc13.com/archive/7848683/|access-date=May 12, 2011|newspaper=ABC News KTRK-TV/DT Houston|date=December 17, 2010|archive-date=June 29, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629051305/http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/story?section=news%2Flocal&id=7848683|url-status=live}}</ref> | ||
In June 2011, TSA fired 36 screeners at the [[Honolulu International Airport|Honolulu airport]] for regularly allowing bags through without being inspected.<ref>Poole, Robert (September 19, 2011) [http://www.cnn.com/2011/TRAVEL/06/10/tsa.screeners/index.html Massive firing at HNL Honolulu Airport], | In June 2011, TSA fired 36 screeners at the [[Honolulu International Airport|Honolulu airport]] for regularly allowing bags through without being inspected.<ref>Poole, Robert (September 19, 2011) [http://www.cnn.com/2011/TRAVEL/06/10/tsa.screeners/index.html Massive firing at HNL Honolulu Airport], CNN</ref> | ||
In 2011, an artist, Geoff McGann, was detained by the TSA, arrested, and charged for wearing a watch which contained visible wiring and fuse-like elements, despite containing no explosive ingredients.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Stampler |first1=Laura |title=This Adman Was Arrested At An Airport For Having A Bomb-Like Watch |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/geoff-mcgann-arrested-in-airport-for-his-watch-2012-11 |website=Business Insider |access-date=11 January 2023}}</ref> | In 2011, an artist, Geoff McGann, was detained by the TSA, arrested, and charged for wearing a watch which contained visible wiring and fuse-like elements, despite containing no explosive ingredients.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Stampler |first1=Laura |title=This Adman Was Arrested At An Airport For Having A Bomb-Like Watch |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/geoff-mcgann-arrested-in-airport-for-his-watch-2012-11 |website=Business Insider |access-date=11 January 2023}}</ref> | ||
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In March 2012, American attorney Jonathan Corbett published video demonstrating a vulnerability in TSA's body scanners that would allow metallic objects to pass undetected.<ref>{{cite news |title=Blogger shows the world how to sneak anything past TSA's nude body scanners [video] |url=https://bgr.com/general/blogger-shows-the-world-how-to-sneak-anything-past-tsas-nude-body-scanners-video/ |work=BGR |date=March 7, 2012 }}</ref> TSA downplayed, though did not deny, the vulnerability,<ref>{{cite magazine |title=TSA Pooh-Poohs Video Purporting to Defeat Airport Body Scanners |url=https://www.wired.com/2012/03/bodyscanner-video/ |magazine=Wired |date=March 7, 2012 }}</ref> and researchers later confirmed its existence.<ref>{{cite news |title=Security Analysis of a Full-Body Scanner |url=https://radsec.org/secure1000-sec14.pdf |work=RadSec |date=August 20, 2014 }}</ref> | In March 2012, American attorney Jonathan Corbett published video demonstrating a vulnerability in TSA's body scanners that would allow metallic objects to pass undetected.<ref>{{cite news |title=Blogger shows the world how to sneak anything past TSA's nude body scanners [video] |url=https://bgr.com/general/blogger-shows-the-world-how-to-sneak-anything-past-tsas-nude-body-scanners-video/ |work=BGR |date=March 7, 2012 }}</ref> TSA downplayed, though did not deny, the vulnerability,<ref>{{cite magazine |title=TSA Pooh-Poohs Video Purporting to Defeat Airport Body Scanners |url=https://www.wired.com/2012/03/bodyscanner-video/ |magazine=Wired |date=March 7, 2012 }}</ref> and researchers later confirmed its existence.<ref>{{cite news |title=Security Analysis of a Full-Body Scanner |url=https://radsec.org/secure1000-sec14.pdf |work=RadSec |date=August 20, 2014 }}</ref> | ||
