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TSA forces Richmond airport to issue access badge to convicted felon
In today's episode of "what did the TSA do this time?", the agency is under fire for not only hiring a convicted felon, but demanding that his assigned airport issue him an access badge. The unidentified TSA employee was hired by the agency after passing their background checks - but when he applied for his airport badge, Richmond airport turned him down, citing a conviction for robbery when he was 18.
When the airport denied the badge application, the TSA demanded that they reconsider, citing "unspecified consequences" if they refused. To me, this sounds an awful lot like blackmail.
The employee had not mentioned the conviction on his TSA application, and it doesn't look like it it would have mattered, because the TSA claims he actually committed the crime when he was 17, and that they don't really care about a conviction at that age.
The airport access badge is required to obtain access to the "sterile" area of the airport, including the baggage sorting areas and airline parking spots. Of course, the job of a TSA agent also includes passenger and luggage screening - something convicted felons should not be allowed to do if you ask me.
Politicians are now getting involved, and U.S. Rep. Eric Cantor has asked the TSA to clarify their actions. Given the recent bad press for the TSA, it never ceases to amaze me how they continue to screw up, creating even more bad PR. Lesson to be learned? If you are a criminal planning to protect our skies, make sure you don't commit any crimes after your 18th birthday.
What do you think?
| Yes - assuming they paid their price to society | |
|---|---|
| No way - these people are in charge of our security |
Filed under: North America, United States, Airports
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 6)
TSA Feb 7th 2010 6:38AM
The media is on another witch hunt! Why can't the person here be evaluated based on the past 17 or 30 years of your life and not what you might have done when you were 17 or 21. I think if there is a reasonable amount of time that has passed and the person has kept free of trouble once outside the prision system then we should erase their past and expect them to continue to live trouble free. Of course there will be a few that committ another crime, but I'm not sure that they any more likely to committ a crime than someone who has never committed a crime if they stay trouble free for 10 or 15 years after serving their prison time.
American Feb 7th 2010 9:45AM
And what if this is the one who does commit another crime? I have to disagree with you. We can't just assume that everyone who leaves the system has been rehabilitated when it comes to our security; we can't take those chances. The problem with our judicial system is that once you've been slapped on the wrist you're free to do as you please again. Everone knows this and that's why our courts and prisons are so full of repeat offenders. If people thought the punishment would be harsh and lasting they'd think twice before committing the crime. Once you commit a felony you should not be allowed common, every day privileges anymore, especially not when it comes to the matter of security.
Flying Public Feb 7th 2010 10:17AM
Because 49 USC 44936(b) prohibits issuance of SIDA badges to people convicted of specific crimes.
tcr111 Feb 7th 2010 10:43AM
And I have trouble finding a job because of a 10 year old misdeamenor??? Should probably apply with the TSA .
poot Feb 7th 2010 11:20AM
Dude--"and what if this is the one to commit another crime?" What kind of a stupid comment is that? Are you thinking that the people who committed the 9-11 attacks all had police records? That people who have never been arrest will never commit a crime? You are truly one naive SOB if that's actually what you think.
gary Feb 7th 2010 12:29PM
Good point. Also, a portion of felons in this country would never even been convicted if they had proper representation. Society demands that these people play by the rules of our society but what chance do they have if most jobs are not available to them. I bet a lot of these unforgiving fucks "including the cops that arrested them" have done something as bad if not worse then many of these felons but just have never payed the price for it. Just keep denying these people jobs until they are forced into a life of crime just to afford the basic necessities that we all take for granted. Treating people like criminals even after they have payed their debt is a sure fire way to force them to commit more crimes in the future. If treating people like animals makes you feel better about yourself, don't complain when these people decide that they may as well act like the animals you portray them to be.
JOHN D Feb 7th 2010 1:14PM
ONCE AGAIN OUR NEWS MEDIA SETS THE TONE. FOR ALL WE KNOW THE INDIVIDUAL IN QUESTION MAY HAVE EARNED THE MEDAL OF HONOR ON HIS 19TH BIRTHDAY AND WENT ON TO BE A VERY DECENT PERSON. ON THE OTHER HAND HE MIGHT BE A COMPLETE SCUMBAG. WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE ALL THE FACTS. VERY POOR REPORTING..BUT THAT IS STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE IN THIS DAY AND AGE.
Joe Feb 7th 2010 2:04PM
I have no idea how this person got through the HR department. A background check is needed to work for TSA although it is only a Secret Clearance classification which most people could pass because there is a very minimal investigation for this level of clearance. However, in this day and age of high unemployment, why did the TSA even consider this person for a position? It doesn't state how old this person is so we really don't know how long ago his 18 year old conviction was. I truly believe that there were many other applicants for this position that had no criminal record, were in need of a job, and would have saved face for the TSA administration. Don't get me wrong, ex-criminals have a right to a job, but not a job in this level of security. What was TSA thinking? Oh, I forgot, it's a government organization, they don't have to think, they just do what they want to do even if it doesn't make any sense.
