Yes, The TSA Is Doing Subway Bag Checks Now

At least the searches are VOLUNTARY.

I don't understand the theory behind these searches anyway. Any time I've ever seen a table set up, it's been right near the turnstiles. If a terrorist is already there, why wouldn't they just blow themselves up at that spot if they got picked to be searched? They would still be able to kill a lot of people.

So what's next? I have to take off my shoes and have my tampons confiscated because they might be a bomb or some sort of terrorist material?

Playing devils advocate, how exactly is having your bag searched on public/private transportation a violation of your rights?

@edEX "The Fourth Amendment (Amendment IV) to the United States Constitution ... guards against unreasonable searches and seizures. The amendment specifically also requires search and arrest warrants be judicially sanctioned and supported by probable cause." - Wikipedia

How is it possible to have probable cause when the searches are random? Upon first inspection, cops/TSA have no information to base suspicion on. Even with probable cause, they would still need a judge to issue a warrant.

A government entity refusing passage to public transportation based on complicity of inspection of personal belongings also impinges on our freedom of association, which is protected under the first amendment.

Your 4th amendment, rapidly disappearing since 2001.

"Random and unpredictable security measures, like mobile screening and VIPR teams, can regularly be seen at anytime"

Joking aside, as long as TSA follows the same search procedures as the NYPD, which is to say they don't search many people at their random checkpoints, this is a good idea. TSA agents are paid less than cops, and cops have better things to do.

OR! We could get rid of all of the transgressors entirely and restore America to her former glory. Then we can disband the TSA entirely and save tons of money! And we'll all be happier.

That too. I agree that searches in the subway are pointless. But as long as they insist on doing them, I'd rather the city only pay $15 an hour for it than $40.

How soon before they require you throw out all liquids also before entering the subway and charge for bags?

wow and whats the cops union doing about this lol

I'll believe these clowns are serious when they start with the disgusting shopping carts of the homeless first.

Every last one of you should be on the phone with your state senators, and congressional members offices today, tomorrow, and sometime next week. You should register your concerns and disgust. Be polite, and demonstrate an openness to discuss the issue. But be adamant that this is wrong. Point out that it is clearly illegal. Not just because these guys are violating your 4th amendment rights, but also because they are not employed by the state and have no authority to operate here. Be clear that you do not feel more secure because of this. If you feel less safe around the TSA, as I do. Please express that concern as well.

This is our city, and our state government knows pretty damned well they are in the dog house after this past year. If they want to keep their incumbency they are going to have to earn it. Put em to the task.

So I have to wait on line for an hour at the airport because there are only 2 TSA employees working the scanners (with 5 watching), but TSA has enough employees to send some on loan to the MTA/NYPD?

And you wondered why the MTA is so mismanaged.

come on guys, they have done such a wonderful job at the airports it was time to give them more responsibility.

i mean, someone wanting to give their girlfriend a second kiss goodbye never causes complete meltdowns of all air travel (well expect that one time)

Please tell me I can take my bottle water into the subway.

Do I have to take off my shoes?

LOLOLOLOLOL

Just another reason why riding a bike is coming into fashion.

Oh hells no! What's next...having to take off my shoes before jumping on the 6? No way in hell...thank god I can bike most of the year and avoid this kind of crap.

I would not be suprised if these TSA people are non-union min wage quick hires with no background check. Ray Kelly should make sure who his people are working with.

I can haz full body scans?

I, for one, feel much safer knowing that they've nailed down security at a couple of the dozens of entrances at 42nd Street, which is exactly 1 of the 468 subway stations. We can now prevent attacks by all the terrorist too fucking stupid to get on the train somewhere else in the 5 boros. This is WORSE than doing nothing - it removes privacy rights while adding no real safety.

It's already been said here elsewhere - but this is security theater at its finest.

Well said.

RIGHT, nice work, like a would be bomber's first choice for station of entry into the subway system is 42nd Time Square, or 34th Street, or Union Square......... RIGHT.

Thats what I was thinking. They would head there but enter at the many stations unattended or with a sleeping cop leaning against the wall.

ridiculous

Crank up your Ipods kiddies, and watch our personal freedoms rapidly erode right before your eyes . . .

thinking the EXACT same thing... slowly but surely, they are easing us into a police stats, this ensures no one sees it coming and we all comply like good little soldiers. F*ck

I thought VIPER teams worked for COBRA

Whoa.

At least we could rely on the NYPD to properly profile people. The TSA will be busy cavity searching my Polish grandma while Mullah Omar walks through the service exit pushing a hand truck full of bombs.