Do Airports Check for Felony Warrants?
When it comes to air travel, security is a top priority. Airports have strict procedures in place to ensure the safety and security of passengers, staff, and aircraft. One of the ways they achieve this is by screening travelers for various types of criminal warrants. But do airports check for felony warrants?
What are Felony Warrants?
A felony warrant is a legal document issued by a court that authorizes law enforcement to arrest an individual for a serious crime, typically punishable by more than one year in prison. There are different types of felony warrants, including:
- Arrest warrants: Issued when a person is accused of committing a crime and a judge determines there is enough evidence to prove their guilt.
- Bench warrants: Issued when a person fails to appear in court for a scheduled hearing or trial.
- Search warrants: Issued to search for evidence related to a criminal investigation.
Do Airports Check for Felony Warrants?
Yes, airports do check for felony warrants. Airport security personnel, including federal law enforcement agencies such as the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), have access to databases and systems that allow them to check for outstanding warrants. This includes:
- National Crime Information Center (NCIC): A database maintained by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) that contains information on wanted persons, missing persons, and stolen property.
- Fugitive Felon File (FFF): A database maintained by the U.S. Marshals Service that contains information on fugitive felons.
How Do Airports Check for Felony Warrants?
Airports use various methods to check for felony warrants, including:
- Passenger screening: When passengers arrive at the airport, they are typically asked to provide identification, which is checked against databases to determine if there are any outstanding warrants.
- Background checks: When passengers check in for a flight, they may be asked to provide additional information, such as their travel itinerary and contact information. This information is checked against databases to determine if there are any outstanding warrants.
- Physical searches: In some cases, passengers may be subjected to physical searches, including pat-downs and luggage searches, if there are concerns about their safety or the safety of others.
When Do Airports Check for Felony Warrants?
Airports typically check for felony warrants during the following times:
- Pre-flight screening: Passengers are screened for outstanding warrants before boarding a flight.
- In-transit screening: Passengers may be screened again while in transit, particularly if they are traveling internationally or have a layover.
What Happens If a Passenger Has a Felony Warrant?
If a passenger has an outstanding felony warrant, the following may occur:
- Arrest: The passenger may be arrested by airport security personnel or law enforcement agents.
- Detention: The passenger may be detained at the airport until the warrant can be resolved.
- Deportation: International passengers with outstanding warrants may be deported back to their country of origin.
Table: Airport Screening for Felony Warrants
| Screening Method | Description | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Passenger screening | Check ID against databases | Pre-flight |
| Background checks | Check passenger information against databases | Check-in |
| Physical searches | Pat-downs and luggage searches | As needed |
| In-transit screening | Repeat screening during transit | In-transit |
Conclusion
In conclusion, airports do check for felony warrants as part of their security protocols. They use various methods to screen passengers, including passenger screening, background checks, physical searches, and in-transit screening. If a passenger has an outstanding felony warrant, they may be arrested, detained, or deported. It’s essential for passengers to be aware of the importance of ensuring their criminal record is up to date and clear before traveling.
