Removing Piercings At Airport Terminals

[Miranda]

LOS ANGELES, California (AP) -- A Texas woman who said she was forced to remove a nipple ring with pliers in order to board an airplane called Thursday for an apology by federal security agents and a civil rights investigation.

"I wouldn't wish this experience upon anyone," Mandi Hamlin said at a news conference. "My experience with TSA was a nightmare I had to endure. No one deserves to be treated this way."

Hamlin, 37, said she was trying to board a flight from Lubbock to Dallas on February 24 when she was scanned by a Transportation Security Administration agent after passing through a larger metal detector without problems.

The female TSA agent used a handheld detector that beeped when it passed in front of Hamlin's chest, the Dallas-area resident said.

Hamlin said she told the woman she was wearing nipple piercings. The agent called over her male colleagues, one of whom said she would have to remove the jewelry, Hamlin said.

Hamlin said she could not remove them and asked whether she could instead display her pierced breasts in private to the female agent. But several other male officers told her she could not board her flight until the jewelry was out, she said.

She was taken behind a curtain and managed to remove one bar-shaped piercing but had trouble with the second, a ring.

"Still crying, she informed the TSA officer that she could not remove it without the help of pliers, and the officer gave a pair to her," said Hamlin's attorney, Gloria Allred, reading from a letter she sent Thursday to the director of the TSA's Office of Civil Rights and Liberties. Allred is a Los Angeles lawyer who often represents high-profile claims.

Applying pliers to the torso of a mannequin wearing a bra with the rings on it, Hamlin showed reporters how she took off the second ring.

She said she heard male TSA agents snickering as she took out the ring. She was scanned again and was allowed to board even though she still was wearing a belly button ring.

"After nipple rings are inserted, the skin can often heal around the piercing, and the rings can be extremely difficult and painful to remove," Allred said in the letter.

TSA officials said they are investigating whether the agency's policies were followed.

"Our security officers are well-trained to screen individuals with body piercings in sensitive areas with dignity and respect while ensuring a high level of security," the agency said in a statement.

On its Web site, the TSA warns that passengers "may be additionally screened because of hidden items such as body piercings, which alarmed the metal detector."

"If you are selected for additional screening, you may ask to remove your body piercing in private as an alternative to a pat-down search," the site says.

Hamlin would have accepted a "pat-down" had it been offered, Allred said.

If an alarm does sound, "until that is resolved, we're not going to let them go through the checkpoint, no matter what they're wearing or where they're wearing it," said TSA spokesman Dwayne Baird in Salt Lake City.

People routinely pass through security wearing wedding rings without problems, and it might take a larger bit of metal to trigger an alarm, Baird said.

Hamlin filed a complaint, but the TSA's customer service manager at the Lubbock airport concluded that the screening was handled properly, Allred said.

Hamlin wants an apology from the TSA and an investigation by the agency's civil rights office.

Allred said she might consider legal action if the TSA does not apologize.

Hamlin was publicly humiliated and has "undergone an enormous amount of physical pain to have the nipple rings reinserted" because of scar tissue, Allred said.

Hamlin said her piercings have never set off an airport metal detector.

"The conduct of TSA was cruel and unnecessary," Allred wrote. "The last time that I checked, a nipple was not a dangerous weapon."

2008 The Associated Press

Mandi Hamlin demonstrates to her attorney Gloria Allred how she removed her nipple ring.

[Angel of Death]

.....ouch

[slingerlandstyx]

...Wow. I knew America was full of ignorance, but this is ridiculous.

[Steven]

fucking Gloria Alred.....really does anything more need to be said?

[odims_sphere]

Try and think of it from the security aspect of it. If She had been allowed to board the plane without completely clearing the metal detector using the nipple rings as a diversion to some other metal blade she had conceled, then used that metal blade to hijack the plane then fly it into a building everyone would be screaming for the heads of the TSA agent who allowed her to board.

When we make the decision to put metal objects in our bodies, we should be prepared to deal with certain consiquences of that action. Everyone knows you have to pass a metal detector when you fly, common sence says "take my shit out till I get where I'm going". I know I do.

I have no sympathy for her. She knew this was a possibility, one that was likely to happen. She chanced it anyway.

Even if you have metal plates and screws implanted due to an injury you have to take some sort of documentation proving it or they'll not let you board.

[ManicQueen]

Try and think of it from the security aspect of it. If She had been allowed to board the plane without completely clearing the metal detector using the nipple rings as a diversion to some other metal blade she had conceled, then used that metal blade to hijack the plane then fly it into a building everyone would be screaming for the heads of the TSA agent who allowed her to board.

