Scans And Pat-Down Can Cause Some To Feel Victimized, Survivors
Group Says
The National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC) has engaged
in a series of conversations with TSA to discuss clarifications and
improvements to airport screening procedures. In response to
feedback from sexual assault survivors, the NSVRC has informed TSA
that their current screening procedures involving full-body scans
and enhanced pat-downs cause some travelers to feel victimized, and
may induce anxiety, stress, confusion, or even panic. This may be
compounded by other situations and emotions often associated with
travel, such as grief or separation from loved ones.
TSA says that individuals should be assured to know that the
agent looking at the Advanced Imaging Technology screen is not able
to see travelers; and that a screener looking at the traveler is
not able to see the electronic image generated by the Advanced
Imaging Technology. Also, TSA continues to say that the equipment
used for this purpose does not allow for the images to be saved,
stored, printed or transmitted.
The NSVRC urges TSA to continue exploring technological
solutions to airport security procedures. Ultimately, we are
striving for a "hands-off" screening approach for travelers. As
long as enhanced pat-downs are required for some passengers, we
recommend that TSA offers options and privacy whenever possible,
and that information is readily available for passengers in advance
to help prepare them both physically and emotionally.
"We appreciate the TSA's willingness to work with us. They have
agreed to work with us in several areas including making some
improvements in training," says Karen Baker, NSVRC Director. "We
have similar goals – to create and maintain a society that is
safe and where everyone is treated with dignity and respect."
According to TSA, two million people travel through U.S.
airports each day. The percentage of those travelers who will
experience an enhanced pat-down is approximately 3 percent; it is
imperative that screeners be sensitive to the variety of emotions
and reactions that may arise. Sexual violence is more common than
many people realize. Approximately 20 percent of the population has
experienced some form of sexual assault during their lifetime. This
means that on any given day, approximately 400,000 survivors of
sexual assault travel through airports and, given the TSA estimates
above, around 12,000 of them may be subjected to enhanced
pat-downs.
The NSVRC says it recognizes that being a TSA agent is a
difficult job. Most are diligent in carrying out their
responsibilities professionally. Some of them may also feel
negative emotions related to the enhanced procedures, because of
their own experiences with victimization, or simply due to the
stressful nature of their jobs.
The NSVRC welcomes ongoing dialogue with TSA regarding enhanced
security measures and how they may affect survivors of sexual
violence and other travelers.
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