TSA Delays Small-Knife Policy

The Transportation Security Administration delayed implementing a new policy that would have allowed commercial airline passengers to carry small knives and sporting equipment on flights beginning Thursday.

The Transportation Security Administration delayed implementing a new policy that would have allowed commercial airline passengers to carry small knives and sporting equipment on flights beginning Thursday.

In announcement on its website, the federal agency said it would continue to seek feedback from the airlines, pilots, flight attendants, airport law enforcement, and other members of the Aviation Security Advisory Committee (ASAC).

The Airport Law Enforcement Agencies Network declined to address the topic publicly in an email to POLICE Magazine. "As a member of the ASAC, ALEAN will be addressing the issue through that process," said Duane McGray, the group's executive director.

The policy would have updated the Prohibited Items List to remove knives with blades less than 2.36 inches and sporting equipment such as golf clubs, billiard cues, ski poles and hockey and lacrosse sticks.

The delay "will enable TSA to incorporate the ASAC's feedback about the changes to the Prohibited Items List and continue workforce training," according to the TSA statement.

The policy change, which was announced March 4, immediately drew fire from law enforcement, including the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA), which called it "dangerous and ill-advised" in a strongly worded statement.

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