TSA at the Superbowl, Federal checkpoints, and other police state antics

[rambone]

Americans are becoming increasingly acclimated to the creeping presence of a Federal police state in their daily lives. Here we see another case of the federal government creeping forward with a police state, using every excuse possible. You can't even go to a sporting event without being violated by the Feds. At the Superbowl, more than 70 Federal and local agencies participated in one of the most massive demonstrations of security theater in history. The TSA set up Federal checkpoints for attendees, where fans had their clothing searched, their bags X-rayed, and their persons sniffed with dogs. DHS deployed deployed VIPR teams on public modes of transportation around the Superbowl. The Feds were also reportedly monitoring bars and restaurants around the city for days prior to the game.

Unconstitutional checkpoints and national police everywhere is the new normal for America. You won't be able to go to a ball game, a concert, or a festival without being subjected to it. No mode of transportation will be free from scrutiny. The police state creeps forward before our eyes.


The TSA Blog: Travel Tips for Football Fans Going to Super Bowl XLVII

Super Bowl fans may encounter TSA Visible Intermodal Prevention and Response (VIPR) teams on local transportation venues, including commercial and general aviation facilities and mass transit. Teams augment other federal, state, and local transportation and law enforcement to reduce potential terrorist risks to the traveling public. TSA assets will also work with law enforcement at Mercedes-Benz Superdome during the high-profile game.

New Orleans’ Challenge: Policing The ‘Super Gras’ « CBS Baltimore

Fans can expect to be watched, sniffed and pawed as they enter the Superdome. “Fans can expect to pass through metal detectors and a pat-down search. After the pat-down search, fans will be asked to unzip any coats. All bags will be x-rayed,” Miller said.

Gamma ray scanners can see through six inches of steel, monitored from a command center.

“TSA, of course, is working on making sure the airspace around the stadium is closed during the game. They’re also working providing K-9 teams and screeners and all the rest,” said Janet Napolitano, Homeland Security Secretary.

While security is extremely tight at the Superdome, they’re also monitoring bars and restaurants in the city–where fans will gather to watch the game as well as maritime and hotel components as well.

“Customs and Border Protection has been on the ground. They’ve been actually scanning all the cargo coming into this area since Monday morning to make sure everything is safe,” said Napolitano.

Super Bowl fans to undergo TSA pat-downs and x-ray scans

It is unclear how many local and federal law enforcement personnel will be on hand at this year's Super Bowl. However, WLTV says that 4,000 private security guards have been hired to supplement the more than 70 local and federal agencies. There can be easily be one security personnel for every nine fans at the Superdome. In last year's big game, authorities placed snipers overhead of the football field.

 

[KLB]

At least they were safe

 

[Liberty1911]

Yep. Can't disagree. What do you recommend people do about it?

 

[rambone]

This was taken at last year's Superbowl in Indianapolis. I have no doubt that there were similar agents placed around the game this year. Every public event is a potential warzone in the new America.

Photos of sniper's nest at Super Bowl show police watched the big game with high-powered rifles

 

[LEaSH]

Hey we know who did that pic! I personally don't care.

If people want to subject themselves to that scrutiny, fine. If going to a mass sporting event means putting yourself up for that, sad.

 

[printcraft]

This was taken at last year's Superbowl in Indianapolis. I have no doubt that there were similar agents placed around the game this year. Every public event is a potential warzone in the new America.

Photos of sniper's nest at Super Bowl show police watched the big game with high-powered rifles

I could be mistaken but I think that was INGO's own phylodog.

 

[LEaSH]

I could be mistaken but I think that was INGO's own phylodog.

That's the guy.

It even made it onto one of the Gawker sites.

 

[slowG]

Society is the governments dog and we are on a short leash.

 

[jbombelli]

Well, when you walk from one place to another you're transporting yourself, so obviously you fall under the TSA.

Right?