Complaining about an experience with TSA

[kaneen]

Hey ladies.  I need some advice and hope someone can help.

When I went through the TSA line yesterday the millimeter wave detector thing flagged a spot on my mid-thigh.  Apparently this requires pat down.  Long story short my pat down was VERY invasive.  As in, I feel physically violated invasive.  As in, I was touched multiple times in a place where only my gynecologist and hopefully some day a man I love should touch.

I made it clear I was uncomfortable but I kind of shut down just to get through the process.  I did manage to keep my whits about me enough to get the agent's name and a complaint card.  I feel like filing a complaint isn't enough though.  I want this incident investigated and I want appropriate action taken.  

Does anyone have any advice on how I should approach this?

[doglove]

Oh no kaneen, I'm sorry this happened to you.

Could you start here or by calling them?

www.tsa.gov/contact-center/form/complaints

[margarita]

I'm so sorry that happened to you, kaneen.

[kaneen]

Dec 20, 2017 15:13:16 GMT -5 doglove said:

Oh no kaneen , I'm sorry this happened to you.

Could you start here or by calling them?

www.tsa.gov/contact-center/form/complaints

That's what they told me to do and I'm going to just as soon as I can get my shit together enough to compose a coherent message.

I'm just also trying to find other avenues as well.  I read an article that indicates you should also contact your local congressional representative as they supposedly track how TSA is performing.  Just wanted to solicit any and all other ideas as well.

[doglove]

(((((( kaneen ))))))

[gault]

kaneen, I'm so incredibly sorry. How fucking dare they.

[udscoobychick]

Maybe try TRIP? I have no experience with it, but an article on Elsevier mentioned it as a route for seeking redress. I'm sorry you had to go through this.

[neonpink]

Wow that is not cool. I would definitely keep complaining and moving it up the food chain of people.

[tiramisu]

I'm so sorry you went through that kaneen. I don't have any other suggestions but I agree with the channel they told you about and contacting your representative. Hopefully there's something else. How fucking dare they abuse their power that way. Big hugs (if you'd like them).

[kaneen]

Dec 20, 2017 15:42:07 GMT -5 udscoobychick said:

Maybe try TRIP? I have no experience with it, but an article on Elsevier mentioned it as a route for seeking redress. I'm sorry you had to go through this.

Thank you. Will check this out.

[kaneen]

Dec 20, 2017 15:38:28 GMT -5 gault said:

kaneen , I'm so incredibly sorry. How fucking dare they.

Thanks.  I feel stupid that this feels so violating but I just can’t even get the feeling of powerlessness to go away.

[kaneen]

Dec 20, 2017 19:42:23 GMT -5 tiramisu said:

I'm so sorry you went through that kaneen . I don't have any other suggestions but I agree with the channel they told you about and contacting your representative. Hopefully there's something else. How fucking dare they abuse their power that way. Big hugs (if you'd like them).

Yes.  Hugs are good.  My co-worker reached for me after and then sort of caught herself and apologized saying she wasn’t sure I’d even want to be touched.  The kindness in a hug from someone I trust and who I know cares for me is appreciated.

[kaneen]

Dec 20, 2017 15:45:51 GMT -5 neonpink said:

Wow that is not cool. I would definitely keep complaining and moving it up the food chain of people.

Oh I definitely will.

[kaneen]

Dec 20, 2017 15:35:58 GMT -5 doglove said:

(((((( kaneen ))))))

Thank you doglove and thank you for the text.  You’re a really good friend and a great person to boot.  I appreciate you very much.

[cuddlyevil]

kaneen, that's horrible, I am sorry you had to go through that.

[mags]

I'm sorry kaneen. I do not have any suggestions at the moment but I will be researching this for you! Maybe I can find something that can help.

[mags]

Dec 20, 2017 14:51:45 GMT -5 kaneen said:

Hey ladies.  I need some advice and hope someone can help.

When I went through the TSA line yesterday the millimeter wave detector thing flagged a spot on my mid-thigh.  Apparently this requires pat down.  Long story short my pat down was VERY invasive.  As in, I feel physically violated invasive.  As in, I was touched multiple times in a place where only my gynecologist and hopefully some day a man I love should touch.

I made it clear I was uncomfortable but I kind of shut down just to get through the process.  I did manage to keep my whits about me enough to get the agent's name and a complaint card.  I feel like filing a complaint isn't enough though.  I want this incident investigated and I want appropriate action taken.  

Does anyone have any advice on how I should approach this?

www.tsa.gov/contact-center/form/complaints

So if you think your TSA pat-down crossed the line into an offensive assault or battery, your best bet may be to contact a personal injury attorney to figure out the best way to proceed. An attorney can also help you if the TSA does nothing in response to your valid complaint, or if the TSA finds that your claims are unfounded.


How to handle a rude agent

• Report the agent to a supervisor. Ask for a Supervisory Transportation Security Officer (STSO) immediately. That's what Shirley Kroot does when she meets an unpleasant agent. "I have encountered my share of rude TSA agents, especially in Chicago," says Kroot, a retired real estate appraiser from Huntley, Ill. "After I get through security, I report them to their supervisor."

• Complain in writing. You can send an email directly to the TSA (tsa.gov/contact-center/form/complaints). You'll want to select the category "Professionalism/Customer Service" when you do. Make sure you note other details, such as the name of the agent and the time and the terminal where the screening took place.

• Contact your elected representative. Congress keeps a careful watch on the TSA and its activities. You can contact your representative online at house.gov/representatives/find. Congress has tried to hold the agency accountable for its actions in the past, and its vigilance is bipartisan.

