Tuesday 22 April 2014

Tsa No-Fly List Search Procedures

By Essie Osborn


The names released by TSA on regular bases are for individuals said to be a threat to the aviation industry. They are only allowed to travel after thorough checks and verification. The TSA no-fly list search is a headache to frequent flies suspected of being potentially dangerous.

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.

Real suspects are dealt with through investigation and arrest. This only happens where evidence can be presented. There is no evidence of any nature for those listed. This justifies the fact that they roam freely and have not recorded any statements about criminal involvement. They are suspects or people with similar names as the real suspects. No record can prove their guilt.

The listing does not come with other details such as place of birth or the date. Such details would help ticketing agents to fully identify the person at the counter. Some have been suspected yet they only share one name or even initials. This is inconveniencing to many people.

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.

Evidence indicates that TSA does not track the names of those listed as threats to aviation security. The reason for such a conclusion is because the same person may be stopped several times. One would expect that a single mistaken identify is enough to get your name removed. Facing similar delays and frisking on regular basis is very stressful.

There is no platform that offers the list to the public. This means that only an incident at the airport would tell if the name is there or not. Others are regarded as selectees but are allowed to travel on regular basis. It is impossible to foresee the delay happening. The names keep changing from time to time.

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.

There is a legal process for reducing suspicion and ensuring that your name is not on the list. A person who suspects that he is there should fill the Traveler Identification Verification Form and submit it to TSA. This process does not lead to total clearance. Some people continue to experience travel hitches despite submitting the form.

A person who thinks that he has been listed can seek redress through constitutionally provided channels. There are civil organizations helping such individuals to reduce the level of suspicion. This will clear you from constant harassment.




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