In May 2012, a report from the [[Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General]] stated that the TSA "does not have a complete understanding" of breaches at the nation's airports, with some hubs doing very little to fix or report security breaches. These findings will be{{update inline|date=September 2021}} presented to Congress.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cnn.com/2012/05/15/us/tsa-breaches/index.html?hpt%3Dhp_bn1 |title=Report: TSA security breaches mishandled |website= | In May 2012, a report from the [[Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General]] stated that the TSA "does not have a complete understanding" of breaches at the nation's airports, with some hubs doing very little to fix or report security breaches. These findings will be{{update inline|date=September 2021}} presented to Congress.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cnn.com/2012/05/15/us/tsa-breaches/index.html?hpt%3Dhp_bn1 |title=Report: TSA security breaches mishandled |website=CNN |date=May 15, 2012 |access-date=May 16, 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305091656/http://www.cnn.com/2012/05/15/us/tsa-breaches/index.html?hpt=hp_bn1 |archive-date=March 5, 2016 }} Report: TSA Security Breaches Mishandled</ref> Rep. [[Darrell Issa]], then-chairman of the [[House Oversight and Government Reform Committee]], and Rep. [[John Mica]], then-chairman of the [[House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee]], were reported in 2012 to have had several joint hearings concerning the cost and benefits of the various safety programs including full-body scanners, the [[Transportation Worker Identification Credential]] (TWIC), and the behavior detection program, among others.<ref>[https://archive.today/20130421173438/http://www.hstoday.us/single-article/joint-house-hearing-questions-effectiveness-of-tsa-aviation-security-measures/a25e6380c21445a2d31eb9d54b2b6f66.html Joint house hearing]- Retrieved August 19, 2012</ref> | ||
A 2015 investigation by the Homeland Security Inspector General revealed that undercover investigators were able to smuggle banned items through checkpoints in 95% of their attempts.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.newsnet5.com/news/national/tsa-failure-investigators-able-to-smuggle-weapons-past-airport-checks-in-95-percent-of-tests|title=TSA failure: Investigators able to smuggle weapons past airport checks in 95 percent of tests|author=JUSTIN FISHEL, PIERRE THOMAS, MIKE LEVINE and JACK DATE via GOOD MORNING AMERICA|work=newsnet5|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150601165024/http://www.newsnet5.com/news/national/tsa-failure-investigators-able-to-smuggle-weapons-past-airport-checks-in-95-percent-of-tests|archive-date=June 1, 2015}}</ref> | A 2015 investigation by the Homeland Security Inspector General revealed that undercover investigators were able to smuggle banned items through checkpoints in 95% of their attempts.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.newsnet5.com/news/national/tsa-failure-investigators-able-to-smuggle-weapons-past-airport-checks-in-95-percent-of-tests|title=TSA failure: Investigators able to smuggle weapons past airport checks in 95 percent of tests|author=JUSTIN FISHEL, PIERRE THOMAS, MIKE LEVINE and JACK DATE via GOOD MORNING AMERICA|work=newsnet5|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150601165024/http://www.newsnet5.com/news/national/tsa-failure-investigators-able-to-smuggle-weapons-past-airport-checks-in-95-percent-of-tests|archive-date=June 1, 2015}}</ref> | ||
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The TSA has been criticized<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.concierge.com/cntraveler/articles/5984|title=Stop Press: Case Closed?|author=William J. McGee|date=January 2005|work=[[Condé Nast Traveler]]|access-date=February 19, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110825034105/http://www.concierge.com/cntraveler/articles/5984|archive-date=August 25, 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref> for an increase in baggage theft after its inception. Reported thefts include both valuable and dangerous goods, such as laptops, jewelry<ref name="exposed">{{cite news|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/tsa-baggage-screeners-exposed/|title=TSA Baggage Screeners Exposed|date=September 13, 2004|access-date=August 2, 2008|publisher=[[CBS Evening News]]}}</ref> guns,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www1.whdh.com/news/articles/national/BO25420/|title=Guns stolen from O'Hare Airport police|date=August 16, 2006|work=[[WHDH-TV]]|access-date=February 18, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110718035328/http://www1.whdh.com/news/articles/national/BO25420/|archive-date=July 18, 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref> and knives.