Monday, 21 April 2014

Tsa No-Fly List Search Procedures

By Essie Osborn


TSA releases names of people considered threats to aviation. Prohibition from flying on security grounds has raised pertinent issues on the TSA no-fly list search for frequent travelers. It has been met with skepticism considering that these are just suspects with no criminal record.

It is impossible for airline agents and security apparatus to know if a person is a terrorist before hand. The terrorist attacks of September 11 are a clear example of how wrong the intelligence system can be. Many people have been branded as threats to aviation even though they are totally harmless. They have never been caught in any criminal act in the past.

The normal procedure for dealing with a suspect is to investigate and arrest where evidence exists. People listed by the authorities, including the selectees have not been linked to any crime. This explains why they are free. The names are updated on regular basis with numerous names being included while others are struck out. Authorities have no record to prove these people guilty.

Only names are listed without supporting details like dates of birth or place of birth. This presents a huge dilemma to ticketing agents and security personnel. Many people may share the same name. There are no images of the accused persons either. It has led to a lot of inconvenience.

The absence of other details has caused many travelers to be delayed, searched and interrogated falsely. Such travelers are referred to as false positives. A common and famous case is that of Senator Ted Kennedy. The list contained the name T Kennedy which caused officials in airports to link the name to him.

It is clear that TSA does not update or track people they have listed as aviation security threats. Many people have been delayed on several occasions. Repeated frisking and search should clear the name immediately. A person who flies regularly should not be confronted by the same challenge from time to time. It is expected that the name would be cleared after the first encounter.

Only by having trouble at the airport does one discover that his name is in the list. Such information is not available before hand. People are allowed to travel if they are listed as selectees. One can therefore not prepare for such delays especially considering that the names keep fluctuating.

Listed individuals are not allowed to use the internet and kiosk or automated check-in systems. Such a person has to personally report to the counter. Some personnel in airports tell individuals if they are listed. The personnel are not obliged to do so.

TSA has provided individuals who suspect that their names could be in the list with the chance to reduce suspicion. They have provided the Traveler Identification Verification Form. It helps clear the name in case it is shared. All people are not completely cleared since some continue to experience difficulties during travel.

Eliminating the name form the list is done through an appeal process. It is constitutional and simplified through the assistance of several civil societies. It saves a person from constant harassment and suspicion.




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