Harrassed & Detained For Carrying Cash @ Airport

[Pressing-On]

Originally Posted by Aquila

My point is that carrying cash isn't illegal. It's not contraband. However, "suspecion" warrants asking some questions. And a degree of that will be in the eye of the beholder. I'd find it strange because I don't know anyone who'd travel with that kind of cash. I see nothing wrong with them asking a few questions. When he got elusive, then his behavior because additional grounds for suspecion. That's all I'm saying.

But if having it is not illegal, as the amount is under the $10,000, then why the suspicion?

See? We needed all of this information to draw a conclusion.

[coadie]

Originally Posted by Aquila

I know what will make some folks happy... let's just git rid of all this security stuff or at least forbid agents from asking questions unless they catch someone trying to sneak an AK-47 past security.

You are not a security agent.

The Department of Homeland Security's Travel Redress Inquiry Program (DHS TRIP) is a single point of contact for individuals who have inquiries or seek resolution regarding difficulties they experienced during their travel screening at transportation hubs--like airports and train stations--or while crossing U.S. borders. These could include:

denied or delayed airline boarding denied or delayed entry into and exit from the U.S. at a port of entry or border checkpoint
continuously referred to additional (secondary) screening

[Pressing-On]

I would like to point out that Fleming, in this document, does consider money as contraband. The use of the $10,000 is set out as an example and thus lends the idea that it could be any amount that they deem necessary, in their opinion, to be suspect.

May 9, 2006

Operations Directive

OD-400-54-2: Discovery of Contraband During the Screening Process

Expiration: Indefinite

Summary

This directive provides guidance to ensure nationwide consistency in the appropriate referral or initiation of civil enforcement actions for incidents involving discovery of contraband during TSA screening procedures.

Procedures

When TSA discovers contraband during the screening process that is not a TSA Prohibited Item, the matter should be referred to the local Law Enforcement Officers as appropriate. An Enforcement Investigative Report should not be initiated.

Examples of such contraband include:

* Illegal drugs
* Drug paraphernalia
* Large amounts of cash ($10,000)

Point of Contact

Kimberly Siro, Office of Compliance, (571) 227-[REDACTED] (work), [REDACTED] (cell), or email to avopsinsp@dhs.gov.

/s/
Jonathan J. Fleming
Chief Operating Officer

[Aquila]

Originally Posted by Pressing-On

But if having it is not illegal, as the amount is under the $10,000, then why the suspicion?

See? We needed all of this information to draw a conclusion.

I think it's a grey area. If a person is carrying $9,999.00 should security be forbidden to ask him any questions about it? I think if the agent feels it's suspect the agent has a right to ask. If the person gets defensive, well...that's additional suspecious behavior. If this guy would have said, "Oh, I just sold some books and CDs at a convention a couple hours ago." I think that the agent would have most likely let him through.

[Aquila]

Originally Posted by coadie

You are not a security agent.

You're right. I'm not. I'll just be working in a SIDA control office processing applications for access. I'd never want to be an agent. Pulled security in the military. No interest.

[coadie]

Originally Posted by Aquila

My point is that carrying cash isn't illegal. It's not contraband. However, "suspecion" warrants asking some questions. And a degree of that will be in the eye of the beholder. I'd find it strange because I don't know anyone who'd travel with that kind of cash. I see nothing wrong with them asking a few questions. When he got elusive, then his behavior became additional grounds for suspecion. That's all I'm saying.

You are not an agent and have not started work. I have often traveled with company employees and their familiess and they carry , yep, that kind of money. if we go to resorts in the Islands.

You obviously are a very prejudiced person. The tape was voice and NO BEhavior was observable.
You can't make conclusions on unobservable behavior.
These "inspectors" are also not psychologists. They work off of prejudice and speculation. He actually did not get elusive. He asked under what authority he was required to respond and it would have been over suddenly if they knew and answered.

The "I don't know anyone that would travel with that kind of cash" is not a reason. You may not know anyone that has half that money.
Training may be difficult for you.

[coadie]

Originally Posted by Aquila

I think it's a grey area. If a person is carrying $9,999.00 should security be forbidden to ask him any questions about it? I think if the agent feels it's suspect the agent has a right to ask. If the person gets defensive, well...that's additional suspecious behavior. If this guy would have said, "Oh, I just sold some books and CDs at a convention a couple hours ago." I think that the agent would have most likely let him through.

Do you know why the agent wouldn't answer the travelors question?

[coadie]

Originally Posted by Pressing-On

I would like to point out that Fleming, in this document, does consider money as contraband. The use of the $10,000 is set out as an example and thus lends the idea that it could be any amount that they deem necessary, in their opinion, to be suspect.

Procedures

When TSA discovers contraband during the screening process that is not a TSA Prohibited Item, the matter should be referred to the local Law Enforcement Officers as appropriate. An Enforcement Investigative Report should not be initiated.
Examples of such contraband include:

* Illegal drugs
* Drug paraphernalia
* Large amounts of cash ($10,000)

Do you understand what not prohibited means? I take it you are not familiar with asset forfeiture and seizure laws.

[tstew]

This is crazy. Airports are a very sensitive place right now in our country. To think that one would be unwilling to answer questions, be evasive and uncooperative, and not expect any trouble is crazy to me. There are times when they do random screenings and individuals are pulled out and given extra attention without the presence of any suspicious activity. Here a man was looking for a conflict, did what he needed to produce it, then has the nerve to act surprised that it happened.

On a related note, I hope that some of what is being said here is either TIC or by people who are playing fake characters. If not, the level of condescension and snobbery in some people is off-putting and un-Christlike. It has been my experience that most people who project in this way actually are playing a role and are not what they claim to be. Once again, I hope this is TIC. I personally applaud and appreciate everybody who gets up everyday and works anywhere, whether it be at an airport, on a railroad, at McDonald's, or anywhere else. Those jobs are needed and I am thankful that those people get up and go to work and are not like te ones who lay around and live off of others.

[Pressing-On]

Originally Posted by coadie

Procedures


Do you understand what not prohibited means? I take it you are not familiar with asset forfeiture and seizure laws.

Unless I misunderstood, I thought there was law enforcement present also.