Once upon a time, people could fly the friendly skies and not worry about the threat of terrorist attacks. But as times change so has the check-in process.
We are subjected to identification review, removal of shoes, metal objects, and jackets, and metal detectors. But now things are about to get really intrusive.
According to the Washington Times, “A senior government official with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has expressed great interest in a so-called safety bracelet that would serve as a stun device, similar to that of a police Taser®.”
Apparently this Electronic ID Bracelet would replace an airline boarding pass, contain the passenger’s personal information, monitor the passenger and his/her luggage at all times, and shock the person (worse than an electronic dog collar) immediately, completely immobilizing him/her for several minutes.
The Electronic ID Bracelet, similar to an EMD or Electro-Musclar Disruption device, would be placed on each passenger before departure and removed once the destination was reached.
According to this letter from Paul S. Ruwaldt of the William J. Hughes Technical Center at the Atlantic City International Airport, or the Federal Aviation Administration headquarters, “To make it clear, we [the federal government] are interested in . . . the immobilizing security bracelet, and look forward to receiving a written proposal. It is conceivable to envision a use to improve air security, on passenger planes.” said Ruwaldt.
Sure the government is interested in the security bracelet, but are you?
What’s your opinion?
To read the comment on this situation from Lamperd Less Lethal Inc., the Canadian company that designed the Electronic ID Bracelet, click here. For further updates please visit the Washington Times.com
Tamika M. Murray blogs for PJ’s and A Movie, Stop and Stare Photos, and Blogcritics.
5 users commented in " Homeland Security Plans Electronic ID Bracelets for Airline Passengers "
Follow-up comment rss or Leave a TrackbackI more be concerned about someone hacking whatever triggers the bracelets and setting them off for the entire plane. A terrorist could then have free run of the plane?
It’s not worth flying anymore.
The terrorists won enabling our government to rid us of our freedom.
This story isn’t true. We posted information about this on our blog – http://www.tsa.gov/blog. Here’s the truth:
Sometimes it just amazes me how these stories evolve. Let me start off by saying that the Department of Homeland Security’s Science & Technology Directorate nor TSA have been pursuing shock bracelets for airline passengers as alleged by the Washington Times Blog.
This allegation stemmed from a misleading video posted on the Lamberd Website which depicts an ID bracelet that would contain identifying information as well as the ability to stun the wearer. The company claims to connect use of such a device to DHS and TSA, but no discussions between these agencies has ever taken place.
This all originated from a meeting held two years ago with a private company representative (not Lamberd) who proposed bracelet technology in response to the TSA’s desire to find less-than-lethal means to detain an apprehended suspect. The bracelet was never intended to replace boarding passes, contain ID information or be worn by all passengers as asserted in the Lamberd video and discussed in the Washington Times Blog.
The hypothetical use of the bracelet would have been for transporting already apprehended prisoners and detainees at prisons and border patrol facilities, and DHS was looking to see if there were potential air travel applications for apprehended suspects.
This concept was never funded or supported by the DHS or TSA and hasn’t even been discussed for two years. The letter circulating throughout the blogosphere from Paul Ruwaldt was not addressed to Lamberd and merely states the DHS was interested in learning more about the technology.
Neither side followed up. DHS/TSA does NOT support the asserted use and has not pursued the development of such technology. – John VerricoDHS S&T Spokesman
It will take me less then two minutes to disarm it. It will take me 20 seconds to turn it in to a weapon to use against anybody
It is stupid and a poorly thought out invention
@Rich:
“It’s not worth flying anymore. The terrorists won enabling our government to rid us of our freedom”. That was the plan all along.
Leave A Reply