Security bias (or the perception of such)

[AustraliaPoochie]

My point is that are limpers and those in wheelchairs, do they swabbed as well as all and sundry pick "victims"?

 

[JohnK]

Ah, security. I love to play their game.

If they are busy then I'll quickly grab my things and go past them and then put my things back where they belong.

If they are waiting for someone then I fiddle around until they grab someone.

If there isn't anyone around in places such as SYD premium entry then I move my things over to where they are and let them do the test while I am putting things away.

 

[AustraliaPoochie]

As if they are so authoractive especially the ADL "officer" who handle Aust international departures for SQ and EK, and domestic (first line of "defence"), AND... WHERE ARE YOU LEAVING TO TODAY?
SYD says I but do I also then say AKL?
These are the wand wavers, not the X-ray officers who ask me.
Immi and international security screening in my case would be done in SYD of course.

 

[Clivem]

......I'm a 40+ Caucasian female with amazing dress sense

Classic ! ..........but as they say , this thread is nothing without pictures

 

[NFF]

Is security more stringent in western countries than Asia and Middle East ?

 

[strtrek]

Classic ! ..........but as they say , this thread is nothing without pictures

so really,as data now shows... only the stylishly dressed get bomb swabbed....so take it as a compliment I guess..

 

[Denali]

Ah, security. I love to play their game.
If they are busy then I'll quickly grab my things and go past them and then put my things back where they belong.
If they are waiting for someone then I fiddle around until they grab someone.
If there isn't anyone around in places such as SYD premium entry then I move my things over to where they are and let them do the test while I am putting things away.

My husband has played this game many times, especially after being picked up for extra security/swabs 100% of the time for 12 flights in a 4 week period.

 

[Clivem]

so really,as data now shows... only the stylishly dressed get bomb swabbed....so take it as a compliment I guess..

Indeed ....... wear it as a badge of honour.

 

[Deleted member 29185]

Is security more stringent in western countries than Asia and Middle East ?

I'd say most definitely.

Two experiences I've had....

1) Running late for last (int) flight out of one particular Asian city (a major city). Was checked in (just) by the only guy left at the check in counters and then rushed to the gate. One customs guy still on duty but no one manning the security checks so i just went straight through and boarded the plane with absolutely no check of my carry on luggage or me.

2) A capital city (int) airport where the one main (only) baggage scanner had broken down. Everyone had to place all their luggage (checked and carry on) on a table which was positioned next to a metal detector, walk through the detector and then pick up the luggage from the same table. No one was checking the luggage! That system remained like that for some time (may still be like that, as I have not been back there for a number of months).

I have deliberately not mentioned airport names as I don't want to give any idiots any ideas.

 

[stux]

A colleague of mine copped SSSS on his boarding pass.

Pity him

Secondary Security Screening Selection - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

[strtrek]

A colleague of mine copped SSSS on his boarding pass.

Pity him

Secondary Security Screening Selection - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

that is me also.....every bleeding time regardless of USA domestic or international travel....shame I never win anything else....

 

[stux]

that is me also.....every bleeding time regardless of USA domestic or international travel....shame I never win anything else....

From the Wiki article, it makes it sound like once you're on the list, you're on the list :-\

 

[edy4eva]

Have heard of someone in public service who many years ago was involved in drafting the selection criteria for 'random' security checks at domestic airports. The bottom line was, if you're of M.E./Eastern European appearance then you'll be at the top of the list for this random selection. This is in the training manual to those security officers, or at least was told so.

Feel free to write to your local MP to have this discriminatory and superficial profiling changed. This needs a petition.

 

[mannej]

Have heard of someone in public service who many years ago was involved in drafting the selection criteria for 'random' security checks at domestic airports. The bottom line was, if you're of M.E./Eastern European appearance then you'll be at the top of the list for this random selection. This is in the training manual to those security officers, or at least was told so.

Feel free to write to your local MP to have this discriminatory and superficial profiling dropped.

Without a source that is indeed hearsay sorry.

 

[edy4eva]

Without a source that is indeed hearsay sorry.

The guidelines DO exist. I'm not sure if a member of the public can gain access to that sheet under the FOI act, but a MP or senator should. Hence my suggestion to petition one. I can't name the source and will not do so.

If one here could apply to join the security company to work for them and succeeds in doing so, I'm fairly certain they will presented with the profiling criteria.

 

[strtrek]

From the Wiki article, it makes it sound like once you're on the list, you're on the list :-\

Oh joy!

Well done me...I finally have won something

 

[drron]

My point is that are limpers and those in wheelchairs, do they swabbed as well as all and sundry pick "victims"?

Not neccessarily.
I always had a high hit rate.Always smart casual attire,often a business shirt but also a beard.But the last 14 months never have been picked for the explosives test.
Reason-knee replacement so always get wanded.At regional airports it is mostly the person doing the explosives test who does the wanding.So if you recognise me at a regional airport and dont want an explosives test just follow me through.

 

[strtrek]

Not neccessarily.
I always had a high hit rate.Always smart casual attire,often a business shirt but also a beard.But the last 14 months never have been picked for the explosives test.
Reason-knee replacement so always get wanded.At regional airports it is mostly the person doing the explosives test who does the wanding.So if you recognise me at a regional airport and dont want an explosives test just follow me through.

you know, that's a great idea.....we could rent ourselves out as "security substitutes" for those who don't like to be patted down, swabbed or questioned.....

 

[Revolio]

Firstly, to update I've flown 5 times since I started this thread - been pulled for the (explosives) security check each and every time. But a mixed assortment of officers doing the checking. From reading the posts so far, wearing a suit and tie and having a business appearance, may well increase your chances of being intercepted. Secondly, I thought this was an explosives test. I haven't said one word to a wand waver for the last dozen or so stops. Just hold out my arms and try to expedite the process as quickly as possible. I didn't think asking questions like "where are you going today?" was part of their job description {explosives related questions only}. Does the process worry me - no. Does a stoppage rate of in excess of 95% concern me? - well not anymore. But if you are getting stopped ultra-consistently for reasons away from the notion of randomness, then I think something is simply going wrong (and ACTUAL airport security might be compromised). Like the sentiment that has already been stated, I'm very much in favour of 100% testing for everyone/every trip. {which on current rates only impacts me to the tune of 1.5 minutes per annum}.

 

[Justinf]

I'm a middle aged white dude and my record for the past 22 sectors has been 100% also. I just smile and comply and it's over with in the blink of an eye. I don't think I do anything to warrant it although by now I expect it so perhaps inadvertently I give off some vibes.