Bad Guarding

Sometime in January 2011

Dear (News Group):

The story regarding that poor elderly woman who was inappropriately searched by TSA agents was as heart rending as it was unsurprising.

Body searches should never be conducted in public both because they are undignified and because they give the terrorists an opportunity to see what our procedures look like. The more a procedure is known the easier it is to undermine.

Once more, in Israel, a country with a stunning transport authority record, this woman would likely not have been searched. The Israelis use a bit of common sense when they screen flyers. Age is a factor, but there are many things the Israelis would have taken into account when screening this person and she would have been deemed no threat.

Moreover, the treatment of anyone in so rood and undignified a way is beyond the boundaries of a society that wishes to call itself civilized. Security personnel should be polite but firm in their dealings. We are meant to keep order not to act as hired thugs.

I’ve been a Security Officer since 1998, and I can say from experience that this incident is not uncommon. Diligence and performance quality have never had value in security work.

I was working at a factory that made parts for aircraft until last month when I was removed so they could replace me with a new Officer who made fifty cents less an hour.

I find it maddening that the safety of air passengers isn’t worth another half dollar.

Richard.