[kaneen]

Dec 22, 2017 9:24:10 GMT -5 mags said:

Dec 20, 2017 14:51:45 GMT -5 kaneen said:

Hey ladies.  I need some advice and hope someone can help.

When I went through the TSA line yesterday the millimeter wave detector thing flagged a spot on my mid-thigh.  Apparently this requires pat down.  Long story short my pat down was VERY invasive.  As in, I feel physically violated invasive.  As in, I was touched multiple times in a place where only my gynecologist and hopefully some day a man I love should touch.

I made it clear I was uncomfortable but I kind of shut down just to get through the process.  I did manage to keep my whits about me enough to get the agent's name and a complaint card.  I feel like filing a complaint isn't enough though.  I want this incident investigated and I want appropriate action taken.  

Does anyone have any advice on how I should approach this?

www.tsa.gov/contact-center/form/complaints

So if you think your TSA pat-down crossed the line into an offensive assault or battery, your best bet may be to contact a personal injury attorney to figure out the best way to proceed. An attorney can also help you if the TSA does nothing in response to your valid complaint, or if the TSA finds that your claims are unfounded.


How to handle a rude agent

• Report the agent to a supervisor. Ask for a Supervisory Transportation Security Officer (STSO) immediately. That's what Shirley Kroot does when she meets an unpleasant agent. "I have encountered my share of rude TSA agents, especially in Chicago," says Kroot, a retired real estate appraiser from Huntley, Ill. "After I get through security, I report them to their supervisor."

• Complain in writing. You can send an email directly to the TSA (tsa.gov/contact-center/form/complaints). You'll want to select the category "Professionalism/Customer Service" when you do. Make sure you note other details, such as the name of the agent and the time and the terminal where the screening took place.

• Contact your elected representative. Congress keeps a careful watch on the TSA and its activities. You can contact your representative online at house.gov/representatives/find. Congress has tried to hold the agency accountable for its actions in the past, and its vigilance is bipartisan.

Thank you!  I have not filed my complaint yet.  I’m trying to digest the whole thing without emotion before I write it up.  I’ve also considered that contacting an attorney to help first might be a good idea.  There was a woman who saw this all go down.  I’d never met her before but she approached me once they let me go saying how sorry she was I had to go through that.  I told my coworkers through my tears that I wished I’d gotten her contact info in case I needed a witness.  Well...it turns out she was on my flight.  As the plane boarded she passed my seat.  She must have seen me get on ahead of her and she had her card ready for me saying she’d be a witness if I needed her.  I did not ask her to do that but she did.  I emailed her yesterday to tell her I was trying to find the appropriate way to handle this and she said she hoped I’d have the courage to report.  In her response she reiterated that she’d full force provide herself as a witness to what occurred.  It definitely validated for me that I’m not overreacting.

My head is still spinning but knowing people support me has been such a help.  Thank you mags for still thinking of me and for providing this info.  You are a true friend in every sense of the word.

[mags]

Dec 22, 2017 22:13:29 GMT -5 kaneen said:

Dec 22, 2017 9:24:10 GMT -5 mags said:

www.tsa.gov/contact-center/form/complaints

So if you think your TSA pat-down crossed the line into an offensive assault or battery, your best bet may be to contact a personal injury attorney to figure out the best way to proceed. An attorney can also help you if the TSA does nothing in response to your valid complaint, or if the TSA finds that your claims are unfounded.


How to handle a rude agent

• Report the agent to a supervisor. Ask for a Supervisory Transportation Security Officer (STSO) immediately. That's what Shirley Kroot does when she meets an unpleasant agent. "I have encountered my share of rude TSA agents, especially in Chicago," says Kroot, a retired real estate appraiser from Huntley, Ill. "After I get through security, I report them to their supervisor."

• Complain in writing. You can send an email directly to the TSA (tsa.gov/contact-center/form/complaints). You'll want to select the category "Professionalism/Customer Service" when you do. Make sure you note other details, such as the name of the agent and the time and the terminal where the screening took place.

• Contact your elected representative. Congress keeps a careful watch on the TSA and its activities. You can contact your representative online at house.gov/representatives/find. Congress has tried to hold the agency accountable for its actions in the past, and its vigilance is bipartisan.

Thank you!  I have not filed my complaint yet.  I’m trying to digest the whole thing without emotion before I write it up.  I’ve also considered that contacting an attorney to help first might be a good idea.  There was a woman who saw this all go down.  I’d never met her before but she approached me once they let me go saying how sorry she was I had to go through that.  I told my coworkers through my tears that I wished I’d gotten her contact info in case I needed a witness.  Well...it turns out she was on my flight.  As the plane boarded she passed my seat.  She must have seen me get on ahead of her and she had her card ready for me saying she’d be a witness if I needed her.  I did not ask her to do that but she did.  I emailed her yesterday to tell her I was trying to find the appropriate way to handle this and she said she hoped I’d have the courage to report.  In her response she reiterated that she’d full force provide herself as a witness to what occurred.  It definitely validated for me that I’m not overreacting.

My head is still spinning but knowing people support me has been such a help.  Thank you mags for still thinking of me and for providing this info.  You are a true friend in every sense of the word.

I'm proud of you for doing this ! It is awesome that she approached you and offered her assistance.
(((kaneen))))

[doglove]

kaneen, I’m so glad you have a witness on your side. Thinking of you and sending you a big giant hug.

[udscoobychick]

I'm so glad there's a witness for you, kaneen.

[chalupa]

I'm so sorry this happened to you Kaneen, but very glad that someone saw what happened and is willing to be a witness. You are in my thoughts.