Airport checkpoints often snare the unaware

Thursday, March 15, 2007

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Security checkpoints at Tampa International Airport havE definitive rules concerning concealed weapons.

Tampa International Airport's security checkpoints netted more than 100 people carrying concealed weapons in 2006.

Certain types of key chains, canes and scissors with longer blades are just a few of the items that caught the attention of security personnel.

Often, people are unaware that what they are carrying is considered dangerous.

But that didn't stop airport authorities from charging 147 people with carrying a concealed weapon, which is a misdemeanor.

"Many times these people think 'oh, they are just going to throw it away, I'm going to get on my plane and I'm going to be out of here,' '' said Tampa defense attorney Will Hanlon, who has handled several airport concealed weapon cases. "And that's not what happens."

Security Checkpoints

Hanlon said while the majority of these cases are dropped, they do require legal maneuvering, including the hiring of an attorney.

The cases can create a criminal history for those charged and sometimes even require a court appearance.

"I think they need to be given a lot more discretion in terms of who should be charged with a crime," Hanlon said.

But discretion, said Tampa International Airport Police Chief Paul Sireci, could be dangerous.

Police could be accused of profiling based on discretionary charges, said Sireci. That's why at TIA, if a passenger is caught with something considered a weapon, they will be charged no matter the circumstance.

"It has to be applied fairly across the board for everyone,'' said Sireci. "So that is the approach we take."