Aviation securityAir Marshals complain of rampant workplace discrimination
A recently released DHS Inspector General report found that feelings of discrimination against homosexuals, minorities, and veterans were rampant among the Federal Air Marshal service
A recently released DHS Inspector General report found that feelings of discrimination against homosexuals, minorities, and veterans were rampant among the Federal Air Marshal service.
According to a survey of Federal Air Marshalls conducted by DHS investigators, 25 percent of respondents felt they had been discriminated against, 47 percent feared retaliation, and 55 percent believed favoritism was tolerated.
More damningly, the report described an incident in an Orlando field office where managers created a “Jeopardy!” style game board that featured offensive names for veterans, women, blacks, Hispanics, and homosexuals.
Based on the investigation, the Inspector General concluded that while employees may have felt discriminated against, there was no evidence of institutional discrimination.
“Although individual employees may have experienced discrimination or retaliation, our review does not support a finding of widespread discrimination and retaliation within FAMS,” the report said. “However, employees’ perceptions of discrimination, retaliation, and favoritism are extensive.”
The report went on to say, “Tension and limited trust between non-supervisory and supervisory personnel, poor communication, and limited transparency are not only damaging morale, but are also are at the center of fears of retaliation and perceptions that management is mistreating its workforce.”
Investigators were careful to note that despite wide-spread feelings of discrimination and other problems, these challenges “do not appear to have compromised the service’s mission.”
According to the report, the source of the feelings of discrimination was a general mistrust between managers and non-supervisory Air Marshals, which is largely the result of the agencies sudden growth. Prior to 9/11 there were only thirty-three federal air marshals, but in the past decade the agency has rapidly expanded to include thousands of air marshals from various other law enforcement agencies and government departments resulting in culture clashes.
To help improve the work environment, the Inspector General made several recommendations including clarifying employee disciplinary procedures, clearly outlining eligibility for awards and in-position increases, and training managers on communication and conflict resolution.
