Opting-out of Advanced Imaging Technology and the Pat-down Doesn’t Fly

[^_^ 5,021]

A recent incident in San Diego where a passenger opted out of Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) and also refused a pat-down has been raising some questions, so I wanted to help clarify a few things with this blog post.

AIT is optional for everybody. However, if you decide to opt-out of AIT screening, you must undergo alternative screening, which will include a pat-down. As I’ve said before, there is nothing punitive about it- it just makes good security sense. Obviously a passenger can’t completely opt out of all screening if they opt out of AIT. That would not make good security sense. AIT is deployed to help us find non-metallic threats, so if you’re selected for AIT and choose to opt-out, we still need to check you for non-metallic threats. That’s why a pat-down is required. If you refuse both, you can’t fly. It is important that all screening procedures are completed. This ensures that terrorists do not have an opportunity to probe TSA’s procedures by electing not to fly just as TSA’s screening procedures are on the verge of detecting that the passenger is a terrorist. Also, it’s important to remember that TSA screens nearly 2 million passengers daily and that very few passengers are required to receive a pat-down.

Some have asked why we just don’t use the handwand. Good question. Threats can be both metallic and non-metallic. Pat-downs, like AIT, allow us to screen for nonmetallic threats that handwands would not find.

And finally, the $10,000.00 question of the day… Will you receive a $10,000.00 fine if you opt out of screening all together and leave the checkpoint? While TSA has the legal authority to levy a civil penalty of up to $11,000.00 for cases such as this, each case is determined on the individual circumstances of the situation.

http://blog.tsa.gov/2010/11/opting-out-of-advanced-imaging.html

[The_Dude 1,142]

So if you don't want either options, you are in fact not a civil libertarian, and are a terrorist.

[IndigoSkies 168]

Blogger Bob? Haha. How ironic. TSA people can't put their first and last name with their fabled musings in fear of privacy violation; but, they expect the law-abiding citizens of this Republic to virtually strip naked and/or be sexually assaulted in the name of security. What nonsense! This whole thing is a serious overreaching by the government.

[Amby 490]

Indigo - when are you scheduled to fly next?

[I AM NOT THAT GUY 5,715]

Indigo - when are you scheduled to fly next?

Personally, I don't mind having my junk fondled, especially if you are wearing those blue nitrile gloves.

[mawilson 2,133]

I suggest everyone file a lawsuit against the TSA for sexual assault. 10,000 lawsuits later, they will have no choice but to drop this fascist BS.

[^_^ 5,021]

Blogger Bob? Haha. How ironic. TSA people can't put their first and last name with their fabled musings in fear of privacy violation; but, they expect the law-abiding citizens of this Republic to virtually strip naked and/or be sexually assaulted in the name of security. What nonsense! This whole thing is a serious overreaching by the government.

There is a Meet Our Bloggers link on the right-nav

No face or last name, but there is enough information for you to find out who he is.

Blogger Bob

Hi, I'm Bob, and I started with the TSA in September 2002. I worked at the Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) for 5 years and am currently residing at TSA headquarters. I started as a Transportation Security Officer (TSO), and have since been promoted to a Management Analyst with the Office of Strategic Communications and Public Affairs.

In my nearly 6 years with TSA, I've also worked as an Operations Watch Officer, Instructor, Training Coordinator, Behavior Detection Officer, and I served as the Vice Chairman on TSA's first National Advisory Council - a group representing TSA's frontline workforce in discussions with TSA leadership on security and workplace issues.

I live in Northern Virginia with my wife, two daughters, and a 100 pound German shepherd named Clarence.

Prior to the TSA I was a singer songwriter and traveled the world with my band. Songwriting is now one of my hobbies along with record collecting, ugly ties and photography. My favorite type of music is Garage Rock from the 1960s.

[TBoneTX 43,048]

I suggest everyone file a lawsuit against the TSA for sexual assault. 10,000 lawsuits later, they will have no choice but to drop this fascist BS.

We can only dream, si man, but remember that The Government has unlimited time and resources to make our lives miserable, sigh man. Think of the Lists that we could end up on...

[Usui Takumi 1,562]

I mentioned this in another thread, if you compare stats - you are as likely to get cancer from the screening as you are having the plane go down with a terrorist.

Another way to protest this is to take viagra before the flight and and greet your local agent with a massive erection. I bet they'll love feeling you up then lol.

[mawilson 2,133]

We can only dream, si man, but remember that The Government has unlimited time and resources to make our lives miserable, sigh man. Think of the Lists that we could end up on...

Or you can be a coward and bend over for the ####### probe (coming soon to the airport near you). Your choice.

[Amby 490]

they're interviewing John Pistole on Fox right now

[^_^ 5,021]

Or you can be a coward and bend over for the ####### probe (coming soon to the airport near you). Your choice.

What do you plan to do? Not submit? Don't tell me you plan to go all Paul on us.

[Usui Takumi 1,562]

What do you plan to do? Not submit? Don't tell me you plan to go all Paul on us.

Whats that? Rubbing small pox on your clothes so you can infect the agent?

[^_^ 5,021]

Whats that? Rubbing small pox on your clothes so you can infect the agent?

I think his plan involved physically assaulting TSA.

[Amby 490]

I think his plan involved physically assaulting TSA.

I'd like to be present if Mark did that cos it would be funny as hell.