When we make the decision to put metal objects in our bodies, we should be prepared to deal with certain consiquences of that action. Everyone knows you have to pass a metal detector when you fly, common sence says "take my shit out till I get where I'm going". I know I do.

I have no sympathy for her. She knew this was a possibility, one that was likely to happen. She chanced it anyway.

Even if you have metal plates and screws implanted due to an injury you have to take some sort of documentation proving it or they'll not let you board.

Yup.

The last time I went threw security at an airport, I took my nipple piercing's out and my labret. I wasn't about to have them take me in the back room. Common sense is right.

[Msterbeau]

Try and think of it from the security aspect of it. If She had been allowed to board the plane without completely clearing the metal detector using the nipple rings as a diversion to some other metal blade she had conceled, then used that metal blade to hijack the plane then fly it into a building everyone would be screaming for the heads of the TSA agent who allowed her to board.

When we make the decision to put metal objects in our bodies, we should be prepared to deal with certain consiquences of that action. Everyone knows you have to pass a metal detector when you fly, common sence says "take my shit out till I get where I'm going". I know I do.

I have no sympathy for her. She knew this was a possibility, one that was likely to happen. She chanced it anyway.

Even if you have metal plates and screws implanted due to an injury you have to take some sort of documentation proving it or they'll not let you board.

No offense Donnie but I think that's complete bullshit. It sounds like she was willing to take steps (Like a pat down or disrobing) to prove there were no other objects to be concerned about. Unless they've been in a long time, nipple piercings aren't like many other piercings. They take a long time to heal and they don't come out easily. People fly every day with piercings... there was no reason to require her to take them out. Period. And having a bunch of male agents around finding humor in her situation? That's OK too?

[phee]

Do they make people take out ear rings as well?

[freydis]

Wow.

This is really dumb. I have sympathy for her.

And if you look at the article, she's not looking for monetary compensation, she's looking for an APOLOGY.

They could have done the right thing, and handled the situation with a little bit of respect and dignity.

Common sense doesn't even enter into the equation, here. She was willing to *show* the female agent. A strip-search should have been enough.

[Steven]

Try and think of it from the security aspect of it. If She had been allowed to board the plane without completely clearing the metal detector using the nipple rings as a diversion to some other metal blade she had conceled, then used that metal blade to hijack the plane then fly it into a building everyone would be screaming for the heads of the TSA agent who allowed her to board.

When we make the decision to put metal objects in our bodies, we should be prepared to deal with certain consiquences of that action. Everyone knows you have to pass a metal detector when you fly, common sence says "take my shit out till I get where I'm going". I know I do.

I have no sympathy for her. She knew this was a possibility, one that was likely to happen. She chanced it anyway.

Even if you have metal plates and screws implanted due to an injury you have to take some sort of documentation proving it or they'll not let you board.

ok so this is twice in one week where fate has lent a cruel twist: I am in agreement with Donnie 100%.

may we add that we do not know for sure that the TSA reps really did ridicule her - that has yet to be proven on top of the humiliation she felt for having to go thru her ordeal. Perhaps peirced individuals need to take a prior step to having a medical document describing the peircing intheir posession....perhaps thats far fetched...perhaps whatever - people blow shit up nowadays and we live in the hardcore - deal with it folks.

Also bear in mind that TSA is woefully understaffed and underpaid and over extended. In that sort of mix yrou going to get these sorts of things. I have not worked for TSA directly but I have (as an outside contractor) run bomb dogs thru this sort of environment. I beleive that the general public really does not have a strong idea of how much shit slips by, what the challanges are, and how many direct distractions are pre fabricated as Donnie suggested. Its an ugly yet inconvenient truth.

[Msterbeau]

ok so this is twice in one week where fate has lent a cruel twist: I am in agreement with Donnie 100%.

may we add that we do not know for sure that the TSA reps really did ridicule her - that has yet to be proven on top of the humiliation she felt for having to go thru her ordeal. Perhaps peirced individuals need to take a prior step to having a medical document describing the peircing intheir posession....perhaps thats far fetched...perhaps whatever - people blow shit up nowadays and we live in the hardcore - deal with it folks.

Also bear in mind that TSA is woefully understaffed and underpaid and over extended. In that sort of mix yrou going to get these sorts of things. I have not worked for TSA directly but I have (as an outside contractor) run bomb dogs thru this sort of environment. I beleive that the general public really does not have a strong idea of how much shit slips by, what the challanges are, and how many direct distractions are pre fabricated as Donnie suggested. Its an ugly yet inconvenient truth.

First. Here's the relevant part of TSA rules on this:

"Hidden items such as body piercings may result in your being directed to additional screening for a pat-down inspection. If selected for additional screening, you may ask to remove your body piercing in private as an alternative to the pat-down search."

