In the constantly-evolving world of air travel safety, the Transportation Security Administration is constantly trying to stay one step ahead of those that might wish to harm people or bring shampoo on board an airplane. In addition to the usual battery of x-ray machines, metal detectors, and alert security staff, the TSA has also instituted a brand-new pat-down directive, meaning those that fail an initial security screening may be physically searched by a TSA agent.
“Pat-down procedures are used to resolve alarms that occur at a walk-through metal detector, if an anomaly is detected during screening with advanced imaging technology or during random screening,” said a TSA response to CNN. “Pat-downs are one important tool to help TSA detect hidden and dangerous items such as explosives.” The TSA said passengers should expect “an unpredictable mix of security layers that include explosives trace detection, advanced imaging technology, canine teams, among others.”
CNN employee Rosemary Fitzpatrick wasn’t so keen on being patted down by a female TSA agent after her underwire bra set off a metal detector at the Orlando airport while traveling recently. “I am appalled and disgusted at the new search procedures and the fact that passengers have not been made aware of the new invasive steps prior to entering the security area,” Fitzpatrick wrote in an angry missive to the TSA. “It appears once you enter the security area, passengers forfeit their rights. There were no signs, video information, etc. at the entrance of the security area the airport. Why?”
Tags: airport security, TSA, Transportation Security Administration, TSA to implement new physical search procedure, pat-downs, TSA to pat down people at the airport, Rosemary Fitzpatrick, traveling safety, pat-downs at the airport, security screening
