Belligerati

You see, due to recent knee trouble it was difficult for me to remove my shoes. In preparation for the going through the metal detector, the TSA agent “recommended” that I remove my shoes. Not wanting to do this unless necessary, I declined to do so. Again, the TSA agent “recommended” that I remove my shoes. Knowing that my sneakers contained no metal and that I had already emptied my pockets, I did not set off the metal detector when I went though it. Immediately after walking though the metal detector, a TSA agent flagged me for follow-up screening anyway. The first thing they made me do was take off my shoes. I wondered why if not removing your shoes flags you for additional screening and shoe removal automatically, that agents would describe it as recommended and not mandatory.
I can understand that security demands may now necessitate measures that are more intrusive. Nevertheless, if new security procedures are necessary than they should not be articulated in the guise of choice. This frustrates and indignifies the citizen-traveler. I asked my screener why it was that I was recommended for further screening for failing to do so voluntarily. He said, “I am not allowed to tell you why.” Without access to the procedures governing searches, how can citizens verify that they are followed accurately and fairly? Without a list of things to avoid, (do rivets on jeans matter? How about zippers?) how can we prepare for travel to avoid hassle and indignity? Without clearly articulating the rules that govern this process to the general public it will forever remain capricious at best and deliberately unfair at worst.
The procedure for handling sensitive photographic material serves as a model for improving the screening process. Travelers with who want to travel with film can easily discover that they are entitled to a hand screening. They can read about such things on the internet. If they ask a TSA agent, they will tell them the same about their right to such a screening. The screening policy should be posed on the internet as well as on a large sign, posted prominently, wherever the TSA screens. This would go a long way toward allowing us to avoid many costly and pointless searches. This would speed screening, generate far fewer false positives and make the fewer remaining searches more effective in detecting contraband and dangerous materials by concentrating them on meaningful searches.
I feel citizen feedback is an essential requirement for efficient and pleasant provision of government services. As such, I asked the TSA for the address for feedback at the TSA. Unfortunately, neither the screening agent nor the airline service women knew to what address I could direct my feedback. Eventually I found a TSA manager and after 15 minutes of waiting, he was able to provide it to me. The TSA should post the address, web address, and phone number of the TSA wherever the TSA interacts with the public. Regardless, it should not take 15 minutes to provide this information.
I know you are very busy, but I look forward to hearing back from you about my feedback.
Sincerely,
OneEyedMan