Was this a spite search?

[Anon]

Until last month, I hadn't flown on an airliner for about 8 years.
Last month, however, my father was suddenly hospitalized and because
the weather was bad I decided to fly down via Delta instead of flying
my own plane as I usually do. In the line for the security screening
at the airport, the two gentlemen behind me were discussing what would
likely cause the walk-through metal detector to beep. One of them
said his belt buckle frequently sets it off. Well, my belt buckle has
a substantial amount of metal too. When I got to the screening area I
put my carry-on suitcase on the conveyor belt and put my pocket change
and keys into the plastic bucket. Remembering the belt buckle
conversation, I took my belt off and placed it into the bucket as
well. As I was placing it into the bucket the screening agent
(female) said, "Don't take off your belt." Well, the belt was
already off and in the bucket. Before I could do or say anything, she
called over the agent at the walk-through metal detector, gave him my
boarding pass, and mumbled something to him which I didn't quite make
out. As I passed through the metal detector, the agent already had
his arm up blocking my way and ushered me to the area for a wand
search. No, the walk-through metal detector didn't beep when I went
through. In your opinion, was this a "spite search" for daring to
disobey the first agent (the one who apparently ordered up the wand
search) or did my actions truly warrant a wand search?

[Shiver Me Timbers]

> Anon > wrote:

> In your opinion, was this a "spite search" for daring to
> disobey the first agent (the one who apparently ordered
> up the wand search) or did my actions truly warrant a wand search?

Who cares...... You come in as Anonymous, and want anonymous
people in a newsgroup to comment on an anonymous security
guard's split second decision to have another anonymous guard take
a closer look at you....... perhaps, maybe, you don't really know.

Now do you....????????

This underpaid and overworked guard is expected to make split second
decisions hundreds if not thousands of times each day when anonymous
people like you stand in front of them for what 30 to 120 seconds.

Give us a break.

Why don't you tell us whether your dad died or not.

Better yet why don't you tell us a flying story instead of trying to
create controversay when the only problem is the problem in your head.

[Tom Sixkiller]

"Anon" > wrote in message
...
>
>
[snip story]
> In your opinion, was this a "spite search" for daring to
> disobey the first agent (the one who apparently ordered up the wand
> search) or did my actions truly warrant a wand search?

More likely a power-trip from someone who was passed over as hallway monitor
in school.

Am I missing something, or is the US really cutting new trails on the road
to adolescence for our "adults"?

..

[Peter Duniho]

"Anon" > wrote in message
...
> [...] In your opinion, was this a "spite search" for daring to
> disobey the first agent (the one who apparently ordered up the wand
> search) or did my actions truly warrant a wand search?

How would we know? Never mind why would we care, why would YOU even care?
They waved a wand at you. Get on with your life.

[Bushy]

Becasue you showed a sudden interest in removing extra metal that would
trigger an alarm on the metal detector, they then waved the wand over you to
ensure you didn't do it to hide the small amount of metal in the firing pin
of your plastic concealed firearm.

Reducing the overall level of metal which would otherwise trigger an alarm
has to trigger a warning with the security guard. Doing it in full view and
probably looking scared of being detected while doing it would arouse extra
suspicion.

I would much rather the guard spend extra time checking you properly after
you had shown a suspiciouos act to hie the amount of metal in total you were
wearing.

Of course, if I had been a security officer I would have held a gun at your
head, kicked you to the ground and made you strip while the search was
carried out as you were obviously suspicious!

Hope this helps,
Peter

[Andrew Gideon]

Bushy wrote:

> Reducing the overall level of metal which would otherwise trigger an alarm
> has to trigger a warning with the security guard.

Doesn't *everyone* try to avoid setting off the detection mechanism?

