By Allan Lengel
ticklethewire.com
WASHINGTON — As expected, the FBI’s number two person John Pistole, who now heads up the Transportation Security Administration, is making some changes.
The Federal Diary column at the Washington Post reports that Pistole is considering creating a small corps of TSA officers that would have law enforcement status.
Currently, screeners do not have that status and don’t carry guns and don’t make arrests. When they find something wrong — like a gun is found — law enforcement moves in to make the arrest if it’s warranted.
Pistole, in an interview with column’s author Joe Davidson, said the law enforcement would come from the current ranks or police agencies.
“Those details are currently being worked out, but I like the idea of having those who have experience in the business. But I’m looking at all options.”
As an aside, one question remains: How long will Pistole be around to implement changes at TSA?
That’s anyone’s guess. His name has occasionally surfaced in the rumor mill as a candidate to head up the FBI when Director Robert S. Mueller III steps down next year.
To read more from the column click here.
