Security - Airports and Large Events

Over the weekend, we had a large sporting event here in Indy. For the past few weeks, our reporters have been walking around talking about the increased security every where.

Funny thing is, I don't consider it "increased security". Checking for knives and papercutters at a stadium event is laughable.

And yes, I consider it kind of laughable in airport security.

I was also reading in the Indianapolis Star this weekend that they pulled the FAA records on our local airport and there were a great number of security tests that we failed. Still, we ranked number 26 while most on the East Coast ranked in the Top 10.

Is it just me or do people in charge just not get it?

If you want to increase safety, you do more than just look for sharp objects. And the answer isn't giving guns to pilots.

[poseidon]

IMHO I think that the talk of "increased security" is simply talk and nothing else to make the flying public feel more "safe." IMO there is nothing that can be done to stop the determined and trained terrorist, any more than anything can be done to stop the determined and trained car thief.

The increased security will simply make more hoops for a terrorist to jump through. We've heard about curbside check-in being abolished -- yet some airports are already considering bringing it back. We've heard that carry-on luggage of any type is abolished -- yet a woman's purse doesn't count as carry-on luggage. We still have lots of people who are doing a vigilante-type policing and are bringing knives and boxcutters through airport security and when they're not caught, they're telling security about it (and getting arrested immediately thereafter).

But, just as a car alarm only makes it more time-consuming for a thief to steal your car, these "security" measures are making it a little more interesting for the terrorists. I guess if I terrorist wanted to do this badly enough, they could do what drug couriers do, make a bomb small enough, shove it in a balloon and swallow it, or something of that nature, and it could get past security (I'm going to feel really guilty if someone does this in the next few days).

Jeff

[erik_kosberg]

Full body cavity searches at all airports. For everyone, not just those who fit a profile. An idea whose time has come?

I got into Enron Field easily with my trusty leather jacket on. They checked the purses and fanny packs of others but not a bulky jacket that has an assortment of toys, tricks, and devices in the lining.

- Switchblade
- Compact toolkit in cloth case
- All-in-one tool (yes, with nail clippers)
- Small spool of very thin wire
- Handheld stunner
- 3 pub darts

I was not carrying one of my usual companions, a 9mm automatic, but I don't think they would not have noticed it if I had.

I think much of the "security" measures going on are a joke to make the public feel safe, but anybody wanting to take a biowarfare whiz in the Miller Lite could do it hands down easily.

[frazzledspice]

It seems as if rock concerts sometimes have stricter security regulations than any other events.

My sons, when they were teens, once had SUNSCREEN confiscated at the Riverport Ampitheatre in St. Louis (it came in an aerosol can.) Since the son in question was a fair-skinned redhead, it really annoyed me that they confiscated something that he was carrying, primarily, for medical reasons.

There are all sorts of things you can't bring into outdoor stadiums--cameras, of course, but also umbrellas.

Would you buy a $75 N'Sync concert ticket at an outdoor stadium where you couldn't bring an umbrella when rain was threatening?

Many of the items you aren't allowed to bring with you are available for rent......

Originally posted by frazzledspice
Would you buy a $75 N'Sync concert ticket at an outdoor stadium where you couldn't bring an umbrella when rain was threatening?

Fraz,

You know questions like this are not allowed.

My answer, of course, would be yes. Any ticket I purchase is in the first three rows and come rain, shine, or attack of the pre-pubescent crowd, the show must go on .

[erik_kosberg]

Would you buy a $75 N'Sync concert ticket...

No. I’d rather have a root canal sans novocaine.