The Transportation Security Officers, commonly known as TSO, look for suspicious persons, bombs, ammunition, firearms, weapons, and other banned materials inside carry-on luggage at airport security checkpoints as well as random searches in jetways and gate areas before passengers board a flight. TSO also screen passengers and some airport employees via metal detectors, pat downs, and the latest anti-terrorist equipment, a full body scanning machine.
The controversial full body scanning machine provides a TSO screener an anonymous image of a person's complete body. See image below.
TSO REQUIREMENTS
All TSO applicants must complete a background check, credit check and other mandatory testing. During initial hiring, the TSO receives 56 to 72 hours of classroom training, 112 to 118 hours of on the job training and certification testing.
To maintain employment as a TSO he or she must demonstrate readiness for duty on a regular basis with no impairment of drugs, alcohol, or sleep deprivation. Recurrent training and specialized training are required on occasion.
The salary range for a full-time Transportation Security Officer career position is $24,432 – $36,648 per year and they are eligible for federal health benefits. All TSO positions begin as part time employees with the opportunity to become full time employees and supervisors.
Although the TSO screeners are trained professionally and are supposed to abide by the TSA civil rights statement that assures travelers will be treated in a fair, lawful and nondiscriminatory manner which emphasizes no tolerance for harassment in the treatment of the public through program and policy, some TSOs are unprofessional, abusive and amateurish .
I've witnessed numerous TSOs throughout the country verbally assault and harass passengers as well as airline employees. I've also witnessed TSOs falsify events to their supervisors in order to justify their questionable and unprofessional behavior.
Other TSOs have denied or delayed passengers boarding a plane or have continuously referred passengers of a certain race, religion, age, disability, national origin, gender, or sexual orientation through secondary screening. Without a doubt, it is frustrating to watch TSOs abuse their authority over the general public and treat people unfavorably.
WHAT IF I'M TREATED POORLY BY TSA?
First, always remain cooperative with the TSO and all other TSA employees. Do not yell, curse or become argumentative. It is best to remain silent and make a mental note of futile remarks and questions. Answer questions only pertaining to security. Allow the TSO to search your luggage and conduct the screening. If you become combative or argumentative, the problem can escalate extremely quickly and you may get arrested. Please note, every TSA checkpoint is under video and audio surveillance. All conversations and actions are recorded.
After the TSO has completed the screening process, visit the TSA supervisor desk located near the exit of the metal detectors and other anti-terrorist machines at the checkpoint. First, request the name and badge number of the screener you feel treated you unfairly and behaved unprofessionally. More than likely, the supervisor will ask for a detailed account of the incident.
Secondly, request a TSA comment card and write down the name of the unprofessional TSO as well as the supervisor's name to whom you reported the problem. It is important that you also notate the date, time, name of the airport and airline, airport terminal and checkpoint location. You may also include a written statement why you feel you were subjected to unfavorable treatment.
Fill out the comment card completely and accurately. Next, submit the comment card at any TSA airport checkpoint. If you are unable to locate a drop box for the comment card, give the card to a TSA supervisor and he or she will submit the card to the TSA complaint office.
If you are not rushed for time and depending upon the time of day, ask to speak with the Airport Customer Service Manager. It may take him or her a long time to meet with you, but it is another valuable option.
CALL TSA CUSTOMER SERVICE COMPLAINT LINE
To ensure your complaint will be researched and followed up, call and file a complaint with a live TSA representative. The TSA complaint line number: (866) 289-9673. Store it in your cell phone just in case you need it at an airport.
If you would like to further complain to the TSA about unfair treatment, write a letter. Be certain to include all of the required information listed above for filing complaints.
TSA mailing address is:
Transportation Security Administration
Office of Civil Rights and Liberties (TSA-6)
External Compliance Division
601 S. 12th Street
Arlington, VA 20598
email address
TSA.OCR-ExternalCompliance@dhs.gov
You may also contact the Department of Homeland Security's Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties to file a complaint. The Department's procedures for filing and handling complaints can be found at: http://www.dhs.gov/xabout/structure/editorial_0373.shtm.
What will happen with your complaint?
- A Specialist will be assigned to handle your complaint.
- The Specialist's responsibility is to attempt to resolve your concern. The Specialist may conduct a fact-finding investigation into the alleged discriminatory act or incident.
- If a fact-finding investigation is conducted, the Office of Civil Rights and Liberties will review the available facts and will make findings as to whether or not the incident or act complained of constituted unlawful discrimination, harassment, or retaliation.
- The Office of Civil Rights and Liberties may also recommend measures be put in place, such as conducting additional training, to resolve the concern.
How to contact TSA on other matters, such as watch list issues, claims issues, general questions, or to share your opinions or comments.
For additional information and contact information concerning watch list issues, please see the DHS Traveler Redress Inquiry Program's webpage at: http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/customer/redress/index.shtm
Certainly become familiar with TSA rules and regulations before you travel. Visit TSA online.
http://www.tsa.gov/
Do not deviate from the rules and follow the instructions of the TSOs at the airport security checkpoints. If you are treated unfavorably, certainly file a complaint using the 2 or more of the methods listed above. All persons should be treated with dignity and respect at all TSA airport checkpoints, regardless of their national origin, religion, race, gender, sexual orientation or disability.
Safe Travels
~theflygirl
COPYRIGHT 2010
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