TSA to use private security workers for late shift at N.Y. airport

[Tempest]

TSA to use private security workers for late shift at N.Y. airport

By Chris Strohm

http://govexec.com/dailyfed/1003/103103c1.htm

The Transportation Security Administration plans to replace some federal passenger and baggage screeners with private security forces at New York's LaGuardia Airport starting Nov. 1. But federal screeners oppose the move, claiming TSA is trying to do an end-run around federal law and is putting airport security at risk.

Federal screeners at LaGuardia, who are hired and managed by TSA, were notified about a week ago that they will no longer work the late shift from 11 p.m. to 4 a.m., said Miguel Shamah, acting vice president of the Metropolitan Airport Workers Association, a group organized to represent the interests of airport workers. Instead, LaGuardia plans to use private security contractors to work the late shift, Shamah said.

<snip>

"They're pulling the wool over the American public's eyes, and this is a serious matter of national security," he said. "These people do not have background checks and they are sitting in the area of the airport that is most vulnerable for terrorists to get into, which are exits. And these exits are supposed to be TSA-run with TSA standard operating procedures. How is it possible that these people are going to take care of the airport during the overnight hours when people are not there to oversee them?"

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[Parche]

1. SMOKE AND MIRRORS

By this Whitehouse, they say they are doing all they can
for terra ism, and this happens, makes you wonder.

[gratuitous]

2. Either airport security is a serious matter, or it isn't

Would these assclowns make up their alleged minds? If airport security is a serious matter, worth taking the time and the money to do it right, then let's get after it. If it's not, then quit dicking us around and just say so: "We in the government don't fly commercially; and we don't think the public's safety is very important. If you can't afford to charter, don't fly."