TSA and Airport Security in the USA

There has been a lot of controversy regarding TSA screening policies for US domestic flights. I'm doing research on public perception of the latest screening methods, as well gauging how much people are willing to sacrifice in the name of security.

1. Demographics: Please choose your gender.

Female

Male

2. Demographics: Please choose your age range.

< 18

18 - 29

30 - 55

> 55

3. Demographics: Please choose the answer that best describes you.

I am a US citizen, permanent resident of the US, or a Canadian national who frequently visits the US.

I am a foreign national (other than Canadian) who frequently visits the US.

I am a foreign national and I rarely (if ever) visit the US.

4. Have you recently (in the last year) been a passenger on a US domestic flight? Do not include domestic portions of international flights.

Yes

5. Which of these primary screening methods have you been subjected to in the last year? Leave this question blank if you answered "No" to question 4.

Enhanced pat down

Explosives trace-detection portal machine (puffer)

Traditional walk-through metal detector

Advanced Imaging Technology (whole body scanner)

Traditional back-of-hand pat down

6. Which of these secondary screening methods have you been subjected to in the last year? Leave this question blank if you answered "No" to question 4.

Enhanced pat down

Removal of some clothing in the area that triggered the alert

Traditional back-of-hand pat down

Resolution pat down (only the area that triggered an alert is patted down)

7. Which of the following best describes your experience?

I chose the primary screening method used.

I was directed to a primary screening method by a TSA agent and I did not opt-out.

I was directed to a primary screening method by a TSA agent, but I chose to opt-out.

I have not been a passenger on a US domestic flight in the last year.

8. How do you feel about the Advanced Imaging Technology (body scanners)? Choose the BEST answer.

I think AIT images are too detailed. / I'm concerned that images can be stored and copied.

I'm concerned that AIT may have adverse effects on my health.

I'm okay with AIT as a primary screening method.

I'm uncomfortable with AIT. / I think AIT amounts to a strip search.

9. How do you feel about enhanced pat downs? Remember, the enhanced pat down is the front-of-hand, close contact feel. Choose the BEST answer.

I'm okay with enhanced pat downs as both a primary and secondary screening method.

I'm okay with enhanced pat downs as a secondary (or resolution) screening method only.

I think the enhanced pat down amounts to sexual abuse, but I'm okay with it as a resolution screening method.

I think the enhanced pat down amounts to sexual abuse and I'm not okay with it at all.

10. What is your preferred primary screening method? This is not what you think other people should be subjected to, but rather what you would choose if given the option.

Explosives trace-detection portal machine (puffer)

Enhanced pat down

Advanced Imaging Technology (whole body scanner)

Traditional walk-through metal detector

Traditional back-of-hand pat down

11. Some people are uncomfortable with AIT and enhanced pat downs. Would you be willing to undress in private as an alternate screening method?

No - I don't mind AIT or enhanced pat downs

Yes - I don't mind this or the other screening methods

Yes - But I would only be willing to undress to my underwear

No - I would never volunteer to be strip searched

Yes - I prefer a nude visual inspection over AIT and the enhanced pat down

12. US law prohibits strip searches at the airport (excluding Customs), and the TSA has a policy explicitly forbidding forced removal of clothing. Do you think TSA agents should be allowed to force removal of clothing (in private) to resolve alarms?

No - The TSA would abuse this power

Yes - The TSA is charged with ensuring passenger safety and they should use this option at their discretion

No - I value my protections against unlawful searches

Yes - As long as it's only used to resolve alarms from primary screening

13. Have recent changes in TSA policy deterred you from flying?

No - I have to fly so I deal with it

No - I don't mind current screening methods

No - I have been lucky enough to avoid screening methods that I don't like

Yes - I have avoided flying in the past but I'll probably start again

Yes - I have chosen alternate transportation or cancelled trips and will continue to do so for a while

14. Do you think children should be subjected to the same screening methods as adults?

No - Children should be screened in private

No - Children should be exempt from AIT and enhanced pat downs

Yes - Everyone should be screen equally

This poll was created on 2011-03-08 04:51:32 by steve78934