TSA Listens to Concerns at Alaska Roundtable

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) participated in a roundtable discussion yesterday in Alaska addressing resident concerns that standard pre-flight screening procedures were “too invasive.”

TSA general manager for operations Scott Johnson and Democratic Senator Mark Begich sat down with a handful of travelers Wednesday to tak about the controversial search practice. Among the participants were sexual assault victims and individuals with disabilities, and representatives of both groups called for more sensitivity when TSA officials conduct the searches, as well as the presence of a companion during potential pat downs:

They say they’d like to see a system in which security screeners undergo sensitivity training and they’d also like special privileges; for example allowing a companion to comfort them in the event of a pat-down.

Johnson revealed that the pat downs are a procedure the TSA would eventually like to retire:

Johnson said the TSA is listening and constantly reviewing its procedures. Their goal, Johnson said, is to someday have a “no hands” system in which all screening is done electronically.

Sen. Begich would still like to see some change in the way passengers are treated by the TSA:

“I feel better, but not satisfied until we see some of these efforts they’ve talked about unfold,” said Begich, who in the past has criticized the TSA for its treatment of passengers.

On the internet, the TSA scanners have earned the nickname “pornoscanners” among critics.