<ref name="pleadguilty">{{cite news|url=http://www.seattlepi.com/local/article/3-ex-TSA-workers-plead-guilty-to-theft-1183643.php|title=3 ex-TSA workers plead guilty to theft|date=September 24, 2005|access-date=August 2, 2008|newspaper=[[Seattle Post-Intelligencer]]}}</ref> Such thefts have raised concerns that the same access might allow bombs to be placed aboard aircraft.<ref name="AirportInsecurity">{{cite news|url=https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/chicagotribune/access/1095349001.html?dids=1095349001%3A1095349001&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS%3AFT&type=current&date=Aug+15%2C+2006&author=Chicago+Tribune&pub=Chicago+Tribune&desc=Airport+insecurity+%3B+Several+guns+have+been+stolen+from+baggage+at+O%27Hare&pqatl=google|title=Airport insecurity; Several guns have been stolen from baggage at O'Hare|date=Aug 15, 2006|work=[[Chicago Tribune]]|access-date=April 11, 2011|quote=In addition, the apparent ease with which employees have opened checked baggage already screened for explosives raises concerns that a bomb could be planted ......|archive-date=May 4, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120504124903/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/chicagotribune/access/1095349001.html?dids=1095349001%3A1095349001&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS%3AFT&type=current&date=Aug+15%2C+2006&author=Chicago+Tribune&pub=Chicago+Tribune&desc=Airport+insecurity+%3B+Several+guns+have+been+stolen+from+baggage+at+O%27Hare&pqatl=google|url-status=dead}}</ref> | The TSA has been criticized<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.concierge.com/cntraveler/articles/5984|title=Stop Press: Case Closed?|author=William J. McGee|date=January 2005|work=[[Condé Nast Traveler]]|access-date=February 19, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110825034105/http://www.concierge.com/cntraveler/articles/5984|archive-date=August 25, 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref> for an increase in baggage theft after its inception. Reported thefts include both valuable and dangerous goods, such as laptops, jewelry<ref name="exposed">{{cite news|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/tsa-baggage-screeners-exposed/|title=TSA Baggage Screeners Exposed|date=September 13, 2004|access-date=August 2, 2008|publisher=[[CBS Evening News]]}}</ref> guns,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www1.whdh.com/news/articles/national/BO25420/|title=Guns stolen from O'Hare Airport police|date=August 16, 2006|work=[[WHDH-TV]]|access-date=February 18, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110718035328/http://www1.whdh.com/news/articles/national/BO25420/|archive-date=July 18, 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref> and knives.<ref name="pleadguilty">{{cite news|url=http://www.seattlepi.com/local/article/3-ex-TSA-workers-plead-guilty-to-theft-1183643.php|title=3 ex-TSA workers plead guilty to theft|date=September 24, 2005|access-date=August 2, 2008|newspaper=[[Seattle Post-Intelligencer]]}}</ref> Such thefts have raised concerns that the same access might allow bombs to be placed aboard aircraft.<ref name="AirportInsecurity">{{cite news|url=https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/chicagotribune/access/1095349001.html?dids=1095349001%3A1095349001&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS%3AFT&type=current&date=Aug+15%2C+2006&author=Chicago+Tribune&pub=Chicago+Tribune&desc=Airport+insecurity+%3B+Several+guns+have+been+stolen+from+baggage+at+O%27Hare&pqatl=google|title=Airport insecurity; Several guns have been stolen from baggage at O'Hare|date=Aug 15, 2006|work=[[Chicago Tribune]]|access-date=April 11, 2011|quote=In addition, the apparent ease with which employees have opened checked baggage already screened for explosives raises concerns that a bomb could be planted ......|archive-date=May 4, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120504124903/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/chicagotribune/access/1095349001.html?dids=1095349001%3A1095349001&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS%3AFT&type=current&date=Aug+15%2C+2006&author=Chicago+Tribune&pub=Chicago+Tribune&desc=Airport+insecurity+%3B+Several+guns+have+been+stolen+from+baggage+at+O%27Hare&pqatl=google|url-status=dead}}</ref> | ||
