this was e-mailed to Brian Wilson (BrianWilson.net ). If you don't read anything else, scroll down to the last paragraph. Howdy Brian, I wanted to tell you about my situation by explaining my background first. I was born and raised in Montana, joined the military at 17 years of age and spent 20 years in Law Enforcement before retiring. Two years before retiring I buried one of my troops that was shot in the face by a drunken driver that had killed another person in the desert. Part of my time in the military we were required to conduct random inspections of vehicles entering and departing the installations as well as eight and a half years I conducted random inspections as a military customs inspector as part of my duties. Now I am a private investigator with a large company investigating workers' compensation claims and conducting surveillance's. I have my own license in three stated and have been licensed under the company for California and Nevada. On April 30, 2002, I arrived at the Sacramento Airport and went through screening at the X-ray. I was selected and underwent a search of my bags. During this search they found a leatherman and my keychain pocket knife that I had forgotten. I took my knife and leatherman back to the car and then boarded my flight. I went from Sacramento to Seattle and onto Billings, MT. I worked my case and flew back from Billings, May 2, 2002, to Seattle and on to Sacramento. Thus far my bags had underwent two screenings and a physical search at the Sacramento Airport. When I arrived home, I placed my backpack into the vehicle and carried my camera each day. With nothing changing, I flew back to Montana again. On May 22, 2002, I departed Sacramento a second time. This time I went through screening and then was selected in the random process at the gate. My bags went through a physical search and I flew onto Salt Lake City. There I watched the random process and asked about it. I was told that I was part of the random and they requested to search my bags. This time however, they found a pocket knife in my backpack, and a window tint cutter in my camera bag. Neither of which I knew was there or even suspected was there as I had already gone through three screenings and two random searches. I was delayed and given a citation for Carrying a concealed weapon in an Airport, a Misdemeanor B offense in the City of Salt Lake City. Punishable by no more then 180 days in jail, fines, and probation. I was to appear in court on June 11, 2002, at 8:00 A.M. The FBI was called in and took my information as well to write there report. The police officer was going to write me a warning citation, however, she did not have her ticket book and by the time she had to cite me, her boss had her change it to a hard citation. I later learned that there was a no tolerance policy adopted a couple of weeks before my trip. I was released and caught the next flight to Montana to finish my work and return home to California. On June 10, 2002, I drove back to Salt Lake City to attend court on June 11, 2002 as directed. I lost two days of work doing this only to find out I was not even on the docket. I talked to the clerk and they placed me on the docket so that I could take care of the matter rather then coming back again. I went into the court and listened to many people before me. They were there for various offenses, drunk and disorderly conduct, driving while intoxicated, shoplifting, etc. Most of them plead guilty and received their sentence. Normally no jail time and I think the largest fine was $300. Some the judge had them plead not guilty and suggested they contact an attorney. I had my turn and plead guilty as I had the items on me and believed it was the right thing to do. The DA or Prosecutor was not ready and did not know what to suggest for punishment as this was never handled before. Since she could not make a recommendation, the judge could not make a sentence and postponed the sentencing for June 21, 2002. I was fortunate, my company sent me to Montana on another case with a stop in Salt Lake City to take care of my business on the way home. I attended my court on June 21, 2002. The DA or Prosecutor stated they were recommending $400 fine, 30 days in jail suspended, and 12 months good probation. Realizing the judge made his own sentencing based on the recommendations I again took my chances and plead guilty as a guy before me had. He received probation, counseling, and they would hold the offense and it would disappear at the end of a year if he remained out of trouble. All this for beating his girlfriend (Domestic Violence). Well, needless to say I received 30 days jail suspended, $400 fine, and 12 months good probation. I asked if I could get the same deal where it goes away after a year, however, I was reminded of the seriousness of my offense. I just don't get it. Unknowingly carrying a knife and tint cutter through an airport in a backpack is more serious the beating a woman, stealing from retail stores, drunken driving, etc. I have also had an opportunity to watch this random searches. I have watched them ask an elderly woman with one leg to stand with her hands out so that they could wand her. I have asked everyone I could what the random process how they determine in randomness who to pick and have always learned the same thing. We just pick them. I watched as the security walked around picking people, mostly elderly personnel as middle eastern men, with pass ports, walk on by. There is no random process, i.e., 3rd letter of the last name is a B, third person walking through, drivers license, social security number or pass port ending with a 3. They pick who they want to search, normally elderly or teens, normally Caucasians, because I think they would give them less problems and they are more then likely less likely to be carrying anything that would cause them to do more work. Al G Retired US Air Force David Ross http://home.attbi.com/~damiross/