The Sensible Body Scan Alternative

Slashdot ^ | 11/26/10 | Soulskill

[Clint Williams]

An anonymous reader sends in a CNN article that looks at airport security from more reasonable point of view, suggesting that looking for every last micro-gram of potentially explosive material is a waste of time, since very small quantities of explosives are unlikely to significantly damage a plane. The author also recommends incorporating parts of the Israeli method of securing airplanes — look for the bomber, not the tools. Quoting:

"Clearly everything should be done to prevent explosives getting on board an aircraft in quantities sufficient to cause structural failure and bring the plane down. But is it worth chasing lesser quantities that would result in zero or minimal damage? The enhanced pat-down that some find so offensive is designed to search for these small amounts. It often ends with a swab being taken to test for explosive residues. Technology does have a role to play, but imaging is not the solution. Operator fatigue sets in after short periods of time staring at computer images. That's why there are reports that contraband items have been smuggled through X-ray units used to scan carry-on bags. The aim should be to detect high explosive in quantities that are sufficient to cause significant damage. We don't need a machine that takes pictures of the human body. It makes more sense to develop a detector that clearly discriminates between high explosives and human tissue or water."

[wku man]

"The Sensible Body Scan Alternative"

Drive. Tell the TSA and the airlines to go to hell.

Scouts Out! Cavalry Ho!

[NoLibZone]

The Sensible Body Scan Alternative: Stats/PROFILING.

It’s what every scientific experiment uses as well as your Doctor.

[FlingWingFlyer]

"...look for the bomber, not the tools.

Now there's an idea. I wonder why our geniuses at DHS didn't think of that! Probably afraid of being accused of "racial profiling". Or it could be that they just like to fondle other people's genitals.

[Bloody Sam Roberts]

...suggesting that looking for every last micro-gram of potentially explosive material is a waste of time, since very small quantities of explosives are unlikely to significantly damage a plane.

A reasonable supposition...but wrong.

There are substances known as binary explosives which in liquid form would require only small amounts to be combined to generate an explosion sufficient to severely compromise a commercial aircraft...and destroy it.

Tough to ge a hold of, but nonetheless, a reasonable security asset should be aware of and on the look out for.

[proxy_user]

Everyone flying in Israel is an international traveler. He has a passport showing his nationality and what other countries he has travelled to.

A domestic traveler in the US has nothing but a driver’s license. There is no realistic way of determining his religion, ethnic background, or probable beliefs.

[Wooly]

Remember the main problem with TSA is that they are the same people who let the 9/11 terrorists board the planes. But NOW THEY ARE FEDERAL EMPLOYEES AND UNION MEMBERS!
The Coast Guard should have been put in charge of the airports and they should have adopted the Israeli way of screening passengers and cargo.
The Coast Guard has an excellent record in the screening of cargo in our ports. Not to mention that a no nonsense military approach in the airports would also reduce the amount of theft that goes on with airport baggage.

[jazminerose]

No, there was no TSA on 9/11. Airport security was handled by private companies, most notably the infamous Argenbright which employed illegal & convicted felons.

TSA is not yet unionized. NRLB cleared the way for it to happen. After enough assaults & verbal abuse, the union thugs will swoop in with promises to protect the TSOs. And into their arms the TSOs will run.

TSA screens cargo in our ports working with the CG.

Most of the private security firms working at airports that have opted out of TSA are union.

[FromLori]

Want To Photograph Your TSA Ordeal? Not So Fast

http://blogs.forbes.com/andygreenberg/2010/11/24/want-to-photograph-your-tsa-ordeal-not-so-fast/?boxes=techchanneltopstories

[Wooly]

I know that TSA did not exist, however when they created it they absorbed many of the same inefficient private security workers that screen passengers, turn them into Federal employees and then allowed them to unionize which, like all Public Employees Unions made them worthless and overpriced.

[Wooly]

I should have said that they have the right to unionize which was part of the HSA to get the Democrats to go along with it. But as always FEDERAL Employees are worthless like all other public employees.

[rlmorel]

I vote for the latter...

I made this sign specially for the TSA checkpoints...

[FlingWingFlyer]

LOL!

[for-q-clinton]

Even so the current method doesn’t even detect PETN if shaped in a circle and strapped to one’s belly. So why bother forcing sexaul assault on everyone when the explosive of choice still isn’t going to be detected. If they want 100% detection let’s go with full body cavity searches of EVERYONE at the airport. Let’s see how well that goes over.

Just have us fly naked and before you get on the plane you have to bend over for a quick rectum check.

[Secret Agent Man]

The sensible thing is tsa agents asking pertinent questions and observing traveller reactions.

Along with this is common sense profiling.

[B4Ranch]

Driving is more hazardous than flying.

[jazminerose]

TSA is not yet unionized. Individuals can join a union, but there isn’t any real benefit to it. There are several unions currently competing for TSA employees.

TSA hired some Argenbright employees the 1st yr, if they met the qualifications & make it thru screening. Most couldn’t make it into the system—having to speak English was real dealbreaker for many of them. There are very few Argenbright alums left at TSA.

[wku man]

Okay, don't drive. Get felt up and molested by a complete stranger. Short of an absolute emergency, I've taken my last flight.

Scouts Out! Cavalry Ho!

[aimhigh]

The Israelis are working hard at developing a new airport security device that eliminates the privacy concerns that come with full-body scanners at the airports.
It's a booth you can step into that will not X-ray you, but will detonate any explosive device you may have on you. They see this as a win-win for everyone, with none of the whining about racial profiling. It also would eliminate the costs of long and expensive trials. Justice would be swift.

Case closed!

You're in the airport terminal and you hear a muffled explosion. Shortly thereafter, 2 announcements come over the PA system: 1 - "Attention standby passengers — we now have a seat available on flight number ____, and # 2 - "Clean up needed at security check point 7".

[wku man]

Now that's something I'd like to see in US airports!

Scouts Out! Cavalry Ho!