In 2004, over 17,000 claims of baggage theft were reported.<ref name="exposed" /> As of 2004, 60 screeners had been arrested for baggage theft,<ref name=exposed/> a number which had grown to 200 screeners by 2008.<ref name="tipsswipe">{{cite news|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/24187702|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130305111251/http://www.nbcnews.com/id/24187702|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 5, 2013|title=Tips to ensure the TSA doesn't swipe your stuff|last=Elliott|first=Christopher|date=April 21, 2008|access-date=August 2, 2008|publisher=[[NBC News]]}}</ref> 11,700 theft and damage claims were reported to the TSA in 2009, a drop from 26,500 in 2004, which was attributed to the installation of cameras and conveyor belts in airports.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2010/03/18/US-reports-big-drop-in-baggage-claims/UPI-50861268922239/#ixzz1EN4D23HM|title=U.S. reports big drop in baggage claims|date=March 18, 2010|work=[[UPI]]|access-date=February 19, 2011}}</ref> A total of 25,016 thefts were reported over the five-year period from 2010 to 2014.<ref name="hidden">{{cite news|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2015/04/13/us/airport-luggage-theft/|title=Hidden cameras show airport workers stealing from bags - CNN.com|last=Zamost|first=Scott|date=April 13, 2015|work= | In 2004, over 17,000 claims of baggage theft were reported.<ref name="exposed" /> As of 2004, 60 screeners had been arrested for baggage theft,<ref name=exposed/> a number which had grown to 200 screeners by 2008.<ref name="tipsswipe">{{cite news|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/24187702|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130305111251/http://www.nbcnews.com/id/24187702|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 5, 2013|title=Tips to ensure the TSA doesn't swipe your stuff|last=Elliott|first=Christopher|date=April 21, 2008|access-date=August 2, 2008|publisher=[[NBC News]]}}</ref> 11,700 theft and damage claims were reported to the TSA in 2009, a drop from 26,500 in 2004, which was attributed to the installation of cameras and conveyor belts in airports.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2010/03/18/US-reports-big-drop-in-baggage-claims/UPI-50861268922239/#ixzz1EN4D23HM|title=U.S. reports big drop in baggage claims|date=March 18, 2010|work=[[UPI]]|access-date=February 19, 2011}}</ref> A total of 25,016 thefts were reported over the five-year period from 2010 to 2014.<ref name="hidden">{{cite news|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2015/04/13/us/airport-luggage-theft/|title=Hidden cameras show airport workers stealing from bags - CNN.com|last=Zamost|first=Scott|date=April 13, 2015|work=CNN|access-date=April 14, 2015|author2=Drew Griffin|author3=Curt Devine}}</ref> | ||
{{As of|2011}}, the TSA employed about 60,000 screeners in total (counting both baggage and passenger screening)<ref>{{cite news|url=http://atwonline.com/international-aviation-regulation/news/tsa-sets-framework-airport-screeners-collectively-bargain-020|title=TSA sets 'framework' for airport screeners to collectively bargain|last=Karp|first=Aaron|date=February 7, 2010|work=[[Air Transport World]]|access-date=February 19, 2011}}</ref> and approximately 500 TSA agents had been fired or suspended for stealing from passenger luggage since the agency's creation in November 2001. The airports with the most reported thefts from 2010 to 2014 were [[John F. Kennedy International Airport]], followed by [[Los Angeles International Airport]] and [[Orlando International Airport]].<ref name="hidden" /> | {{As of|2011}}, the TSA employed about 60,000 screeners in total (counting both baggage and passenger screening)<ref>{{cite news|url=http://atwonline.com/international-aviation-regulation/news/tsa-sets-framework-airport-screeners-collectively-bargain-020|title=TSA sets 'framework' for airport screeners to collectively bargain|last=Karp|first=Aaron|date=February 7, 2010|work=[[Air Transport World]]|access-date=February 19, 2011}}</ref> and approximately 500 TSA agents had been fired or suspended for stealing from passenger luggage since the agency's creation in November 2001. The airports with the most reported thefts from 2010 to 2014 were [[John F. Kennedy International Airport]], followed by [[Los Angeles International Airport]] and [[Orlando International Airport]].<ref name="hidden" /> | ||
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===Other criticisms=== | ===Other criticisms=== | ||
