Air marshals given the OK to dress casual

This may surprise some people, but I think someone made a very smart decision here, even if it’s 5 years late.

The armed undercover officers who protect U.S. airlines against attack no longer have to fear being overdressed. They’ve been told they can ditch their suits for outfits that blend in with their fellow travelers’ attire.

. . .

Dana Brown, who has been seeking to improve working conditions since he took over as the agency’s director earlier this year, said that, as of September 1, marshals can choose what to wear on flights.

“The manner of dress should allow you to blend in and not direct attention to yourself, as well as be sufficiently functional to enable you to conduct your law enforcement responsibilities, and effectively conceal your duty equipment,” he said in a memo to air marshals that was obtained by Reuters.

The article makes it sound like some other unwise restrictions on air marshals are likely to change in the future as well. I say “Well done, Mr. Brown.” This is a good decision, and it will actually improve the effectiveness of the air marshal system.

[tags]Air marshals get good job-quality change[/tags]