Dan Feb 7th 2010 6:56AM
It's pretty simple, the civilian hack that they hired or appointed to run TSA, is just that a hack with no practical law enforement or counter terrorism experience. Either put a Law Enforcement Agency with a better screening process or the military. I'm both retired US Army and Law Enforcement and from what I've seen as typical TSA employees. They are a joke! Half of the items that they don't allow you to take, should be and then there's all of the items that they do allow through that they shouldn't. The people that they pull aside for addition screening are little old ladies, but no not Achmed. Because they're being too PC. Screw that! I personally was traveling through Logan Airport in Boston following reconstructive surgery on my arm. I had a plaster splint and my arm was in a sling. I went outside of the secure area and when I returned I went through the metal detector with no problem. I was pulled aside and told that I had to remove the splint. Mind you, I was in full US Army uniform, traveling with orders and ID and I have these idiots that aren't even US citizens by birth telling me to remove a medically necessary splint. I told them they could wand it or even rub a explosives sniffer patch on it, as long as they were careful. I even told them to get thier supervisor and she also told me I had to remove it. It actually came pretty close to blows. If it hadn't been for the intervention of a National Guard Sergeant and a Mass. State Trooper, it would have got really ugly. Something needs to be done and soon! These people are incompetent!
schubroc Feb 7th 2010 7:49AM
Wow Dan don't understand what world you live in. Putting anyone in any position of Authority seems to shed light on their personality. Eventually, all bad comes out in everyone it's just how we precieve the behavior.
RayZorCWB Feb 8th 2010 8:01AM
Dan,
Unfortunately, security is top priority. I appreciate your service to this country, but some of your fellow countrymen in uniform, have other ideas. A military uniform does not excuse you from being held accountable. I'm not talking Nam' here, not hate for the military, but several incedences have occurred by US soldiers that justify this course of action. Keep being an American, serve your country & continue to voice your oppinions. I believe all citizens deserve a second chance & to earn a decent living. Don't judge a man/woman on a 20 year ago incident, judge them on their intentions now. I go by this motto, the difference between someone with a criminal record & someone without one is... the one with one got caught. We all do dumb things, for most of us we all do things illegal. Until we can persecute everyone instantaniously (think Demolition Man), we must not judge all by "our" high & mighty throne. Tolerance, education & knowlege is key. Keep it 100.
sylvia Feb 7th 2010 11:13AM
I think that you miss the point"should a felon be hired for the TSA"?...my answer to that would be that this person committed a crime before the age of 18. That in itself is reason in most parts of the world is not looked at for any position. Had it been committed at the age of 18 or over then there would be reason to not hire. I also believe in second and in some cases third chances...Not to go Bibicial on anyone....but how many times are we forgiven by our creator...If one has served time and taken that time to really and truly be rehabilitated then I believe they should be allowed employment. The trouble with the world today with the out pour of unemployment there are qualified people for many jobs but because of their past they are denied employment...what happens then is no employment they return to CRIMES. We have to find ways to help those who are really trying to stay above the law. PEOPLE DO CHANGE.... And I personally believe they should be given the opportunity to show that being incarcerated or detained in what ever situation they may have been in that they have now the ability to keep themselves clear of further criminal behavior. NO JOBS>>>>>Causes room for MORE CRIMES. We as a people should be willing to help that person who may be trying to better themselves. I speak personally because I have a son who 15 years ago had a felony charge against him....TODAY.....I am preparing for His University Graduation with a MASTER'S DEGREE.... Someone saw what he was doing for his life and we are so Thankful first and foremost to God....and then to those who were there for him and saw the GOOD....in him....He has been free of any criminal behavior and has been employed in an outstanding field where he has been able to help others to not become repeat offenders....I know there are others that are out there and YES!!!! THEY TOO DESERVE THE OPPORTUNITY...My son's crimes were committed as a foolish adult with bad decisions.....but THANK GOD for the CHANGE.
Patriots1167@aol.com Feb 7th 2010 11:56AM
DAN:
I wholeheartedly agree with your post! I'm former Navy (also Navy Police, (4) yrs) and the TSA screeners looked like they were promoted from "Wal*Mart Greeters". I have to wonder if the "good-ole' boy" network is taking place that Raheem is hiring his "friends-and-family" because they're minorities and the U.S. Gov't is pushing to HIRE minorities because they're scared of discrimination lawsuit. (BS!). TSA needs to start hiring qualified personnel with backgrounds in military and law enforcement and stop these TSA agents from abusing their authority. I've traveled alot in 2007 and the "No liquids" larger than 2.8 oz. is a JOKE! THEN after I pass TSA examination...I can go to the consession stands and buy a (16) oz. Mt. Dew? I also think THAT'S a marketing scam for the airport to make more money. These TSA Screeners know NOTHING on "real security"
What's your response on this?
