Government May Soon Bring Invasive Pat Downs To An End

Newscast Media -- Following the release of videos showing toddlers being given pat-downs, the head of security at airports in the United States has conceded that the new screening procedures do raise concerns and changes in them are justifiable. Passengers who opt out of the full body scan have reported being humiliated by Transport Security Administration (TSA) agents with invasive pat-downs.

"There is a continual process of refinement and adjustment to ensure that best practices are applied."

He urged travelers not to heed calls for a boycott tomorrow of the new Advanced Imaging Technology machines, which have so far been introduced at about 20 per cent of the country's 2,100 airport security lanes, arguing it would cause unnecessary disruption for other travelers.

The day before the annual Thanksgiving holiday on Thursday traditionally sees the highest volume of passengers in a single day, while 24 million people are expected to fly over the extended holiday period.

Public concern has grown to the extent that both President Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton, the US Secretary of State, have been asked about the issue.

"I understand how difficult it is, and how offensive it must be for the people who are going through it," said Mrs Clinton.

Asked if she would submit to a pat-down, she replied: "Not if I could avoid it, no. I mean who would?" Add Comments>>

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