Posted on 12/07/2004 9:47:07 PM PST by kattracks
A Thanksgiving Day morale booster for federal air marshals has instead turned into possible pink slips for air cops who ignore their strict dress code.
Thomas Quinn, director of the Federal Air Marshal Service (FAMS), paid a surprise visit to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on Thanksgiving to thank the law-enforcement officials for their holiday work. He reportedly was angered when nearly 30 marshals deplaned and only one was dressed satisfactorily.
In response, supervisors are being assigned to airports nationwide to inspect the air cops before and after flights to make sure business suits or sports coats are being worn, according to numerous memos issued last week and obtained by The Washington Times."The most recent incidents with [New York marshals have] shown that they are not adhering to the agency's dress-code policy," said one memo.
Air marshals are being told that if their dress is not up to snuff, they will be suspended from flight duty. They are referring to the incident as the "Thanksgiving Day massacre."
A spokesman for FAMS could not be reached for comment.
One air marshal who asked not to be identified called it "ridiculous" that marshals are expected to blend in with holiday travelers by wearing a suit.
"On Thanksgiving Day, travelers don't wear business suits to visit family and friends," the marshal said.
The dress-code policy is a sore point among the traveling marshals, who say it compromises their undercover status.
A provision included in the intelligence-reform bill would allow the air marshals to wear less-conspicuous clothing. The final vote on the bill is expected today in the Senate.
(Excerpt) Read more at washtimes.com ...
Anyone besides me notice how frickin' easy it is to spot the air marshal on a plane?
you look at anyone wearing a sport coat traveling on the holidays suspiciously....
I guess I haven't noticed one yet. I'm always distracted by the hotties on board.
Air Marshals is retarded, who are enforcing their dress code? Duh... don't follow the code..
This has got to be one of the dumbest things I've seen. I want my Air Marshall armed and could care less if he's wearing women's underwear and unmatched socks. Putting them in a suit and tie everyday? They have to be kidding, but I'm sure they are not.
" In response, supervisors are being assigned to airports nationwide to inspect the air cops before and after flights to make sure business suits or sports coats are being worn, according to numerous memos issued last week and obtained by The Washington Times".
Oh yeah, we're all a lot safer now that the fashion police are on the job. I'm feelin' good about my safety. Yeah, um hum
Oh, you mean, the big, broad shouldered white dude who never sleeps, is always looking around, and keeps his jacket or suit coat on no matter how hot it is while you wait on the tarmac?
This is such a stupid rule... they should dress to fit in with the flight. Business flights = business attire. Flights to Orlando = flip flops and Micky ears.
Clearly a point of some FAM Administrator being promoted one level above his level of competence. (My favorite Dilbert Principal)
Hmmm... Time to do a check on Thomas Quinn. Sounds like a Hillary fan in disguise "We must dress properly for those nice terrorists"... This is what I found so far.......
Director, Federal Air Marshal Service,
Thomas D. Quinn
In January 2002, Thomas D. Quinn accepted appointment as the Deputy Assistant Administrator for Aviation Security Law Enforcement and Director of the Federal Air Marshal Service (FAMS) for the Transportation Security Administration. On December 1, 2003, the FAMS was officially transferred to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) within the Department of Homeland Security. The FAMS mission is to promote confidence in our nation’s civil aviation system through the effective deployment of Federal Air Marshals to detect, deter and defeat hostile acts targeting United States (U.S.) air carriers, airports, passengers and crew.
Mr. Quinn served with the U.S. Secret Service (USSS) for 20 years until 1989 and in the private industry until January 2002. Within the USSS, he held a variety of positions of increasing management responsibility that ranged from Inspector to Deputy Assistant Director for the Office of Training. During his tenure with the Secret Service, Mr. Quinn also served as the Overall Coordinator for the Democratic and Republican National Conventions in 1988; the Special Agent in Charge of Protective Operations; and the Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the Presidential Protective Division. Additionally, he was the principal liaison for the Secret Service to the Military Counter-terrorist Units of the United States and United Kingdom for over 10 years.
His supervisory investigative experience includes responsibility for the forgery and counterfeiting squads of a major field office and, as an Inspector, in representing the Director of the Secret Service in complex sensitive investigations and office reviews.