Frank Feb 7th 2010 5:52PM
Please do not confuse the TSO's (Transportation Security Officers) at the airport checkpoints with the TSA hacks who make up the rules. The TSO's have to follow the regs coming down from the hacks who have not done the job, have no desire to do the job and have no security training. Most of what you experience at a checkpoint is NOT improving airline safety as much as it protects airline REVENUE. That's really what it's all about.
Outlaw Josey Wales Feb 7th 2010 12:40PM
For Sylvia and everybody else who thinks like her..........just how many vicitms are criminals allowed to have before being stopped? If a person is caught in the act, turns themselves in and confesses or proven guilty by DNA or some future technology, then all criminals from burglars on up should be executed within a couple of days and be done with. I'd like to think that most people would think twice about being executed if they get cuaght, maybe the crime wouldn't be committed. And if it doesn't work, then the world would be rid of a lot of bad seeds and would be a much better place.
MYCHAL WILLIAMS Feb 7th 2010 1:39PM
I couldn't have said it better myself, the reason that they hire most of these people is because have you seen the salary of a TSA employee. I'm a retired police officer and for the salary they pay there is no way I would do that job!
Dan Feb 7th 2010 7:03AM
I think you missed the point. He LIED on his application!!! When you apply for a government job, it doesn't matter whether or not it was a crime committed as a juvenile or not! Especially when it's a felony. It's not like he got busted for a misdemeanor, it was a felony period! I personally don't want him having anything to do with my security or that of my family, friends or even you!
John Madison Feb 7th 2010 9:17AM
I am a convicted felon. I find it disheartening that we're in a situation today where felons are lumped in with every type of felon that exists. I am a 42 year old white male with a loving wife and intelligent daughter. I own and manage two separate businesses which are successful, and I to work around 60 hours a week. At 19 I forged a check for 186 dollars and after being "caught" the first time I never went to court thus exacerbating the initial charges. Ultimately I have a felony, served 90 days of time and had two years of probation. I give to two charities and we have our own charitable organization which assists local elders in our community. I messed up and now, according to many people I'm not only a horrible person, but I'm not allowed to do a seemingly simple job such as airport security? Has anyone MET some of these persons working these jobs? How about at the DMV? Have you ever really spoken with some of these people? Or, for that matter, pretty much anywhere and everywhere......people nowadays are just not that bright .... at all. And have you read the reports circumventing loss prevention and how many incidents involve "honest" people? Think about it. Do you really believe it's in the best interest for a felon to do anything out of the ordinary in a dishonest manner within the realm of his job when he/she knows he's already in parenthesis? I received my undergrad at Univ. of Washington in Seattle and my graduate from Dartmouth, I have a deep understanding of myself and my surroundings. I'd venture to say that honesty comes from within and isn't just an "action" but a natural right of existence. Stop judging and let's create a mandate that certain felons get their "label" dropped after an allotted period of time. It's been 23 years for me, give me a break already.
RayZorCWB Feb 8th 2010 8:03AM
Dan---You should try applying for a job after you get in trouble with the law. Very simply, you don't get hired. You don't even get an interview. Being an employer, I know first hand the ignorance. I was once a troubled youth. I would do anything to get a job, once I decided to straighten up myself. If that means lying on an application to put food on the table, then guess what I'm lying on the application. A white lie, is better than starving or going back to the life you are trying to escape. Sometimes you have to bend the truth to survive. Essentially, that is what we are talking about, isn't it? As always, I appreciate your oppinion, keep doing what your doing, but don't be so closed minded that you don't see the truth behind the entire story. Let's parallel your "own" splint story. At first glance your in a military uniform & wearing a splint. Then when people are trying to do their jobs, you become hostile & uncooperative. You even state, "it could have gotten ugly". Are you being judged unfairly? Are you the ex-felon trying to get a job? If my safety depends on making 1 person unhappy than I guess YOU are going to be unhappy. I would say that 99% of all Americans feel this way. You Dan, just happen to be the 1% that has an entitlement complex. I could be wrong, but you seem to be passing judgement & writing your "own" rules. Unfortunately, that is not how the world works. Keep it 100.
paul Feb 8th 2010 9:00PM
Dan while I agree that there are some less than desirable people in the screening force, to say we're " all a joke " is in-appropreate. That's like calling all soldiers baby killers. We have about 10 percent of our workforce that are acting military or retired, so you are also not being fair to them. We as the grunts are given our orders ( SOP ) and have to follow them as a military private would have to. You cite the fact that you were in uniform - well I remember a Major that just recently murdered 13 soldiers and wounded 30 at Ft. Hood, he also had a uniform on. Yea talk about stupid orders - disarming our troops on a military base.
You ever been to a Army surplus store lately? We are just doing our jobs as any soldier would do. Obviously TSA cannot make everybody privie to why we do certain things nor do we as screeners agree with the procedures but we are not high enough in the food chain to make the rulings. Besides when is the last time a plane has slammed into a building as of late? Guess somebody must be doing their job right.
You do not have to fly, you could always find another mode of transportation or better yet jump a military flight.
Happy trails to you and stay safe.
Thank you for serving your country!