TSA Calls Cops On Me For Video Recording Checkpoint In D.C.

December 29, 2011 @ 6:32PM

TSA Calls Cops On Me For Video Recording Checkpoint In D.C.

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News

The first Transportation Security Administration screener I encountered at Ronald Reagan National Airport on my return flight to Miami from Washington D.C. Wednesday told me he would not let me board if I did not stop video recording.

I told him that TSA policy allows me to record the checkpoints, but he wasn’t buying it.

He called a supervisor, who told me the same thing; that video recording the checkpoints is forbidden.

When I insisted he was wrong, that it clearly states on the TSA website that it is legal to record, he called police.

Fortunately, the pair of DC Metro cops who arrived acknowledged that I wasn’t committing a crime, but they did not go as far as telling TSA that I had the right to record the checkpoints.

They basically told TSA to deal with the situation themselves.

So even though I was eventually allowed to enter the checkpoint, the TSA supervisor, who said his name is Ricky Flowers, continued to insist that I was not allowed to record.

Perhaps Flowers would have been convinced had I handed him a copy of the policy as I did in Miami in January, but shouldn't a supervisor already know the policy?

At this point, my family was really stressing out at the thought of me going to jail, so they kept urging I turn the camera off.

And I had already proven what I had set out to prove; that TSA officials are clueless about their own policy.

I did turn the camera off, but turned it back on once I got through the checkpoint because my aunt was detained after setting off the metal detector with her replacement metal hip.

She was prepared for this, so she had a card explaining the metal hip, but the TSA screener would not allow her to retrieve it from her pocket.

Instead, she was pulled aside and patted down, the screener’s hands coming uncomfortably close to her privates, flustering and frustrating my aunt even more.

Because I was the last to walk through and was dealing with my own issues, I managed to record her reaction after the pat down, but not the pat down itself.

But once again, TSA screeners threatened to call the cops on me.

At this point, we had all gotten through, so we just walked to our gate where I ordered a much-needed beer.

Why do I do this?

It may seem petty and instigating to many people, but it is crucial that we ensure TSA officials abide by their own policies – especially at a time when their authority is expanding beyond airports.

According to the Los Angeles Times:

The Transportation Security Administration isn't just in airports anymore. TSA teams are increasingly conducting searches and screenings at train stations, subways, ferry terminals and other mass transit locations around the country.

"We are not the Airport Security Administration," said Ray Dineen, the air marshal in charge of the TSA office in Charlotte. "We take that transportation part seriously."

The TSA's 25 "viper" teams — for Visible Intermodal Prevention and Response — have run more than 9,300 unannounced checkpoints and other search operations in the last year. Department of Homeland Security officials have asked Congress for funding to add 12 more teams next year.

According to budget documents, the department spent $110 million in fiscal 2011 for "surface transportation security," including the TSA's viper program, and is asking for an additional $24 million next year. That compares with more than $5 billion for aviation security.

TSA officials say they have no proof that the roving viper teams have foiled any terrorist plots or thwarted any major threat to public safety. But they argue that the random nature of the searches and the presence of armed officers serve as a deterrent and bolster public confidence.

Bolster public confidence?

Does it make you feel secure knowing that an agency supposedly responsible for your safety doesn’t even know its own policy towards something as simple and common as passengers pulling out cameras during the screening process?

Does it make you feel secure that the agency that is supposed to protect passengers from dangerous hijackers is busy strip searching 84-year-old women in wheelchairs?

Does it make you feel secure that the agency responsible for screening terrorists from boarding planes is unable to screen child molesters from its own ranks?

TSA News, which proclaims it is “dedicated to writing about the agency with fairness, balance and accuracy,” highlighted nine cases from 2011 where a TSA official was arrested on charges of child pornography or sexual assault on a minor.