- Andrew

[David CL Francis]

On Mon, 24 May 2004 at 00:28:42 in message
>, Anon >
wrote:
>
>
>Until last month, I hadn't flown on an airliner for about 8 years.
>Last month, however, my father was suddenly hospitalized and because
>the weather was bad I decided to fly down via Delta instead of flying
>my own plane as I usually do. In the line for the security screening
>at the airport, the two gentlemen behind me were discussing what would
>likely cause the walk-through metal detector to beep. One of them
>said his belt buckle frequently sets it off. Well, my belt buckle has
>a substantial amount of metal too. When I got to the screening area I
>put my carry-on suitcase on the conveyor belt and put my pocket change
>and keys into the plastic bucket. Remembering the belt buckle
>conversation, I took my belt off and placed it into the bucket as
>well. As I was placing it into the bucket the screening agent
>(female) said, "Don't take off your belt." Well, the belt was
>already off and in the bucket. Before I could do or say anything, she
>called over the agent at the walk-through metal detector, gave him my
>boarding pass, and mumbled something to him which I didn't quite make
>out. As I passed through the metal detector, the agent already had
>his arm up blocking my way and ushered me to the area for a wand
>search. No, the walk-through metal detector didn't beep when I went
>through. In your opinion, was this a "spite search" for daring to
>disobey the first agent (the one who apparently ordered up the wand
>search) or did my actions truly warrant a wand search?
>
Intriguing, I had almost the opposite experience when visiting with
friends and going to see the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia. Security
there was airline check standard but taken even more seriously. Despite
my protestations that my belt had no metal in it, I was told in no
uncertain terms to remove it! My friend and host was more concerned than
I was as he had grave doubts that his pants (trousers for Britons like
me) would stay safely up without his belt!

I guess they had decided that you were going to be a problem!
>
>
>

--
David CL Francis

[Anon]

Andrew Gideon > wrote:

>Doesn't *everyone* try to avoid setting off the detection mechanism?
>
> - Andrew

Of course they do, Andrew. "Bushy" was just doing his best to be an
asshole. In that, he succeeded. Unfortunately, his logic failed
miserably.

[anon]

David CL Francis > wrote:

>Intriguing, I had almost the opposite experience when visiting with
>friends and going to see the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia. Security
>there was airline check standard but taken even more seriously. Despite
>my protestations that my belt had no metal in it, I was told in no
>uncertain terms to remove it! My friend and host was more concerned than
>I was as he had grave doubts that his pants (trousers for Britons like
>me) would stay safely up without his belt!

>I guess they had decided that you were going to be a problem!

And, of course, I wasn't a problem. I cheerfully went along with
everything. The wand search was quick and painless. Didn't even have
to take off my shoes, and, of course, my belt was already off. And
no, to answer another reply, it didn't bother me much then and doesn't
bother me now. I was just curious. Interesting, though, and quite
ironic as well, that some of the respondents here chimed in with
mean-spirited and hateful replies and then when on to suggest that
similar behavior couldn't be expected of a security agent. :-)

[Morgans]

"anon" > wrote
> And, of course, I wasn't a problem. I cheerfully went along with
> everything. The wand search was quick and painless. Didn't even have
> to take off my shoes, and, of course, my belt was already off. And
> no, to answer another reply, it didn't bother me much then and doesn't
> bother me now. I was just curious. Interesting, though, and quite
> ironic as well, that some of the respondents here chimed in with
> mean-spirited and hateful replies and then when on to suggest that
> similar behavior couldn't be expected of a security agent. :-)
>
>

You gotta remind yourself what type of people these are. Bottom of the
bucket on pay, intelligence, and everything else. Now give these people a
job with absolute power, power far above what they have ever had before, and
they will make sure, at every opportunity, to let you know who is in charge
there.

Same thing with security guards and building inspectors. There are good
ones, too. But there are bad ones.
--
Jim in NC


---
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Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).
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[BTIZ]

Let's see,
1) traveling on short notice...
2)quick purchase of ticket..
3) hand carried luggage and not checked...

I know "profiling" is not to be done... but you fit all the alert tags..
and then nervous at the screening station... that's (4)

of course you got checked..

