Commercial Fixed Wing
Distraction; Situational Awareness
Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Security; Ground Event / Encounter Other / Unknown
General Police / Security Involved
Human Factors; Procedure
While doing my walk around on arrival flight; I was approached by a member of [the cleaning crew] and asked what flight this was. I answered and continued my walk around. Almost immediately; I was approached by another person in a safety vest and asked the same question. I took my eyes off the aircraft and looked directly at her and said Flight XXX; then immediately looked back up. As soon as I did; the second lady announced herself as TSA and wanted to see my badge for not noticing she did not have hers on her outer most garment. I fully understand how important security is at Company; but I also know how important safety is to Company also. By her pulling me from my task simply to see if I noticed her not wearing a badge; then taking all of my information; I could very well have missed damage to the aircraft; that if not noticed on the departure walk around; could put passengers at risk. I think those kind of missions should not involve people who are in the middle of completing safety checks.
Ramp employee reported a TSA agent caused distraction during the pre-flight process when the employee had not challenged the agent for not properly displaying identification badge.