It must be further noted: the vast majority of sex crimes–like enticement, molestation, and rape–are not reported (for example, only about one in six incidents of rape are reported). This is due to a complicated array of cultural and legal factors that includes misplaced shame (where victims, especially young ones, blame themselves), fear of having to relive a horrific incident in a courtroom setting, fear of retribution, fear of the perpetrator himself, and more. Thus, we can fairly conclude that there were even more such crimes committed by TSA employees than those in the hardly-brief list above.

None of that makes me feel secure, which is why I won’t stop video recording TSA screeners despite their threats, lies and intimidation tactics.

Comments

davy v

1 month ago

GREAT JOB CARLOS! I ESPECIALLY LOVED THE PART WHERE YOUR AUNT SAID "SI ESA HIJA DE PUTA!..." SHE WAS READY TO SLAP FLAMES OUT OF SOMEBODY!

jeff lantz

1 month ago

Your the Man Carlos !!! Finally i found a web site that speaks to everything i ever wanted to know about my rights as a photographer. More power to you and all the others who have taken a stand on what is legally right !

Phil Breske

1 month ago

I have two copies of The Photographer's Rights in my camera bag. I also have a printed copy of the Miami Beach policy for the times when I visit South Florida. I don't fly any more for any reason, but if I did, I would carry a printed copy of the TSA policy on my person whenever I was entering the airport.

You are one of the most high profile leaders of the fight for photographer's rights and you don't have a copy of the TSA policy when you enter a TSA checkpoint? Shame on you! Do you expect them to stand around while the supervisor finds a computer with internet access to check your excuse? Of all people, you are the one most likely to expect this kind of thing to happen, and yet you went to the airport unprepared.

SteelToad

1 month ago

To be fair, even if Carlos had the copy with him, the supervisor would likely have said "anyone can print anything they want on their computer" and he would have needed to go and find a computer to verify the policy. Of course it would take a long time because they're not likely to accept the URL from someone they suspect, No, they're going to have to hunt and seek and dig their way through the site until they stumble across it.

kc2idf

1 month ago

Nah, they would not have let him get it out of his pocket, just like his aunt wasn't allowed to get her medical condition card out of hers.

Seth

1 month ago

I agree Phil, I always carry a copy of the policy even though I don't always film. This needs to happen again Carlos, next time you fly by yourself get to the airport 3-4 hours early just in case!

Fascist Nation

1 month ago

They wouldn't let you board the plane?! Under what pretext? As far as I understand their job is to keep people with bad intentions off the planes NOT use access as a threat to OBEY US or else.

Glyph

1 month ago

"I think it's time for a beer..."

Good work, I'd been a little shaky too. Looks like yo' mama had your back though!

Carlos Miller -...

Pixiq Expert

1 month ago

What's the difference if I had the printout or not? The point is, these idiots do not know the policy.

Sure, it would have been cool for the video, but whatever.

They're still going to continue to harass passengers who record regardless if I showed them the policy or not.

Yeziam12

1 month ago

Very impressive, nerve-wracking, and crucial work Carlos, as noted by your entourage, you have managed to confound the TSA folks with your swift jump into action to "film" their tyrannical TSA Pre-Boarding Security Checkpoint. God's work brother.

Luckily you had the camera since you weren't attempting to instigate anything and luckily you had the courage to stand up to the TSA Supervisor when he confronted you. He was quite frightening and intimidating for sure, especially that antagonistic bogus smile. Had he hovered over me in the same fashion, with that militant threat on his face, I doubt I could have held the camera any more steady than you did...courage.

So, keep up the important work you do for the security of our country, it's awesome how you faced the enemy and made them confess their ignorance at the hands of a open microphone and video recording. The action, the violence, the subtle "Seig Heil" I think I saw one of the TSA Officers lip to their comrade, you have exposed the very thing that is so important to our freedom...those who serve. TSA Officers should be expected to have a mind of their own and do what they know is right, not what they're taught or told to do by their Leadership, Organization, Administration, U.S. Government, or the will of the people. It is people like you that inspire the insipid intellect of the rest of the population. Surely no one else knows better than you, how to make sure everyone else knows, what you know to be true.

