Can you request a frisk search be performed by an opposite sex officer at the airport?
This is something I've wondered. I watch border security shows (Australia Front Line, Nothing To Declare UK, Border Security Canada) and when customs officers are suspicious that travelers may be carrying drugs on their person, they give them a frisk search.
These searches are always performed by someone of the same gender. I wonder can the person request it be done by the opposite gender (i.e. if a male traveler, they get frisked by a female customs officer and vice versa).
How does this work in regards to transgender individuals?
Best Answer
In the United States, according to the National Center for Transgender Equality (emphasis added):
If you choose a pat-down to avoid the AIT machines or if the TSA agents require one for another reason, the pat-down must be performed by an officer of the same gender as the traveler. This is based on your gender presentation. So, for instance, transgender women should be searched by female officers, and transgender men should be searched by male officers. The gender listed on your identification documents and boarding passes should not matter for pat-downs, and you should not be subjected to personal questions about your gender. If TSA officers are unsure who should pat you down, they should ask you discreetly and respectfully. If you encounter any problem, ask to speak to a supervisor and clearly and calmly state how you should be treated.
This is consistent with the TSA's guidance on the issue.
Policies may, of course, differ in different countries, and may be inconsistently or otherwise unfairly applied anywhere.
Pictures about "Can you request a frisk search be performed by an opposite sex officer at the airport?"
How do they search you at the airport?
They can (and will) make you go through a metal detector, or a full body scanner (i.e. that thing that you hold your hands up for). As the full body scanner allows them to see under your clothes, you are allowed to refuse to go through this, opting instead for a pat-down.Why am I always patted down at airport?
Myth: The TSA pat-down is invasive Fact: Only passengers who alarm a walk through metal detector or AIT machine or opt out of the AIT receive a pat-down. For this reason, it is designed to be thorough in order to detect any potential threats and keep the traveling public safe.Why do I always get stopped at airport security?
If you find yourself getting stopped with \u201cSSSS\u201d on your pass very frequently, it may be because your namesake is on a watchlist. A watchlist is a list of people of interest to the government, through agencies such as the TSA, CIA, NSA, FBI, or DHS.What is a pat-down search UK?
A pat-down search involves visual inspection and applying the hands in a specified way to various parts of the clothed body. It is important to adopt a systematic approach so that no part of the body or items of clothing are overlooked.Full body search Hot Vanessa Frisks Marta Scene | Taxi 2004
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