Wed, May 26, 2010
Security Agency Keeps Little-Known Database Of People Who Make
Screeners Feel "Threatened"
If you're having a bad day at the airport, it's probably best
if you keep it to yourself while in the security line. TSA has
admitted that it is keeping a database of passengers who lose their
temper, or even make a snide comment to a screener. The list has
caused red flags to go up with civil liberty organizations who
think the list could feed a watch list, and subject more people to
increased scrutiny without cause.
USA Today reports that an internal TSA document says the
database includes names, dates of birth, Social Security Numbers,
and other personal data on not only the aggressors, but also on
victims and those who may witness an incident. The database notes
the type of incident as well, such as bullying, verbal abuse, or
threats. Screeners can also note whether a passenger made remarks
about death or violence, showed a real or fake weapon, or made an
"excessive display of anger", like punching a wall.
Information about passengers is taken from incident reports that
are created when a traveler attacks or threatens a screener,
according to TSA spokeswoman Kirstin Lee. The database was created
in 2007, when TSA officials said they had concerns about passengers
being disrespectful of screeners, and issued police-style uniforms
and badges. Still, Lee said, only about 30 incidents have involved
passengers interacting with screeners since the program began, and
there are only 240 incidents in the database. Most incident
reports, she said, deal with inter-agency issues between
employees.
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