American ( London) Consulate ban on mobile phones
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I used to drive for Hallmark in 2010 and several times had to take crew up to the American Embassy to get their visas... usually Pink or Blue flight deck crew.
We always had them leave anything that remotely looked like a phone, pad, computer or key fob with us whilst they went in. I would then pop off down the road to an amazing cafe for a full breakfast for only 1.99 and wait for them with the items on me.
We always had them leave anything that remotely looked like a phone, pad, computer or key fob with us whilst they went in. I would then pop off down the road to an amazing cafe for a full breakfast for only 1.99 and wait for them with the items on me.
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If a terrorist has successfully planted a bomb in the Consulate, why would they visit the Consulate (thus possibly blowing themselves up in the process) instead of just triggering it from a safe distance, thus outside the Consulate's security perimeter?
It definitely sounds like paranoid bull****, unfortunately this wouldn't be the first case since 9/11.
It definitely sounds like paranoid bull****, unfortunately this wouldn't be the first case since 9/11.
Last edited by FIRESYSOK; 30th Nov 2012 at 02:46.
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Well, that is true to a point but in the end common sense should prevail. But it is far from being used.
About a month ago, my daughter and I went to the embassy to get a new passport for her. After living in other countries where we have done the same drill, we were surprised there was no storage facilities. So off to the Chemist we go. We were told nothing that had batteries could be taken in. This included key fobs and anything else. My daughter had a thumb drive that she was told there was no problem bringing in.
So off we go to the chemest and back we come only to stand in anohter line. (but that is another story). Shortly we were put through the security with her purse being x-rayed. She was asked if she had earphones in there. She is 17, so that was a pretty safe question. Sure enough she did.
She was told she could not take the earphones in! How about a little common sense being used. For the life of me I can not figure out what threat a pair of earphones could be!!! How about a little common sense.
The funny part was I told her to just throw them in the bin. The screening person told us, in no uncertain terms, they would have to be thrown out in a bin in the park! They could not toss them there. I give up.
But my daughter, being quick on her feet, went out to the park and put the earphones in a bunch of low plants and 45 minutes later retreived them with no issues at all.
About a month ago, my daughter and I went to the embassy to get a new passport for her. After living in other countries where we have done the same drill, we were surprised there was no storage facilities. So off to the Chemist we go. We were told nothing that had batteries could be taken in. This included key fobs and anything else. My daughter had a thumb drive that she was told there was no problem bringing in.
So off we go to the chemest and back we come only to stand in anohter line. (but that is another story). Shortly we were put through the security with her purse being x-rayed. She was asked if she had earphones in there. She is 17, so that was a pretty safe question. Sure enough she did.
She was told she could not take the earphones in! How about a little common sense being used. For the life of me I can not figure out what threat a pair of earphones could be!!! How about a little common sense.
The funny part was I told her to just throw them in the bin. The screening person told us, in no uncertain terms, they would have to be thrown out in a bin in the park! They could not toss them there. I give up.
But my daughter, being quick on her feet, went out to the park and put the earphones in a bunch of low plants and 45 minutes later retreived them with no issues at all.
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Originally Posted by Phil Squares
She was told she could not take the earphones in! How about a little common sense being used. For the life of me I can not figure out what threat a pair of earphones could be!!! How about a little common sense.
Btw., were you allowed in with shoestrings in your shoes?
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It's their embassy. They can do whatever they want. Why don't you offer your security expertise to them directly and see how that goes over.
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just for the record
Travel by train, and no rain.
Arrive slightly early, no electronics on board, not even a pace maker, or set of headphones. Or even a hearing aid........
Out in less than 1 hour, all completed.
They insist on their nominated secure courier to deliver returned documents. So need to ensure at the nominated address for the few days that they might deliver.
Only trauma was for the rest of the day no communications for remaining business apointments, and long drive in rental car.
Did like the idea of leaving under a flower pot in park.... so James Bond.
Glf
Arrive slightly early, no electronics on board, not even a pace maker, or set of headphones. Or even a hearing aid........
Out in less than 1 hour, all completed.
They insist on their nominated secure courier to deliver returned documents. So need to ensure at the nominated address for the few days that they might deliver.
Only trauma was for the rest of the day no communications for remaining business apointments, and long drive in rental car.
Did like the idea of leaving under a flower pot in park.... so James Bond.
Glf
Last edited by Gulfstreamaviator; 3rd Dec 2012 at 08:42.
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It is not only that but also the intelligence risk. Lots of small electronic devices can be hidden inside cellphones and key fobs. Everything from hidden USB drives, audio recording, GPS tracking, video taping, and photos and more. A modern smartphone already carries many of these features. Foreign intel and terrorists would exploit this information.
Have you seen the size of your average US embassy ? Its not like the one room Ecuadorean palace where Mr Assange is hanging out.
I'm no expert, but I would hazard a guess that the secret squirrel stuff the US do in their embassies is in a separate part of the building well away from un-vetted eyes, no doubt also served by a different entrance. Hell, its probably in a different building altogether !
Sounds like someone has been watching too many Hollywood movies.
Last edited by mixture; 3rd Dec 2012 at 12:04.
