TSA Behavioral Program Not Recognizing Terrorists

TSA Behavioral Program Not Recognizing Terrorists

TSA is on the lookout for terrorists and acts of terrorism in airports so much so that it has invested $900 million on the program known as SPOT that uses “behavior indicators” to identify potential terrorists. But, when a 5-week study at a major international airport in the United States indicated the year SPOT started that only 4 percent of passengers were referred to secondary screening or law enforcement, it was soon recognized that the majority of arrests, 90 percent, in fact, were due to immigration violations.

Although these results may seem a bit “off” to us, TSA agents and others involved in SPOT aren’t surprised. Parts of the SPOT checklist were modeled after immigration, border and drug interdiction programs, and include nervousness and confusion, clear signs of drug smugglers or those in possession of fraudulent documents, apparently not the behaviors a terrorist would exhibit.

Image: Arina P Habich / Shutterstock.com

About the Author

Ginger Hill is Group Social Media Manager.

Featured

New Products

  • 4K Video Decoder

    3xLOGIC’s VH-DECODER-4K is perfect for use in organizations of all sizes in diverse vertical sectors such as retail, leisure and hospitality, education and commercial premises.

  • ResponderLink

    ResponderLink

    Shooter Detection Systems (SDS), an Alarm.com company and a global leader in gunshot detection solutions, has introduced ResponderLink, a groundbreaking new 911 notification service for gunshot events. ResponderLink completes the circle from detection to 911 notification to first responder awareness, giving law enforcement enhanced situational intelligence they urgently need to save lives. Integrating SDS’s proven gunshot detection system with Noonlight’s SendPolice platform, ResponderLink is the first solution to automatically deliver real-time gunshot detection data to 911 call centers and first responders. When shots are detected, the 911 dispatching center, also known as the Public Safety Answering Point or PSAP, is contacted based on the gunfire location, enabling faster initiation of life-saving emergency protocols.

  • Mobile Safe Shield

    Mobile Safe Shield

    SafeWood Designs, Inc., a manufacturer of patented bullet resistant products, is excited to announce the launch of the Mobile Safe Shield. The Mobile Safe Shield is a moveable bullet resistant shield that provides protection in the event of an assailant and supplies cover in the event of an active shooter. With a heavy-duty steel frame, quality castor wheels, and bullet resistant core, the Mobile Safe Shield is a perfect addition to any guard station, security desks, courthouses, police stations, schools, office spaces and more. The Mobile Safe Shield is incredibly customizable. Bullet resistant materials are available in UL 752 Levels 1 through 8 and include glass, white board, tack board, veneer, and plastic laminate. Flexibility in bullet resistant materials allows for the Mobile Safe Shield to blend more with current interior décor for a seamless design aesthetic. Optional custom paint colors are also available for the steel frame.