I see the TSA employees are trained in how to make a harmless photographer feel like a terrorist. Is the photography as terrorism meme going to be featured prominently at airports from now on? Because I just read that it was ok to take pictures of TSA checkpoints. Blog Flying with Fish reports this TSA quote:
“We don’t prohibit public, passengers or press from photographing, videotaping, or filming at screening locations. You can take pictures at our checkpoints as long as you’re not interfering with the screening process or slowing things down. We also ask that you do not film or take pictures of our monitors.
However… while the TSA does not prohibit photographs at screening locations, local laws, state statutes, or local ordinances might. Your best bet is to call ahead and see what that specific airport’s policy is.”
This is very curious because even an NBC camerman was recently given a stern warning by TSA in Philadelphia international airport not to film. At SeaTac it seems like they’re still getting up to speed on even the basics of how to block a camera! LOL. Kudos to the courageous photographer behind these shots.
{ 16 comments… read them below or add one }
Oh, my. We mustn’t do anything that may be perceived as “weird”. It’s probably an indication that we have islamofascistjudeomasoniccommieanarchist leanings and intend to destroy the airport. This is the kind of liberty our forefathers fought and died for?
I love how the guard could not tell him what the rules he was breaking were. He was one step away from calling it “classified information.”
Those interested might enjoy seeing Carlos Miller’s site, Photography is Not a Crime, at https://www.pixiq.com/contributors/248
These guys look to be about on par with Wal Mart employees as far as the ‘gene pool’ they are pulling from. The issue here (I think) is that these are people who were employed to just put things through a scanner and wave you down with a metal detecting wand. Now that security measures have been taken to a whole new level, it’s these same people who were hired just to do a simple task – thus no real intelligence required – who are now given huge authority and it has gone to their little heads.
Taking pictures or video of security checkpoints is a tactic our enemies in Iraq and Afghanistan have been using for years to find ways to either attack the security check point or to get through it undetected. If you want to take pictures or video of the security check points prepare to be harassed by TSA officials. It is standard federal anti-terrorism training to train employees about the way that terrorists recon our security, and pictures and video is one of the ways. It is a really common way and is likely to get you harassed. I don’t feel sorry for the man photographer at all.
Is there anything going on at a checkpoint that is really secretive or classified? Anything that can’t be observed by the casual passer-by? Only when government goons are held to public scrutiny will they have any kind of accountability. I say “Film away”. If the TSA minions aren’t doing anything wrong, they have nothing to fear. Why should Americans have to fear doing what we have done for decades, taking pictures when & where we please without government interference? If people would wake up & pay attention, they would notice that our rights are slowly but relentlessly being eroded; we are being painted into a corner, and pretty soon we won’t be able to do anything without govt permission.
I have an idea… How about if like 20 people just stood off to the side and watched checkpoint security do its work. Don’t film, don’t protest, don’t interfere. How long would be it before security dispersed and/or interrogated them? Presto, no more freedom of assembly.
perhaps you can assist with a great solution to this issue with TSA and total body scanners, or the inappropriate touching of body parts. Yes, I do understand if they feel compelled to add more security due to threats, but it needs to be safe, and it needs to be respectful to humanity. Please let me know your thoughts on having a system in place of frequent flyers such as myself, go through a TS background check every year, get a badge, to show you are a trust worthy American citizen, end of story. Why should we all be treated as if we are the “bad” people? I really would be interested in your 2cents here.
Blessings,
Mona Orkoulas
I wouldn’t trust someone with your last name. You sound foreign.
(Dear moderator, I’m using irony! This is not a personal attack, but rather a commentary on the present system of blacklisting, etc.)
Only the best and brightest work for TSA! “You’re being very… what do you call it… weird.”
I took a photo of my daughter at O’Hare as she was leaving to study a year abroad. I was immediately surrounded by TSA agents who said it was “illegal” to take pictures inside the terminal. When I asked to see the law prohibiting photos, they called a Chicago police officer over. He proceeded to grill me about why I was taking pictures. I kept asking if I had broken a law, but no one volunteered an answer.
Once my daughter had passed through Security, I simply said I was leaving, and I walked away.
Looks like the next time I have to fly, I’ll need to purchase these spy-camera sunglasses: https://www.thinkgeek.com/gadgets/security/c3eb/
And this spy-camera pen: https://www.thinkgeek.com/gadgets/security/c521/
And I have to do this to protect myself from the tyrannical insanity within the airports…
What kind of country have we become?
It’s not about cameras being terrorism. It’s about cameras being used to catch abuse and provide proof of it. That’s the ONLY reason they’re frowned upon by the theatrical security agency and department of homeland stupidity.
It’s very basic. These blue-shirted creatures KNOW they are doing wrong, and that’s why they don’t want to be on film.
I think we’re on the right track here. Anyone who acts weird ought to be thoroughly investigated & maybe banned from flying. “Weird” can be anything, such as questioning authority or failing to mindlessly follow any instructions given by any member of the TSA.
“We’re the TSA. If you don’t like us, you don’t have to fly.” What’s wrong with that?
Would you rather be patted down or blown up? As a nation, we need to come to the realization there are those who subscribe to the ideology of killing Americans. If you don’t agree with our tactics, move to Israel and see how you are treated there. I hear Saudi Arabia is sensitive toward checkpoint videographers as well. As a New Yorker, I haven’t forgotten. Sadly, however; it appears as if several of you have.
Rich, bad news. Israeli airport security is not invasive. It’s better there *and* it doesn’t trample people’s basic human dignity.
Fair is Fair. Should be pic for pic, tit for tat, pat for pat. Especially the TSA hookers. Oh baby. https://bit.ly/ah1IiQ