I am one of the unfortunate many who’s name is in the FBI’s Terrorist Screening Database, also known as the Terrorist Watch List. What this means is that when I travel, my name is flagged and I have to be properly identified before I am allowed to get a boarding pass. In addition, I also am more likely to be singled out for random screening during the normal screening process as you go through security. When traveling with others, like my family or business associates, they are also more likely to be randomly searched, and often require additional identification at the check-in counter.
Am I a terrorist you ask? No, I just have the bad luck of having a very common name. Someone with the same name as me is apparently wanted by the FBI, and I get flagged since our names match.
The Terrorist Screening Center (TSC) maintains the consolidated database of the names for all known or suspected terrorists, which is known as the Terrorist Screening Database (TSDB). The Terrorist Screening Center was created on Dec 1, 2003 by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 6 which directed that a center be established to consolidate the government’s approach to terrorism screening and to provide for the appropriate and lawful use of terrorist information in screening processes. At this time, over 400,00 names are contained in the database, with 5-6% of that number being US Citizens.
Am I upset? Not really, usually this only causes a short delay (5-10 minutes) when checking-in, and at most airports, the random screening is often faster than waiting in the long security line. In general, I respect what the government is trying to do, and I subscribe to the motto, better safe than sorry. I have recently heard that registering with a slightly different variation of your name, like using full middle name, can help prevent getting flagged. I am going to try that the next time I fly and will comment if it is successful.
Has anyone else found that they are on the list? What are your experiences, and are you upset you are on the list?
12 Comments
I am on the list as well! I get held up at the airport, and even at Amtrak. Like you, I am not real happy about it, but if this is the sacrifice I have to make, so be it.
I have heard that a lot of celebrities are on the list, as well as Ted Kennedy and Nelson Mandela!
I heard a show on C-Span that had the Director of the Watch List answering questions from callers. He said that they had 300 call reps handling calls from all the airports. That does not seem like that many, so they must be pretty efficient if they have to clear so many people and you only have to wait 5-10 minutes.
I think its difficult to balance security and freedom. I’m not sure there is an easy solution to the problem, but I do believe we need such messures to protect travelers.
Mar Matthias Darins last blog post..Search Engine Keyword Research
Mar, that is my feeling exactly. Every time I hear someone complain about being inconvenienced it makes me want to scream. I get inconvenienced every time that I travel. Hey, it is just part of the process, I would rather that my family and I be safe.
Just stopping by while dropping my card and saw this topic. I hate the security lines, I know it makes people FEEL better, but I don’t think it really makes much of a difference. It just gives folks the impression that the government is doing something.
They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety.
-Benjamin Franklin
Thank you for your post it is valuable information for me
Where will we end up? Its like one evil replaces another and we have to choose between a known devil and an unknown devil.
If you think being unjustly on a terrorist watch list is an acceptable price to pay, take a look at US v. Khalil. This is a case where a NYC police seargent misused information on the list to help a friend in a child custody hearing. If you had a brain in your head, you’d see that the combination of bad data, easy access and misuse is a problem.
I am on the Scarrorist “list” last time i fly to the west coat being on the list bump me ahead of everybody in a line of 100 plus people!! thanks FBI
Now i called the “VIPS LIST”
How can “the list” be accessed for viewing?
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