From 1992 to 2001, Mr. Quinn was President of Quinn & Associates, Inc., a professional services firm specializing in the development and implementation of protective security services, training programs, and high-level investigations for select clients, which ranged from corporations to the United States and allied governments. A native of Washington, DC, he is a graduate of the University of Maryland and the National War College, National Defense University.
Our tax dollars inaction, or is it in action?
Another satisfied customer of Hooters Airlines, I see.
;-)
Quinn is a double-dipping moron. Fire his silly a$$!
Some more...Seems Mr. Quinn is actually a Captain Queeg...
Air Marshal Silenced by Administration
The current Director of the Federal Air Marshal Service (FAMS), Thomas D. Quinn, continued his witch-hunt campaign by silencing an outspoken Federal Air Marshal leader by placing him on administrative leave
LEWISBERRY, PA (PRWEB) October 15, 2004 -- On October 13, 2004, the current Director of the Federal Air Marshal Service (FAMS), Thomas D. Quinn, continued his witch-hunt campaign by directing two FAMS supervisors to go to the home of an outspoken Federal Air Marshal leader and place him on administrative leave.
PRWeb Press Release Newswire v6
Both supervisors arrived in the evening at the home of the air marshal and ceremoniously seized his government issued weapon and identification in front of his wife and six-year old autistic son. The supervisors then informed the air marshal that he was being placed on administrative leave for sending an e-mail from his personal computer to other Federal Air Marshals on their personal e-mail accounts –– all of whom are members of the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA).
The air marshal's e-mail discussed an article published in the October 18, 2004 edition of People magazine entitled “A Day in the Life of an Air Marshal”, in which another Federal Air Marshal voluntarily disclosed to a reporter in great detail, sensitive and tactical information regarding operational procedures and protocol.
The charge against the air marshal alleges that he directed disparaging remarks in his personal e-mail message towards the other air marshal, who had recklessly disclosed sensitive information in the magazine article.
The Federal Air Marshal placed on administrative leave has always been a strong advocate regarding aviation and passenger safety issues. By placing this air marshal on administrative leave, Director Quinn has succeeded in grounding an air marshal who has earned a reputation as being both an outstanding advocate and impeccable Federal Air Marshal. As a leader and representative of FLEOA, he has repeatedly, and without success, attempted to advise Director Quinn of the many safety concerns currently being expressed by over 1,350 Federal Air Marshals –– all upstanding members of FLEOA.
But Director Quinn has refused to meet with any representatives of FLEOA, and instead has opted to publicly berate FLEOA members. Ironically, Director Quinn is no stranger to disparaging remarks –– he has been publicly referring to his own air marshals as unprofessional “fleas" and "pea brains" for many months now.
Since recently being directed to testify before the House Judiciary Committee, Director Quinn has made it clear that he will punish any Federal Air Marshal who continues to publicly speak out on air travel and passenger safety issues. After FLEOA last week passed a resolution of "no confidence" in the leadership abilities of Director Quinn, it is not surprising that Director Quinn has now stepped-up his witch-hunt campaign to permanently silence all Federal Air Marshals who bravely come forward to expose aviation security lapses.
FLEOA National President Art Gordon declared that he will continue to work closely with congressional committees who have been investigating numerous air travel and passenger safety issues that Director Quinn has continually failed to address during this entire administration.
We need to get them shirts that say I am an undercover air marshall.
More of the reasons that I will not fly again, EVER! False security, outright theivery by airline and TSA security. Not so random searches, strip to your skin? And for this they added $10 to the price of the ticket?
More...
The Federal Air Marshal Association Calls for Immediate Investigation.
The Executive Director of the Federal Air Marshal Association, Bob Flamm, calls for the immediate investigation and dismissal of the Federal Air Marshal Service director, Thomas Quinn. The call for the Director’s removal comes after the unacceptable suspension on October 14, 2004 of the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association's (FLEOA) Federal Air Marshal Agency President, Frank Terreri.