So she had the option, and she consented to the pat down.... they clearly violated there own guidelines.

Next... If they're understaffed and they didn't treat her as well as they might have because of pressure...and I understand that happens, why can't they admit it and issue an apology?

Piercings are plainly visible. (Even libia or other private parts) A visual inspection should satisfy the agents that nothing else is there. There should be no need for medical documentation like a a person who has a scalp plate.

As for her humiliation... I'm sure we'll never know the truth of that one. You think those guys are going to admit laughing at her? I doubt there were any other witnesses, so it's her word against theirs.

[Steven]

First. Here's the relevant part of TSA rules on this:

"Hidden items such as body piercings may result in your being directed to additional screening for a pat-down inspection. If selected for additional screening, you may ask to remove your body piercing in private as an alternative to the pat-down search."

So she had the option, and she consented to the pat down.... they clearly violated there own guidelines.

Next... If they're understaffed and they didn't treat her as well as they might have because of pressure...and I understand that happens, why can't they admit it and issue an apology?

Piercings are plainly visible. (Even libia or other private parts) A visual inspection should satisfy the agents that nothing else is there. There should be no need for medical documentation like a a person who has a scalp plate.

As for her humiliation... I'm sure we'll never know the truth of that one. You think those guys are going to admit laughing at her? I doubt there were any other witnesses, so it's her word against theirs.

everything your saying makes sense Marc.

but we've moved the circus into town....with Gloria Alred riding high.....do you really think that this approach is going to improve things in terms of national security? We dont even know if anybody apologized to this Gal.....there is a good chance that that did indeed take place - but she's humiliated and smells a lawsuit....with the presence of a well known celebrity ambulance chaser onboard - I cant help beut be suspiscious of this gal's motives in the long run....I think she smells money.

What happend was a shame.....maybe (non of us were there).

but the last thing TSA needs - for the good (saftey) of us all.....is this thing to be handled the way it is being handled nationaly.

[Rayne]

No offense Donnie but I think that's complete bullshit. It sounds like she was willing to take steps (Like a pat down or disrobing) to prove there were no other objects to be concerned about. Unless they've been in a long time, nipple piercings aren't like many other piercings. They take a long time to heal and they don't come out easily. People fly every day with piercings... there was no reason to require her to take them out. Period. And having a bunch of male agents around finding humor in her situation? That's OK too?

I agree with Marc. I've flown with tons of body jewelry ... worst that has ever happened to me is they sent me through the machine multiple times and searched me twice ... then ran the wand over to verify those were my only beeping. I flew from DTW to JFK no problem in December, then from JFK back to DTW in January ... Within the past few years I've flown to Chicago and back, Salt Lake City and back, Washington DC and back, Hawaii (via Los Angeles) and back (via Seattle). I've never been asked to remove anything. I have been asked to allow an extra inspection.

She was willing to cooperate with TSA's documented other steps besides removal. There was no reason for them to have to be taken out.

[slingerlandstyx]

Dave & Chuck mentioned this on 89X this morning on The Morning X.

[Gaf The Horse With Tears]

I'm not sure where I am on this. I think would should let TSA do their internal investigation and then go from there. TSA seems to me to be taking a very neutral stance until their investigation is done.

[Msterbeau]

everything your saying makes sense Marc.

but we've moved the circus into town....with Gloria Alred riding high.....do you really think that this approach is going to improve things in terms of national security? We dont even know if anybody apologized to this Gal.....there is a good chance that that did indeed take place - but she's humiliated and smells a lawsuit....with the presence of a well known celebrity ambulance chaser onboard - I cant help beut be suspiscious of this gal's motives in the long run....I think she smells money.

What happend was a shame.....maybe (non of us were there).

but the last thing TSA needs - for the good (saftey) of us all.....is this thing to be handled the way it is being handled nationaly.

I can't speak to Gloria's rep. I don't know who she is... But if the circus came to town, the TSA's unwillingness to admit an error is partly to blame. Ms. Hamlin clearly states that all she desires is an apology and a proper investigation into the incident. I don't like lawsuits and all the nonsense that goes with them... but sometimes that's what it takes to resolve matters like this.

[odims_sphere]

I love it! Only in America.

Security is an inconvenience, a bother even until it's needed, by then it's too late.

Oh well, I for one am glad there are those out there willing to protect the well-being of the American people even if they are criticized for it.

If I had the chance I'd thank them.

