Council Member calls for changes to TSA procedure

From the NY Post:

Have you ever had a dream where you were standing in front of a group of strangers in your underwear? The next time you fly, you’re likely to be left in less than that. Last month, the Transportation Security Administration began installing full body scanners at our local airports. These scanners virtually peel away your clothing and leave you stark naked to an employee who may, or may not, have had a background check.

Many New Yorkers have told me that they are willing to check their dignity at airport doors in the interest of safety. But, did you know that the safest airport in the world — Ben Gurion International in Tel Aviv, Israel — refuses to purchase these scanners because they don’t work? In the words of the former chief security officer of the Israel Airport Authority, Rafi Sela, he could “overcome the body scanners with enough explosives to take down a Boeing 747.” This is not surprising. These machines can detect guns, knives and box cutters, but they cannot pick up materials, like plastics, liquids and powders, most frequently used in attempted post-9/11 airplane bombings.

So, how did these ineffectual strip search machines, which will leave your Grandma longing for olden days when a glimpse of stocking was shocking, end up at JFK International and La Guardia airports? The answer: TSA incompetence and very powerful lobbyists.

Isn't that how we get most everything these days?

JFK security swiping valuables

From Eyewitness News:

In the last three years, four TSA checkpoint screeners have been fired for theft while only one has been fired at Newark, and 1 at LaGuardia.

Last July, two Kennedy Airport screeners got caught red-handed swiping a cell phone and laptop from luggage during a TSA integrity sting.

The TSA says: "Overhead surveillance cameras and close supervision help deter theft at checkpoints" and " that it moves swiftly to end the federal careers of any employee caught stealing."

The Port Authority says there have been 51 cases of theft at TSA check points at JFK in the last two years.

Police sources say the number is probably much higher, especially since many times, the thefts are never reported.