(PRWEB) October 27, 2004 -- The Executive Director of the Federal Air Marshal Association, Bob Flamm, calls for the immediate dismissal of the Federal Air Marshal Service director, Thomas Quinn. The call for the Director’s removal comes after the unacceptable suspension on October 14, 2004 of the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association's (FLEOA) Federal Air Marshal Agency President, Frank Terreri.
“This matter really needs to be looked into by the House Judiciary Committee and investigated thoroughly. All parties to this obvious act of retaliation should be brought to justice”, said Flamm. “This would only make sense since the House Judiciary Committee is already conducting an extensive oversight investigation into Director Quinn”
“For the agency to deny Mr. Terreri's suspension was not based upon retribution is beyond belief!” Flamm said. FAMS management has indicated that an e-mail sent by Mr. Terreri, in his capacity as FLEOA FAMS President in response to being apprised of an article characterizing a day in the life of "FAM Becky" in People magazine, created an environment that was hostile to FAM Becky as she has "received harassing phone call and e-mails..."
What is notable about this assertion is the fact that Mr. Terreri, in the e-mail, does not call for any adverse action against FAM Becky or indicate that he will take any action himself other than "...be on the lookout for her in one of our friendly airports, probably as she is entering the restroom to ensure her...weapon is concealed." Flamm added.
FAM Becky, apparently with the full approval of FAMS management, provides a number of extremely sensitive details regarding frontline tactics and procedures.
According to Board members of FAMA, "This sensitive information is interspersed among a number of professionally questionable quotes, also attributed to FAM Becky, including calling herself "Psychotically patriotic" and "shouting out commands..." to herself while driving to work while acknowledging that other commuters "...must think I'm crazy."
The fact that the People article provides enough detail for anyone within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to know exactly where FAM Becky is assigned, and Mr. Terreri's e-mail provides absolutely no such information, should immediately impart to everyone that FAM Becky's current "hostile work environment" was predicated not by Mr. Terreri but rather by the FAMS' endorsement of the People magazine article.
To date, the retaliatory environment that rewards blind obedience, sycophancy, cronyism, nepotism, and rampant mismanagement has not been seriously or effectively addressed by FAMS, ICE, or DHS. The irony that FAMS management suspended Mr. Terreri for creating a hostile work environment when in fact FAMS management under Mr. Quinn's controversial leadership has in fact perpetrated a hostile work environment since the inception of FAMS
The reality is the majority of these managers have no experience in post 9/11 air marshaling, nor are they qualified as air marshals, which further obstructs any meaningful communication regarding safety and security issues of the working environment. In fact many first line supervisors and middle managers privately agree, and are also frustrated, that the current situation is untenable and counterproductive to mission effectiveness. “The managers claim that they will not "officially" speak out, as they are well aware of the retaliatory environment in which they are forced to work”, said Flamm.
The public and congress should know, in order to put the action against Mr. Terreri in proper perspective, that the Federal Air Marshal Association (FAMA) and FLEOA together share the professional perspective of thousands of working federal agents, including more than 1,400 frontline air marshals, whose primary goal is the protection of our country and citizens.
As such, FAMA calls for the immediate dismissal of Mr. Quinn and any other official involved with Mr. Terreri's suspension for cause and joins with FLEOA and other representative groups of law enforcement officials in supporting the FLEOA FAM Agency President, Frank Terreri, in his fight against injustice and incompetence in the Department of Homeland Security -- a fight waged on behalf of every American.
“We must have the Title 5 protections, which safeguard employees of other agencies, reinstated for the employees of Homeland Security. This is just one example of why these guarantees are needed” Flamm said “Title 5 protections were stripped from these employees even after assurances by the administration that employees would be protected from retaliation if voicing serious security concerns. This mechanism is clearly broken and the only viable option to keep our nation secure is to grant the reinstatement of Title 5”, Flamm said.
This ought to go well with the airline that flys naked.
Only a domestic GOVERNMENT turf-protecting, power-grubbing clockwatching habitual bureaucrat. Either let the Marines do it or PRIVATIZE THE AIR MARSHALLS. Farm 'em out! Let them write their own REALISTIC dress codes, and screw the TSA staff.
Out here in the hinterlands, I think all we get are air-rent-a-cops.
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