Thursday, 4:30 PM
MBTA unions object to TSA patrols
By Mac Daniel, Globe Staff
Three unions representing MBTA Transit Police officers, sergeants, and lieutenants protested today about federal Transportation Security Administration teams monitoring key T hubs to Logan International Airport, saying in a press release that they oppose working with TSA "because of safety, supervisory and legal issues."
This month, a TSA team has been monitoring passengers at South Station, on the Silver Line, and at the Blue Line's Airport station to cooperate with outside agencies and better train at non-aviation sites.
The unions said the program "deceives the public" by insinuating that the TSA employees are police officers. The MBTA Police Patrolman's Association has been trying to get more funding and resources recently and plans to file legislation this fall to merge with the Massachusetts State Police.
TSA spokeswoman Ann Davis said TSA personnel are not purporting to be law enforcement officers. ‘‘TSA personnel work hand in hand with the Transit Police...and any and all suspicious activity is referred to the MBTA Transit Police.’’
