A reaction from blog entry on frisking

Last September, I posted an article about my experiences and thoughts on frisking and bag checking in malls ("To frisk or not to frisk?"). Today, I received an email from Ciara, a Quezon City resident who just graduated from the Ateneo de Manila University.

Ciara shared a rather bad experience she had with security personnel at TriNoma, a mall in QC. Here's an excerpt of what happened to her recently:

    "With the thought of buying a new pair of shoes, I proceeded to the mall's second floor entrance. When I got there, there were three people ahead of me in the line. After about two minutes of just standing there, idle, I decided to check what was taking so long. I noticed that the lady inspecting the bags was taking her time to check every item inside them.

    When it was my turn, I was already impatient. To add to my fury, the lady who frisked me held my waist so tightly I felt offended. The lady inspector told me to put my bag on the table even though I already had removed one strap had by then opened the zipper of the bag for her to see inside.

    Seeing as the lady inspector didn't care if the process offends or makes people uncomfortable, I uttered a "hmpf" and she went "Ano yun, ma'am?". I retorted with a sigh, "Hay nako".

    I obliged by placing it on the table and fully opened the bag. She opened all three zippers and looked through each item. By then, I was so pissed I asked her, 'If there was a bomb, do you even know how to detonate it?

    She asked me if I was questioning her authority and that she would call her commander so security procedures could be better explained to me. By all means, I said I'd like to talk to the supervisor.

    She told me to stand aside and wait. Five minutes passed and still no commander. I was really tired as I just came from a job interview and wanted nothing but to go home so I said: 'Paki bilisan lang please, nagmamadali ako.'

    Minutes later and still no commander and so I told her to just forget it. It was such a waste of my time that I just stormed off the mall."

At one point or another, you probably had been in Ciara's shoes (unfortunately!). While I understand Ciara's frustration, I wish she had waited a little longer for the commander just to see what their conversation would sound like. But then again, I doubt this incident would change their security measures. Alas, I doubt if that lady inspector even called her commander. I bet she just wanted to make Ciara wait as "punishment" for calling her out.

Here's what Ciara thought of the whole incident:

    "While I do understand that they have to tighten security measures for the public's safety, I think that there is a fine line between security purposes and personal space. I felt violated, offended and treated like a criminal.

    Do they really have to take all the time in the world to inspect each and every bag even when there is a queue already forming? Don't they notice how much of an inconvenience this is to customers? Up to what extent can they actually touch you and inspect your belongings? And it wasn't like I was not willing to have my bag checked.

    I also know for a fact that this frisking issue has been a big debate internationally especially in airports. I've been to many places and even in airports they don't inspect your bags or frisk you to this extent. Right now I'm thinking of sending a letter of complaint to the mall or setting up a meeting to air my concerns."

 

What do you think of this frisking incident and how Ciara reacted to the situation? Let us know by posting a comment below or sending an email to kennethdelrosario@yahoo.com.

RELATED ARTICLE: "To frisk or not to frisk?"