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08:21
By Essie Osborn


TSA releases names of people considered threats to aviation. Prohibition from flying on security grounds has raised pertinent issues on the TSA no-fly list search for frequent travelers. It has been met with skepticism considering that these are just suspects with no criminal record.

It is impossible for airline agents and security apparatus to know if a person is a terrorist before hand. The terrorist attacks of September 11 are a clear example of how wrong the intelligence system can be. Many people have been branded as threats to aviation even though they are totally harmless. They have never been caught in any criminal act in the past.

The normal procedure for dealing with a suspect is to investigate and arrest where evidence exists. People listed by the authorities, including the selectees have not been linked to any crime. This explains why they are free. The names are updated on regular basis with numerous names being included while others are struck out. Authorities have no record to prove these people guilty.

The listing does not come with other details such as place of birth or the date. Such details would help ticketing agents to fully identify the person at the counter. Some have been suspected yet they only share one name or even initials. This is inconveniencing to many people.

Travel delays are very disturbing to those identified as false positives. They are often stopped in airports, searched, interrogated and in the process delayed from travel. One personality who has suffered such an ordeal is Senator Ted Kennedy who was mistake for T Kennedy and delayed several times because of this similarity.

TSA has failed to keep track of the people listed on this platform. This has caused numerous people to be delayed time and again. The fact that the search and frisking are repeated indicates a fault with the system of including the names. A frequent flier would expect that after the first search, his name will be cleared to eliminate suspicion in subsequent trips.

Only by having trouble at the airport does one discover that his name is in the list. Such information is not available before hand. People are allowed to travel if they are listed as selectees. One can therefore not prepare for such delays especially considering that the names keep fluctuating.

Automated check-in system, internet and kiosks in airports are not open to listed individuals. They are required to present themselves personally at the counter when traveling. It is possible to check if you have been listed through the airport personnel though they are not mandated to give you this information.

There is a legal process for reducing suspicion and ensuring that your name is not on the list. A person who suspects that he is there should fill the Traveler Identification Verification Form and submit it to TSA. This process does not lead to total clearance. Some people continue to experience travel hitches despite submitting the form.

A person who thinks that he has been listed can seek redress through constitutionally provided channels. There are civil organizations helping such individuals to reduce the level of suspicion. This will clear you from constant harassment.




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