I wish you all the best and hope your next article(s) will strike out to cover even more dodgy investigative journalism projects, perhaps disclose what's behind the ubiquitous and evil Girl Scout Cookie Sales or the donations for the Policeman's Annual Picnic. Those exposes would bring to light a couple of the other burning atrocities of our times.

Awesome journalism Carlos, truly awesome.

Rail Car Fan

1 month ago

Don't get me started on the TSA (Thieves Stealing Anything). It's the most un-American government agency we have.

In a national poll taken some months ago, it was voted by the general public as being the most despised. The IRS was voted higher up the list as a better agency to deal with.

The TSA is nothing more than a federal government workfare program. It's pretty bad when the government has to advertise employment openings on the covers of pizza boxes!

Here's a link, ie:

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/practical-travel-safety-issues-686/

That gives one a insight as to just how bad the TSA really is. It'll open your eyes as to their stupidity.

Rail Car Fan

CT_Yankee

1 month ago

To be fair, even if Carlos had the copy with him, the supervisor would likely have said "anyone can print anything they want on their computer"

So so EXACTLY THAT. On the same page, under the actual policy and the real url, labeled OFFICIAL TSA POLICY, add a few UNOFFICIAL TSA POLICIES:

Claim you're Amish and taking pictures violates your religion.

Confenscate enough "free" snacks and sodas to cover lunch and break times.

Groom cute children to play "TSA Agent".

Molest your mom!

Waste taxpayer funded TSA scholarship towards obtaining an 8th grade equivalency.

Get IT to port the entire TSA employee database into the national sex offendor list.

Carlos Miller -...

Pixiq Expert

1 month ago

The other thing is, I really wasn't planning on doing any of this stuff. I was with a bunch of family members who are visiting from Colombia, so I figured I would not make an issue about the policy.

But I just couldn't help myself once I got to the checkpoint.

The good thing about traveling with my family is that they insist on getting to the airport several hours in advance, so I can afford to get momentarily detained.

When I travel alone, I'm usually running late, so I can't afford even a brief detainment.

Phil Breske

1 month ago

So now a brief delay outweighs your rights? When did this happen?

This is how the police, DEA, TSA, et al win: Because they KNOW you are in a hurry and you want to get to your plane, they can do or say anything and most people (including Mr. Miller) will decide that their travel plans outweigh their rights.

And it's not just when traveling through an airport. Most people will do anything to avoid a confrontation with police because said confrontation is an inconvenience. Most people's rights are trumped by inconvenience every time.

It's only when we ALL (including Mr. Miller) stop and say, "I'm not taking this any more!" that things will change.

Posting a video that shows the TSA doing what they normally do doesn't fix anything. Standing your ground until your rights are verified and upheld is what makes change happen.

Unless you're running late, then "fuck it, my rights aren't that important."

Yeziam12

1 month ago

So you didn't plan it, but you had thought about doing it to the point you thought about the time necessary to make it happen.

So, you didn't plan it, but you thought about how much time you would have with family... Hmmm, me smells a skunk.

So, you didn't plan it but you knew you'd never be able to do it if traveling alone...hmmm

So, you didn't plan it, but you had a camera in hand as you approached the checkpoint.

So, you didn't plan it, but you couldn't resist the temptation to be a pain in the arse...THAT I BELIEVE.

All this just adds up to "A staged event" for what purpose other than to claim some mediocre bit of notoriety? Do something useful with your time. PIXIQ is the only place you could make news...because you're a member...not because anyone else cares. Not all of us on PIXIQ are focused on what seems no more than ringing the doorbell and running. Give us a break.

Your rights weren't impacted, you did what you set out to do. So, no harm, no foul. You only make a claim that they harassed you, from the video it's clear that with a short discussion (that could have been had offline), they would let you film it in the first place..but nooooo, you show up and start filming. No predilection there. Sheesh. You make an excellent fabricator...twist, turn, flip, yep that's what happened, cause my sources (ME) says so.