Other common criticisms of the agency have also included assertions that TSA employees have slept on the job,<ref>{{cite news |title=TSA fires screener caught sleeping in Seattle |url=http://www.cnn.com/2003/TRAVEL/01/06/airport.screener/ |date=January 6, 2003 |publisher=[[Cable News Network|CNN]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Report: Air Marshal Caught Sleeping on Flight |date=June 7, 2006 |url=http://www.thedenverchannel.com/news/9335428/detail.html |publisher=TheDenverChannel.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070125180216/http://www.thedenverchannel.com/news/9335428/detail.html |archive-date=January 25, 2007 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.cnn.com/2003/TRAVEL/03/11/sleeping.screener.ap/index.html|title=Security screener suspended for sleeping|date=March 11, 2003|work= | Other common criticisms of the agency have also included assertions that TSA employees have slept on the job,<ref>{{cite news |title=TSA fires screener caught sleeping in Seattle |url=http://www.cnn.com/2003/TRAVEL/01/06/airport.screener/ |date=January 6, 2003 |publisher=[[Cable News Network|CNN]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Report: Air Marshal Caught Sleeping on Flight |date=June 7, 2006 |url=http://www.thedenverchannel.com/news/9335428/detail.html |publisher=TheDenverChannel.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070125180216/http://www.thedenverchannel.com/news/9335428/detail.html |archive-date=January 25, 2007 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.cnn.com/2003/TRAVEL/03/11/sleeping.screener.ap/index.html|title=Security screener suspended for sleeping|date=March 11, 2003|work=CNN|access-date=November 27, 2010|location=Windsor Locks, Connecticut|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080618075026/http://www.cnn.com/2003/TRAVEL/03/11/sleeping.screener.ap/index.html|archive-date=June 18, 2008|agency=Associated Press}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=TSA Has Fired 112 Honolulu Employees Since 2002 |url=http://www.thehawaiichannel.com/news/6692360/detail.html |date=February 2, 2006 |publisher=TheHawaiiChannel.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060511215746/http://www.thehawaiichannel.com/news/6692360/detail.html |archive-date=May 11, 2006 }}</ref> bypassed security checks,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.local6.com/news/10958681/detail.html |title=TSA Workers Skipping Orlando Airport Security Causes Concern |publisher=Local6.com |date=February 7, 2007 |access-date=November 19, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080615004859/http://www.local6.com/news/10958681/detail.html |archive-date=June 15, 2008 }}</ref> and failed to use good judgment and common sense.<ref>{{cite web|title=TSA Officers Hassle Female Passenger with Toddler at Reagan National Airport over Sippy Cup? |work=Myth Busters |publisher=Transportation Security Administration |date=June 17, 2007 |url=http://www.tsa.dhs.gov/approach/mythbusters/dca_incident.shtm |access-date=August 2, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080705093104/http://www.tsa.dhs.gov/approach/mythbusters/dca_incident.shtm |archive-date=July 5, 2008 }}<!--The date at the URL is June 19, so maybe the story was updated with relevant videos and documents--></ref><ref>{{cite video |people=[[Keith Olbermann]] (host), Andrew Thomas (guest), Monica Emmerson (seen in [[Closed-circuit television|CCTV]] clip/s and photos) |title=Olbermann covers *The sippy-cup terrorist* – "Countdown w/ Keith Olbermann" |medium=Television production |publisher=[[MSNBC]] via [[YouTube]] |date=June 18, 2007 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q4Fu_qvm8dw |access-date=August 2, 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Teen Says TSA Screener Opened Sterile Equipment, Put Life In Danger |publisher=[[WFTV]].com |location=Orlando, [[Florida|Fla.]] |date=March 6, 2008 |url=http://www.wftv.com/irresistible/15511359/detail.html |access-date=August 2, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080929145100/http://www.wftv.com/irresistible/15511359/detail.html |archive-date=September 29, 2008 }}</ref> | ||