BT

"Anon" > wrote in message
...
>
>
> Until last month, I hadn't flown on an airliner for about 8 years.
> Last month, however, my father was suddenly hospitalized and because
> the weather was bad I decided to fly down via Delta instead of flying
> my own plane as I usually do. In the line for the security screening
> at the airport, the two gentlemen behind me were discussing what would
> likely cause the walk-through metal detector to beep. One of them
> said his belt buckle frequently sets it off. Well, my belt buckle has
> a substantial amount of metal too. When I got to the screening area I
> put my carry-on suitcase on the conveyor belt and put my pocket change
> and keys into the plastic bucket. Remembering the belt buckle
> conversation, I took my belt off and placed it into the bucket as
> well. As I was placing it into the bucket the screening agent
> (female) said, "Don't take off your belt." Well, the belt was
> already off and in the bucket. Before I could do or say anything, she
> called over the agent at the walk-through metal detector, gave him my
> boarding pass, and mumbled something to him which I didn't quite make
> out. As I passed through the metal detector, the agent already had
> his arm up blocking my way and ushered me to the area for a wand
> search. No, the walk-through metal detector didn't beep when I went
> through. In your opinion, was this a "spite search" for daring to
> disobey the first agent (the one who apparently ordered up the wand
> search) or did my actions truly warrant a wand search?
>
>
>
>

[Newps]

"Morgans" > wrote in message
...
>
> You gotta remind yourself what type of people these are. Bottom of the
> bucket on pay,

You have no idea what you're talking about. TSA guys make at least twice
what the old security people were making. Health insurance, 401K,
vacation(104 hours per year to start, 160 hrs after three years, 208 hrs
after 15 yrs) and sick leave(104 hrs per year and you never lose it). Like
any other federal employee.

[Shiver Me Timbers]

> Newps > wrote:

> You have no idea what you're talking about. TSA guys make at least twice
> what the old security people were making. Health insurance, 401K,
> vacation(104 hours per year to start, 160 hrs after three years, 208 hrs
> after 15 yrs) and sick leave(104 hrs per year and you never lose it). Like
> any other federal employee.

And even if they were just making four bucks an hour they have quite
the responsibility considering the repetitive and probably boring
aspects of the job that must be repeated thousands of times a day.

I mean how many times a day can someone stare at an x-ray screen of
someones carry on baggage or wave a wand up and down over a body
without your mind starting to go numb.

Are they not the first and last line of defense as to who gets on an
airplane and what they get to carry on with them.

[Neil Gould]

Hi,

Recently, Anon > posted:
(mostly snipped)

> As I passed through the metal detector, the agent already had
> his arm up blocking my way and ushered me to the area for a wand
> search. No, the walk-through metal detector didn't beep when I went
> through. In your opinion, was this a "spite search" for daring to
> disobey the first agent (the one who apparently ordered up the wand
> search) or did my actions truly warrant a wand search?
>
It was gross stupidity, and one of many reasons why "airline security" is
a bad joke. It would have made more sense for them to closely examine your
belt than you.

Regards,

Neil Gould

[OtisWinslow]

>
> You gotta remind yourself what type of people these are. Bottom of the
> bucket on pay, intelligence, and everything else. Now give these people a
> job with absolute power, power far above what they have ever had before,
and
> they will make sure, at every opportunity, to let you know who is in
charge
> there.
>

I just haven't found this to be the case at all. I've found the TSA folks to
be far more professional and nicer than the McDonalds-rejects that did it
before. Before it seemed like about 75% of them were on that power trip
and they indeed didn't seem to be that sharp.

[Paul Sengupta]

"David CL Francis" > wrote in message
...
> Intriguing, I had almost the opposite experience when visiting with
> friends and going to see the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia. Security
> there was airline check standard but taken even more seriously. Despite
> my protestations that my belt had no metal in it, I was told in no
> uncertain terms to remove it!

I was asked to put my shoes and my belt through the x-ray
machine at La Guardia. I looked puzzled and said "belt?"
and got a nod. "Oh, ok". In all the travelling I've done, this
was the first time I had to take my belt off to go through
airport security. Had to take it off a few times to go into Hindu
temples (some don't allow anything made from dead animal)
when I was in India, but never through airport security.