Jim

1 month ago

You are an idiot.

Yeziam12

1 month ago

That is eloquent Jim, how long did it take you to come up with that.

Fact is, Carlos pulled the same crap in Miami a week earlier & I will guess that was on his way to DC.

Carlos KNOWS he's an INSTIGATOR and I believe he planned the whole thing to support the point of his web posting re photographer's rights - it was not a casual, coincidental situation - don't be so naive. Carlos is manipulating you and feigning innocence to get weak minded people like you to clamor about "abuse of power".

Think about it for a second, you could walk up to many cops and give them crap for not knowing every detail of their job (photography or whatever), a sales clerk (perhaps for not being able to do a return), a lawyer (for not appropriately protecting your right under the law)...and I'm going to guess you don't know everything about your job - so by your definition of abuse, YOU AND CARLOS are both the same losers you accuse others of being.

So, just in case you didn't get my point, Carlos is instigating a situation based on a random issue HE chose as his point de jour all to favor himself in hopes of gaining some notoriety that may advantage him in the end. Follow the money and you will find motivation most every time.

Tom Jannusch

1 month ago

Thanks Carlos. Good job!

Scott

1 month ago

Keep voting for more of the same, and you'll keep getting more of the same and WORSE! Both mainstream GOP and Dems have brought our country to this point, and if they remain in power in 10 years the USA will be a police state, if not sooner. Soon we will have to pass through TSA checkpoints just to go from one state to another. What terrorist legislated away the Bill of Rights? I'll tell you what terrorist...Congress and the Senate, that's who! All except Ron Paul that is!

All you hear is that Ron Pauls "Different", "He's not mainstream", well I'm telling you it's time for someone that isn't "mainstream", or beholden to the corporations and special interest! It's time to elect someone that really means it EVERYTIME he takes the oath to uphold and defend the U.S. Constitution, and the ONLY politician that has consistently proved themselves for over 30 years is Ron Paul!

Vote Ron Paul in 2012! Free yourselves, Restore the Republic and the U.S. Constitution, and take your country back!

HONORYOUROATH

1 month ago

Every one of the Republican candidates are members of the Council on Foreign Relations,Trilateral Commission, or Bilderbeg Attendees.Obama is no exception and his staff has more of these globalist traitors than any other administration in history.
Ron Paul is the only exception.

Ron Paul 2012!

John Howard

1 month ago

"Soup soup soup soup supervisor!"

LMFAO

HONORYOUROATH

1 month ago

Great job Carlos! Keep exposing their stupidity!
Here in Jacksonville they have an FBI building and a DHS building. I'm going to do a 1st amendment test in front of these buildings,like the projects you have done.Only thing is I don't want to go alone, and it's hard to find some one with the stones to go with me.Every body is so scared of the big bad government.

Any how love your work Carlos! Keep it up!

Boomer

1 month ago

Bravo, Carlos, and thank you for not backing down from these lunkheads.

I used to think this agency was simply doing their best for our security. That held true until the first time I had to fly and endure their security theater. I think the combination of their unwillingness to even dream of reviewing their own policies, the ego power trip they all seem to be on, and the limited intellect I see from them makes me want to weep.

A couple of years ago, right after my wife and I moved, I had to fly for business. I don't know why the TSA screener decided to ask me if my address on my drivers license was correct, but he did. When I told him the truth, that it was not as we had just moved and California waits to issue a new license at renewall, as long as you register the move he responded as though he'd just found caught me trying to scam my way into the terminal. I was detained for about five minutes until the airport cops showed up and confirmed what I told him. He let me catch my plane, but he warned me that if I didn't want to be hassled again that "...you better stop trying to scam the TSA."

I've never taken anything they said seriously from that day forward. It's a monumental waste of money, and an absolute joke.

What a damn tragedy.

Audible Chocolate

1 month ago

thanks for being awesome :)

Shawn Wright

1 month ago

Carlos, thanks again for your efforts, and for posting a link to that page on the TSA's website.

