Splitting this conversation off from here.

Given the numerous times TSA has changed the wording on their website about traveling with firearms, and the varying experiences we've all had in doing so, I want to get to the root of the matter.

I found the laws that created the TSA.  What I haven't found, and am really quite interested in, would be the rules TSA has established for itself.  A policies and procedures manual, for example. 

The Prohibited Items brochure is pretty much useless.

The TSA website contains ambiguous language.  Case in point, the language about whether TSA agents are allowed to take possession of the key to a locked container containing declared firearms:

Travelers should remain in the area designated by the aircraft operator or TSA representative to take the key back after the container is cleared for transportation.

Join the quest!

Did you look at U.S. Code 449?

http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/49/subtitle-VII/part-A/subpart-iii/chapter-449

It should be a start since these are the Laws concerned.

The laws are a start, but they lack the specificity of the procedures.  Much like the difference between HRS and HPD, yes?  But I will start reading...

...Much like the difference between HRS and HPD, yes?...

LOL, well...
...anyway...

Typically an Administrations "Policies and Procedures" are internal documents.  Liability, errors, and all that...

My experience was that the airlines make the rules concerning what they allow. TSA just checked my container for residual. United Airlines, for example, has restrictions listed under
"Traveling with sports equipment; Firearms".

http://www.united.com/web/en-US/content/travel/baggage/sports.aspx

I'm not sure this answers your question though.

LOL, well...
...anyway...

Typically an Administrations "Policies and Procedures" are internal documents.  Liability, errors, and all that...

And that's the problem. As Tom mentioned, the TSA sight used to say you had to remain with your firearm and observe the agent inspecting your container. Now that has changed and it just says remain in the area to get the key back.

How is the everyday, law abiding citizen supposed to know what the procedure is when the actual procedure isn't available to review? But maybe they want it that way so they can essentially do whatever they want. After all, they can claim anything and you (we) have no way to verify or rebut.

And that's the problem. As Tom mentioned, the TSA sight used to say you had to remain with your firearm and observe the agent inspecting your container. Now that has changed and it just says remain in the area to get the key back.

How is the everyday, law abiding citizen supposed to know what the procedure is when the actual procedure isn't available to review? But maybe they want it that way so they can essentially do whatever they want. After all, they can claim anything and you (we) have no way to verify or rebut.

Nah.  It's operational security.  If everybody knew the procedures, the bad guys would figure a way around them!

If they need a plausible excuse to hide their lack of documented procedures behind, that's as good as any!!

 

Nah.  It's operational security.  If everybody knew the procedures, the bad guys would figure a way around them!

If they need a plausible excuse to hide their lack of documented procedures behind, that's as good as any!!

 

Internal processes may be restricted to to OPSEC, but policies and procedures that travelers need to comply with should be open for review and inspection in order to ensure compliance. I know that may be a pipe dream but.....