We all know how maddening travel these days can be. Air travel especially can seem pretty inconvenient and some of the security measures absurd (how much damage can I really do with 3 ounces of toothpaste?). But now, seven years after 9-11 forever changed air travel, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is letting travelers share their frustrations! Since January, the Evolution of Security blog (blog is short for web log), written by a group of TSA’s own employees has served as a forum for fliers to voice their frustrations and seek clarification on today’s airport security restrictions and requirements. The Web site, www.tsa.gov/blog, carries an ominous slogan that encourages passengers to become active participants in the security process: “Terrorists evolve. Threats evolve. Security must stay ahead. You play a part.”

Within the first 24 hours of the blog’s existence, more than 700 people posted comments. Kip Hawley, TSA administrator got the ball rolling with a welcome message to readers. “There isn’t much opportunity for our security officers to explain the “why” of what we ask you to do at the checkpoint, just the “what” needs to be done to clear security.” “The result is that the feedback and venting ends up circulating among passengers with no real opportunity for us to learn from you or vice versa. The opportunity is that we will incorporate what we learn in this forum in our checkpoint process evolution. We will not only give you straight answers to your questions, but we will challenge you with new ideas and involve you in upcoming changes.”

One comment I’ll share is... “Ever since you started x-raying our shoes, I’ve been forced to carry all my plastic explosives in my pants, which I find most inconvenient.” I’m sure there are many other comments that actually are sincere and foster conversation with the TSA’s bloggers. The blog has had one noteworthy success in addressing complaints about certain airports that were requiring passengers to remove all electronics from carry-on bags, including cell phones, iPods and even cords. The group discovered that this requirement was set up by the local TSA offices and admitted it “was not part of any grand plan across the country.” Therefore, the TSA advised all airports to allow those smaller electronics to stay packed, letting the lines move a little quicker than before. One TSA blogger, Christopher, saw this as vindication for the blog and its readers.

So, check out this new blog and make sure that you TEST your security system transmission and contact Linda Smallwood — lsmallwood@genalarm.com, (20-year General Alarm excellence) if you haven’t had your security system checked in the last 12 months. Oh, and PLEASE use your alarm system... crime historically increases during the month of May.

With your security in mind, I am sincerely,

Lisa Prosser
“The Alarm Lady”
alarmlady@genalarm.com
317-925-8915 x 107

Some content is from an article written by Megan Weadock, Managing Editor of Security Products magazine.