[odims_sphere]

I agree with Marc. I've flown with tons of body jewelry ... worst that has ever happened to me is they sent me through the machine multiple times and searched me twice ... then ran the wand over to verify those were my only beeping. I flew from DTW to JFK no problem in December, then from JFK back to DTW in January ... Within the past few years I've flown to Chicago and back, Salt Lake City and back, Washington DC and back, Hawaii (via Los Angeles) and back (via Seattle). I've never been asked to remove anything. I have been asked to allow an extra inspection.

She was willing to cooperate with TSA's documented other steps besides removal. There was no reason for them to have to be taken out.

Just because you've flown with body jewelry does not make it right. objects can be, have been , and I've personally seen, concealed under the skin, or in some concealing pouch made up to look like skin. Then all you have to do is have some sort of distraction such as a piece of body jewelry close by. When the wand goes off, "oops, that's just my nipple piercing, wanna see, no biggie!"

Again this is a minor inconvenience for a greater good.

Whats wrong with a little personal responsibility? Everyone knows they aren't supposed to have metal objects, I don't see why they are surprised when they are asked to follow that rule.

Don't they inspect your shoes when they set off the metal detector? Wouldn't it be more of a personal invasion if they "inspected" your body in the same way when it sets off the metal detector?

It doesn't seem that bad to me, but then again I've been in charge of physical security of people in a combat situation where if mistakes happen, people die.

Complacency kills.

How soon we forget.

[Msterbeau]

I love it! Only in America.

Security is an inconvenience, a bother even until it's needed, by then it's too late.

Oh well, I for one am glad there are those out there willing to protect the well-being of the American people even if they are criticized for it.

If I had the chance I'd thank them.

Are you kidding me?

This has little to do with security and everything to do with the TSA officers fucking up.

[odims_sphere]

Are you kidding me?

This has little to do with security and everything to do with the TSA officers fucking up.

They fucked up by doing their job?

[Msterbeau]

Just because you've flown with body jewelry does not make it right. objects can be, have been , and I've personally seen, concealed under the skin, or in some concealing pouch made up to look like skin. Then all you have to do is have some sort of distraction such as a piece of body jewelry close by. When the wand goes off, "oops, that's just my nipple piercing, wanna see, no biggie!"

Again this is a minor inconvenience for a greater good.

Whats wrong with a little personal responsibility? Everyone knows they aren't supposed to have metal objects, I don't see why they are surprised when they are asked to follow that rule.

Don't they inspect your shoes when they set off the metal detector? Wouldn't it be more of a personal invasion if they "inspected" your body in the same way when it sets off the metal detector?

It doesn't seem that bad to me, but then again I've been in charge of physical security of people in a combat situation where if mistakes happen, people die.

Complacency kills.

How soon we forget.

We're not in a war zone. You can't expect to apply the same level of scrutiny.

Piercings are very common these days. You can't always take them out, especially fresh ones. TSA policy allows for options here. THEY VIOLATED THEIR OWN POLICY. What about that don't you get?

[Steven]

Just because you've flown with body jewelry does not make it right. objects can be, have been , and I've personally seen, concealed under the skin, or in some concealing pouch made up to look like skin. Then all you have to do is have some sort of distraction such as a piece of body jewelry close by. When the wand goes off, "oops, that's just my nipple piercing, wanna see, no biggie!"

Again this is a minor inconvenience for a greater good.

Whats wrong with a little personal responsibility? Everyone knows they aren't supposed to have metal objects, I don't see why they are surprised when they are asked to follow that rule.

Don't they inspect your shoes when they set off the metal detector? Wouldn't it be more of a personal invasion if they "inspected" your body in the same way when it sets off the metal detector?

It doesn't seem that bad to me, but then again I've been in charge of physical security of people in a combat situation where if mistakes happen, people die.

Complacency kills.

How soon we forget.

He's right folks - sorry but he is.

in terms of distractions for overworked and underpaid TSA agents you need to remember as well that when it comes to explosives....those little machines you place your faith in are only calibrated to "sniff" or detect certain substances at a time - and there is a host of different substances to make explosives from. A "distraction" makes good sense here. I'm sure we've all seen high drama at the airport before.

[Msterbeau]

They fucked up by doing their job?

The fucked up because THEY VIOLATED THEIR OWN POLICY.

[Steven]

We're not in a war zone. You can't expect to apply the same level of scrutiny.

Piercings are very common these days. You can't always take them out, especially fresh ones. TSA policy allows for options here. THEY VIOLATED THEIR OWN POLICY. What about that don't you get?

hmmmmmmmm wrong. we are in a war zone marc. there are lots fo people who would love to kill YOU - today, and they are trying literally every single day to make that happen.

[Steven]

If I had the chance I'd thank them.

thats a fair point too.

who in here has thanked their TSA agents while at the airport?