New security pat-downs are more intrusive: TSA boss

The head of US airport security admits that new pat-down procedures are more invasive.

Travel Insurance News - 18/11/2010

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John Pistole, head of the USA’s Transportation Security Administration, admitted that new pat-down security inspections being performed on travellers are more intrusive than the old procedure. He made the admission during testimony to senators amidst a raft of complaints that the new checks target sensitive areas of travellers’ bodies.

Mr Pistole said that though he understood concerns about personal privacy, security was paramount. The admission comes as video footage of a man who refused to let security at San Diego airport pat down his groin went viral online.

Anybody who refuses to undergo screening through new full-body scanning machines at US airports must undergo the extensive new manual body searches. The new pat-down technique involves touching genital areas and breasts.

At the hearing before the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, Republican Senator George LeMieux said he was bothered by the new pat-down procedures. He said he had witnessed them at airports in Florida and he would not want his wife to be touched in this way. He called for balance in the attempt to ensure safety.

Despite the level of complains about the new pat-down procedure, results of a poll released on Tuesday appeared to demonstrate public support for the new full-body scanners. According to the survey, 8 in 10 Americans support the use of full-body X-ray scanners at airports.

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