Security Profiling...

[tothelineplz]

I propose the following:

As a last line of defense against air piracy, I believe Captains should attend training courses on identifying certain risks much as customs officers are trained to spot smugglers, etc. Other federal agents receive similar training. EXEMPT from statutes regarding profiling, Captains should observe each and every soul which boards his/her aircraft and should be the final authority as to who rides and who does not. Period. After all...who better to spot something out of the ordinary than the crew?

 

[Timebuilder]

It sounds like the authority of the PIC.

 

[avbug]

Timebuilder is right; that authority already exists. However, let's not go overboard. We're not psychoanalysts, nor experts in what makes an individual unsafe. All we can go by is exhibited behaviors. Do we elect to exclude an individual because of dark skin, a foriegn accent, a certain type belt buckle, or lack of shined shoes?

The fact is that terrorists don't stand out. This is precisely how a terrorist is able to accomplish his or her act. The terrorists you may be thinking about are the ones you see in the movies...stereotypes that look and act the part.

The truth is that the person sitting next to you at any given time may be a terrorist. Nationality is no gaurantee. Race is no gaurantee. Credentials are no gaurantee.

Presently the Pilot in Command is provided with all information regarding the flight. If a questionable passenger comes aboard, the PIC has the authority to exclude him or her from the flight. That hasn't changed. How much farther would you submit we shoudl go?

 

[PilotoHalcon]

Hello there all. As an Ex cop I know profiling works. But of course in todays climate it is not "politically correct" and it can and has beeen abused. But look who has committed the most atrocities against this country lately. Male of Middle Eastern decent between between the ages of 18 and 24. Not a little old lady in a wheelchair nor a Captain with a Jepp bag in his hand on the way to his plane or the uniformed jumpseater. I know security checks us for the eye wash factor. (I know, I asked several) I know this is not a fool proof solution but it does get results. The friggin gene pool is in dire need of some chlorine NOW. These times call for more pro-active measures. Of course this is only my opinion.
I have an early flight to OTBD, see ya'll later and will follow up on this post.
j