Enhager

1 month ago

It is scary - and I love the honesty of the shaky camera. It takes a lot of gumption to stand up for your rights as an American, with a few nights in jail on the line, or even risking missing your flight and having to pay hundreds of dollars for a new ticket. I'm scared for you.

Be careful out there - and carry the TSA and other rules in your camera bag back pack from now on.

Jon Quimbly

1 month ago

9,300 search checkpoints for a rail system with millions of passenger train runs per year -- means a tiny fraction of trains are actually inspected.

Bullshit security theater. Terrorists will rest easy knowing they'll get no challenge.

Reminds me of NYPD's solution for "protecting" the subway: set up a folding table at a few stations per day, and "randomly" pick brown people and cute chicks to fuck with.

TSA Watchdog

1 month ago

Well done, Carlos! We need more patriots like you. I have posted your video at my blog, http://TSAWatchdog.org

I encourage anyone with TSA "horror stories" to visit my blog and make their story available to the public. We have to shine a light of liberty on the increasing violations of our Constitutional 4th-Amendment rights.

TSA Watchdog

boredofu

1 month ago

WOW really? Don't you people have anything better to do with your time? "Oh yeah! I am so hardcore videotaping people do their job" wow. Just get on your plane and stop causing delays for everyone else. You look and sound like a tool... you're not doing anything but showing the world how idiotic you can be trying to cause a scene.
Would you like to have random people throwing a camera in YOUR face while you're just trying to do your job? Or would you possibly find that annoying? Perhaps instead of harassing the SCREENERS you should focus on the people who are actually coming up with the rules in place.

Jim

1 month ago

Except the screeners aren't following the rules, what is the point of yelling at people who have already put rules in place, when those rules are ignored.

It is the screeners ignoring the rules, they need to be called out.

Why the fuck am I even responding, you are obviously either a troll or too stupid to breath.

Yeziam12

1 month ago

I'm guessing you're the same Jim that replied to my post. Same logic. And, btw, you responded because I suspect you are one of the TSA Instigators that take every opportunity to complain about them that you can get. Just what Carlos is looking for, fame and fortune.

IF you want to change something there is a right way and a wrong way to go about it. You wouldn't argue with a Policeman when you're pulled over if they didn't follow procedures. You would take it to court and try to persuade the judge to listen to your side of the situation and hope that reason prevails. You would not stand there like a mentally disabled person arguing with an Officer.

They're doing what they're told. IF they've been taught incorrectly or have a misconception, you don't argue with the individual Officer, you take it to the Leadership who may have miscommunicated their issue to their people OR so they can recognize a common trait and reiterate the TSA position on the situation to all employees. Arguing with one misinformed individual doesn't solve anything if others are equally misinformed. BUT, it does make for some intense and nerve racking video - not.

Indeed you and Carlos and every other juvenile thinking person will think there is something nefarious going on here, but in reality it's about as interesting as watching a teenager argue with their parents about using the car because of some ludicrous argument re their "rights". Why don't you just man up and get in line, if you're not guilty, then you have nothing to hide and all of you who think you're doing God's work, can take it to the appropriate forum and be heard instead of posting nonsense like this and holding up the line at the TSA checkpoint while I'm trying to get to my plane. Stop trying to help me, because I do not have a problem.

boredofu

1 month ago

yes you are right. Breathing is oh so difficult for me to remember how. oh wait that's right. MY POINT was this is the least impressive I have ever seen of people "sticking it to the man" granted everyone has their right to video the checkpoint however is there really anything INTERESTING going on in this video other than some schmuck wanting to cause issues for all of you people to egg him on later. IF YOU WANT THINGS TO CHANGE... TALK TO CONGRESS! *GASP* oh yes... now i can EXHALE thanks for the reminder. as for the troll part... grow up. I couldn't care less about what you think of my personal appearance. the only reason you are saying this is because i didn't back up the "bad ass" with the camera. get a life.