Earlier this week, Melinda Deaton and her family filed a complaint claiming that TSA agents had strip-searched her, mocked her feeding tube, and physically handled, it, putting her at risk for infection as she traveled from Dallas to a Minnesota medical appointment. Nothing to worry about though. The TSA has already completed its thorough investigation and Blogger Bob cheerfully reports the results here.
TSA does not conduct strip searches. Since the traveler did not let TSOs know that she was wearing a medical device, an alarm went off, requiring a resolution. Our investigation concluded that proper procedures were followed: The passenger, in a private room with a supervisor as a witness, patted down the area around her feeding tube, as required by our standard operating procedures. At no time did an Officer touch the feeding tube area. The TSO then swabbed the passenger’s hands and tested the swab for explosives. Contrary to what is being reported, the individual was not asked or required to remove her clothing at any time.TSA takes all complaints seriously. We are sensitive to the concerns of all passengers and encourage travelers to provide feedback to TSA. If a passenger has a problem at a checkpoint, or is displeased with their checkpoint experience, we strongly recommend that they call a supervisor immediately or file a complaint with our contact center as soon as possible after the experience. TSA Contact Center, 1-866-289-9673 or TSA-ContactCenter@dhs.gov
Well, that’s a relief. The TSA doesn’t conduct strip searches, so that immediately rules out the veracity of the complaint. Not only that, but Ms. Denton had the audacity not to inform the TSOs of her private medical condition. Further investigation revealed that the passenger was forced to pat down the area around her feeding tube, but that no Officer touched the area. No word on how the investigation confirmed this other than to assume that the word of the TSO was automatically valid and that the passenger was wrong. Of course, that seems like another standard operating procedure. And we want to remind that should you have any problems you should contact the TSA right away so they can investigate quickly and confirm that you’re incorrect. Thanks, Blogger Bob!
Related articles
- TSA allegedly searches woman with feeding tube (overheadbin.nbcnews.com)
- TSA Blog Issues Non-Response to Their Officer Spilling Human Remains (flightwisdom.com)
- Alleged Competence at the TSA (flightwisdom.com)
- TSA Accused of Fiddling with Feeding Tube (thehandiestone.typepad.com)
