Report
External
Date of publication:
Fri, 08/11/2013
Report
External
Date of publication:
Wed, 01/05/2013We audited the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) Screening of Passengers
by Observation Techniques program. The program’s intent is to screen passengers by
observing their behavior in order to detect potential high-risk travelers. This program
uses Behavior Detection Officers to detect passenger behaviors that may be indicative
of stress, fear, or deception. Congressman Bennie Thompson requested an audit of
TSA’s Screening of Passengers by Observation Techniques program to determine its
effectiveness, efficiency, and economy as a security screening protocol at airports.
Report
External
Date of publication:
Tue, 05/08/2008The Screening of Passengers by Observation Techniques (SPOT) program is a behavior observation and analysis program designed to provide the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Behavior Detection Officers (BDOs) with a means of identifying persons who pose or may pose potential transportation security risks by focusing on behaviors indicative of high levels of stress, fear, or deception. The SPOT program is a derivative of other behavioral analysis programs that have been successfully employed by law enforcement and security personnel both in the U.S. and around the world.