TSA agents are also accused and convicted of having mistreated passengers; having sexually harassed passengers;<ref>{{cite news |last=Reed |first=Keith |title=US eases patdown policy for air travelers |work=The Boston Globe |date=December 23, 2004 |url=https://www.boston.com/business/articles/2004/12/23/us_eases_patdown_policy_for_air_travelers |access-date=August 3, 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Plan to snoop on fliers takes intrusion to new heights |work=Editorial/Opinion |publisher=[[USA Today]] |date=March 11, 2003 |url=https://www.usatoday.com/news/opinion/editorials/2003-03-11-our-view1_x.htm |access-date=August 3, 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |agency=Associated Press |title=Phoenix airport to test X-ray screening |newspaper=USA Today |date=December 1, 2006 |url=https://www.usatoday.com/travel/news/2006-12-01-airport-screening_x.htm |access-date=August 3, 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Ritchie |first=Jim |title=TSA officials being probed |work=Pittsburgh Tribune-Review |date=April 29, 2005 |url=http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/s_329096.html |access-date=October 8, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081013074505/http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/s_329096.html |archive-date=October 13, 2008 }}</ref> having used invasive screening procedures, including touching the genitals, along with those of children;<ref>{{cite web|url=https://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20101111/us_nm/us_usa_security_patdowns_1 |title=Pilots and passengers rail at new airport patdowns |publisher=Yahoo! |access-date=November 19, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101114071050/http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20101111/us_nm/us_usa_security_patdowns_1 |archive-date=November 14, 2010 }}</ref> misusing body scanners to ogle female passengers;<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.wired.com/2012/02/female-body-scans/|title=Female Passengers Say They Were Targeted for TSA Body Scanners|first=Kim|last=Zetter|magazine=Wired|date=February 14, 2012|access-date=August 23, 2020|via=www.wired.com}}</ref> having searched passengers or their belongings for items other than weapons or explosives;<ref>{{cite news | TSA agents are also accused and convicted of having mistreated passengers; having sexually harassed passengers;<ref>{{cite news |last=Reed |first=Keith |title=US eases patdown policy for air travelers |work=The Boston Globe |date=December 23, 2004 |url=https://www.boston.com/business/articles/2004/12/23/us_eases_patdown_policy_for_air_travelers |access-date=August 3, 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Plan to snoop on fliers takes intrusion to new heights |work=Editorial/Opinion |publisher=[[USA Today]] |date=March 11, 2003 |url=https://www.usatoday.com/news/opinion/editorials/2003-03-11-our-view1_x.htm |access-date=August 3, 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |agency=Associated Press |title=Phoenix airport to test X-ray screening |newspaper=USA Today |date=December 1, 2006 |url=https://www.usatoday.com/travel/news/2006-12-01-airport-screening_x.htm |access-date=August 3, 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Ritchie |first=Jim |title=TSA officials being probed |work=Pittsburgh Tribune-Review |date=April 29, 2005 |url=http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/s_329096.html |access-date=October 8, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081013074505/http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/s_329096.html |archive-date=October 13, 2008 }}</ref> having used invasive screening procedures, including touching the genitals, along with those of children;<ref>{{cite web|url=https://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20101111/us_nm/us_usa_security_patdowns_1 |title=Pilots and passengers rail at new airport patdowns |publisher=Yahoo! |access-date=November 19, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101114071050/http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20101111/us_nm/us_usa_security_patdowns_1 |archive-date=November 14, 2010 }}</ref> misusing body scanners to ogle female passengers;<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.wired.com/2012/02/female-body-scans/|title=Female Passengers Say They Were Targeted for TSA Body Scanners|first=Kim|last=Zetter|magazine=Wired|date=February 14, 2012|access-date=August 23, 2020|via=www.wired.com}}</ref> having searched passengers or their belongings for items other than weapons or explosives;<ref>{{cite news | ||