Paul

[Tom Sixkiller]

"OtisWinslow" > wrote in message
.. .
> I just haven't found this to be the case at all. I've found the TSA folks
to
> be far more professional and nicer than the McDonalds-rejects that did it
> before. Before it seemed like about 75% of them were on that power trip
> and they indeed didn't seem to be that sharp.

As I understand it (??) they're the same people, and the old
McDonalds-reject are now the supervisors. ??

[Tom Sixkiller]

"Paul Sengupta" > wrote in message
...
> I was asked to put my shoes and my belt through the x-ray
> machine at La Guardia. I looked puzzled and said "belt?"
> and got a nod. "Oh, ok". In all the travelling I've done, this
> was the first time I had to take my belt off to go through
> airport security. Had to take it off a few times to go into Hindu
> temples (some don't allow anything made from dead animal)
> when I was in India, but never through airport security.

When I went to Australia, they asked me if I had a criminal record; I said
"I didn't think you still needed one to get in".

BADABUM!

[H. Adam Stevens]

"Tom Sixkiller" > wrote in message
...
>
> "Paul Sengupta" > wrote in message
> ...
> > I was asked to put my shoes and my belt through the x-ray
> > machine at La Guardia. I looked puzzled and said "belt?"
> > and got a nod. "Oh, ok". In all the travelling I've done, this
> > was the first time I had to take my belt off to go through
> > airport security. Had to take it off a few times to go into Hindu
> > temples (some don't allow anything made from dead animal)
> > when I was in India, but never through airport security.
>
> When I went to Australia, they asked me if I had a criminal record; I said
> "I didn't think you still needed one to get in".
>
> BADABUM!
>
>
That's good.
Thanks.
H.

[Newps]

"Shiver Me Timbers" > wrote in message
...
>
> And even if they were just making four bucks an hour they have quite
> the responsibility considering the repetitive and probably boring
> aspects of the job that must be repeated thousands of times a day.

I'll agree as to how boring it is. I wouldn't want the job. But these
people are making mid 30K, minimum. I suspect the average is mid 40's.

>
> Are they not the first and last line of defense as to who gets on an
> airplane

I'd say they are the middle line of defense. The airline personnel would be
the first.

[AES/newspost]

In article >,
"Paul Sengupta" > wrote:

> I was asked to put my shoes and my belt through the x-ray
> machine at La Guardia. I looked puzzled and said "belt?"
> and got a nod. "Oh, ok". In all the travelling I've done, this
> was the first time I had to take my belt off to go through
> airport security. Had to take it off a few times to go into Hindu
> temples (some don't allow anything made from dead animal)
> when I was in India, but never through airport security.

Webbing belt that slides through a metal buckle (I think of it as a "Boy
Scout" belt, maybe military use it also) sets off the magnetometer every
time. I've learned to take it off, or better yet not wear it on trips.

Brass buckles on a blazer also.

[Brian Burger]

On Tue, 25 May 2004, AES/newspost wrote:

> In article >,
> "Paul Sengupta" > wrote:
>
> > I was asked to put my shoes and my belt through the x-ray
> > machine at La Guardia. I looked puzzled and said "belt?"
> > and got a nod. "Oh, ok". In all the travelling I've done, this
> > was the first time I had to take my belt off to go through
> > airport security. Had to take it off a few times to go into Hindu
> > temples (some don't allow anything made from dead animal)
> > when I was in India, but never through airport security.
>
> Webbing belt that slides through a metal buckle (I think of it as a "Boy
> Scout" belt, maybe military use it also) sets off the magnetometer every
> time. I've learned to take it off, or better yet not wear it on trips.
>
> Brass buckles on a blazer also.

The steel eyelets on hiking boots; ditto my (mostly plastic w/ fabric
strap) digital watch. Both caught me last time I went thru international
security...

Brian.