TSA to fine Chicago for handcuff incident even though aviation dept. officers followed protocol

[DogPoundPup]

CHICAGO, July 22 (UPI) -- U.S. transportation authorities want to fine the city of Chicago $10,000 for allegedly handcuffing and detaining federal undercover inspectors, sources say.

Inspectors from the U.S. Transportation Security Administration were conducting an undercover assessment of security at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport when they were seized and handcuffed by unarmed officers working for the city's aviation department, the Chicago Sun-Times reported Tuesday.

The newspaper said the officers refused to let the TSA agents go even after they identified themselves as federal security officials, unnamed sources told the newspaper. As a result, the TSA is recommending a $10,000 fine against the city.

"We followed protocol regarding unauthorized entry into a secure area at the airport. No fine has been assessed" yet by the TSA, Chicago Aviation Department spokeswoman Karen Pride told the Sun-Times.
http://www.upi.com/Top_News/2008/07/22/TSA_to_fine_Chicago_for_handcuff_incident/UPI-46961216750460/

edited to add link

[Sen. Walter Sobchak]

1. given the large numbers of criminals hired by the TSA

I hoped the police checked for outstanding warrants before releasing them

[behave]

2. Can't stop laughing

[behave]

3. Kick for Chicago's finest wouldn't let the thugs go even after they identified themselfves