TSA Screening Procedures Could Change After Local 6 Report

Local 6 WKMG ^ | March 22, 2007

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A Problem Solvers investigation into Transportation Security Administration screening policies has Washington talking and could prompt changes in the future, according to Local 6's Mike Holfeld.

The Local 6 report into the TSA's no-screening policy of its staff was presented to Rep. Ric Keller on Feb 2.

The undercover report showed TSA officers bypassing screening at OIA security checkpoints.

"We found this was the norm after TSA officers returned from break," Holfeld said. "In fact, a TSA spokesman confirmed it."

The Local 6 video report prompted a letter from Keller to TSA administor Kip Hawley, citing what Keller deemed "serious gaps" in security.

"I told him that it was very important that we close this loophole where we have a double standard that Orlando airport employees are checked and TSA workers at Orlando airport are not," Keller said. "I gave him the policy reasons for it; that we need to be safe and feel safe as well. And he told me he would consider that proposal and get back to me within a day."

Hawley said he had reviewed the video evidence that prompted airline employees to bring their concerns to Local 6.

"Mr. Hawley had already seen our report on the Internet and was well aware of our findings," Holfeld said.

"I hate to bring this up, but box cutters are small," a woman who wished to remain anonymous said. "They can slip into pockets, and for Orlando airport to have that kind of breach gives me great concern."

A month later, it wasn't box cutters -- but guns and drugs allegedly smuggled by airline employees from an Orlando International Airport flight for Puerto Rico.

"If they had listened what I asked based on the WKMG report, we never would have had a breach in security in the first place," Keller said.

Keller said the current policy just isn't good enough, Holfeld reported.

"The congressman said if the TSA doesn't change its policy, he will first show the report to Homeland Security chief Richard Skinner, and if that doesn't work, he said he'll call for House subcommitee meetings on the matter," Holfeld said.

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" 'I hate to bring this up, but box cutters are small,' a woman who wished to remain anonymous said. 'They can slip into pockets, and for Orlando airport to have that kind of breach gives me great concern.'

A month later, it wasn't box cutters -- but guns and drugs allegedly smuggled by airline employees from an Orlando International Airport flight for Puerto Rico."

Boxcutters, guns and knives were smuggled onto airplanes.

Thankfully we don't have to worry about hijackers anymore. /sarcasm

" 'The congressman said if the TSA doesn't change its policy, he will first show the report to Homeland Security chief Richard Skinner, and if that doesn't work, he said he'll call for House subcommitee meetings on the matter,' Holfeld said."

Oh sure, threats that a Congressman will tattle to another
government agency if things don't change will help. Right. /s

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Those wacky TSA workers get caught with their security down, again Ping.

[Cindy]

I remember this.
Thanks for the ping.

[JoeSixPack1]

Those wacky TSA workers ...

Yep, our security is in the hands of people even Wal-mart wouldn't hire.