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TSA's "behavior detection" technology wrong 99% of the time
A program the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) began in 2006 that attempts to catch terrorists and other criminals by their suspicious behavior has been wrong over 99% of the time, according to the TSA's own numbers.
The program, which trains TSA screeners to detect suspicious or odd behavior in passengers, has resulted in 160,000 stops of passengers, including pat-downs and in-depth questioning. Yet only 1,266 arrests were made out of those 160,000 stops, mostly for drug possession and carrying fake identification.
Unsurprisingly, many are critical of the "behavior detection" program, including Carnegie Mellon professor Stephen Fienberg, who calls the program "a sham," and says, "We have no evidence it works." Other scientists say that while objective observers may be able to detect nervous behavior, there's no way to tell whether it's because they're planning a terrorist attack or traveling to have an extramarital affair.
TSA spokesperson Ellen Howe puts a more positive spin on the numbers, however. She says the program has been "incredibly effective" at catching criminals.
Indeed. Saying the program is "wrong 99% of the time" sounds so negative. Why not say it has a success rate of almost 1%?
Via Boing Boing [HT: The invaluable Agitator]
Filed under: Transportation, Airports, News
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Mike Nov 26th 2008 8:17PM
As a Pilot, Aircraft Mechanic and Aircraft Inspector I see all the ways to penetrate the airports that are not secure.....You will have a POLICE STATE if ALL were to be secured.
TSA IS A JOKE!!!!
Mo Jan 11th 2010 4:18PM
Yeah and if it's not TSA messing up then you have to worry about the DRUNK pilots who are flying the aircrafts. It's a lose/lose situation. I do find it quite hilarious how when one person screws up, the whole team goes under fire. I'm sure not all TSA employees are idiots just like I'm sure not all pilots fly while intoxicated. I appreciate the TSA staff and pilots who work hard at their job and do their best to protect the passengers.
GM Nov 26th 2008 8:32PM
I would rather they be wrong 99% of the time and stop too many people than wrong only 1% of the time and let one terrorist through.
Getting stopped isn't that incovenient, and keeps us all safe.
Stephen Ryder Mar 18th 2009 11:17AM
"Those who would sacrifice freedom for safety will have neither." Go live in a police state if you want to be safe and secure - you will be. There has never been a terrorist attack in North Korea or Cuba. If you enjoy democracy (and I think you don't) you must endure risk, danger, uncertainty and the unpredictable vicissitudes of freedom. Learn to look after yourself, get some guts - and take your chances on freedom. Otherwise - turn yourself in to your local dictator. I hear Dick Cheney is available.
Bbbbb Jan 13th 2010 10:49AM
Dick Chaney.... you Freeking moron you have no idea how this muslim president is destroying America because fools like you voted for the middle east financed democratic electiion win. get some common sense you are a nut job.
rc Nov 26th 2008 8:41PM
to MIKE, the pilot, the mechanic,oh and the inspector, the only JOKE is you. I work for TSA and 99.9 percent of the pilots are a joke. They all have attitudes when going through security. they act like their above every one else. it is a shame. you are probably one of those jokers to.
luvnu99 Nov 26th 2008 11:33PM
I have worked for TSA for the past six years and worked my best to ensure the freedom of flight I do my job the best way I know how just like any ordinary working man and woman. When 9-11 happened everyone was impacted. There are many people that serve this country that work for TSA did it never occurred to anyone that we too have our very own heroes working for TSA that are overseas in IRAQ right now protecting the freedom of this country. There are people that have served their country and are now retired that work for TSA. We do our job just like everyone else we do have families to feed and shelter too. As human beings we all do what we can to survive. There is no job in this world that is perfect unless you are born in to wealth. I spend so many hours away from my family to serve and protect yours. We try our best at what we do. So many people now days are so rude and ungrateful. The employees don’t just make up any rules that they want it’s not like we woke up that morning and say hey I want to take your bottle of air freshener away. There are things that happened somewhere else and the rules that come out make sure that you are not that person that was sitting on that plane when it happened. How long has these rules been put out there for the public two to five years and yet the concept is still not understood. How many signs are posted, websites that are put up for everyone and yet the concept is again still not understood. How does it feel when you get things through? (you know that you are wrong for getting things through yourself, think about it are you proud of yourself, you are wrong yourself especially when you know it’s not allowed and yet you try to sneak it through what does this say about your character. We can’t do this alone that is why we try to put these things out so that maybe just maybe you’ll make our jobs a little easier). Just like human beings mistakes happen. Unfortunately there are weak people and those people are dealt with accordingly. But does it not happen at your work place? May it be office supplies, cleaning supplies, etc…? It happens everywhere weather people want to accept it or not, and like any other work place those people are dealt with accordingly. I have worked in so many other occupations and I can say that working at the Airport you deal with a lot of rude people but you know what I smile on and hope that person’s day gets better along the way. Every day that I go to work I put the concept that if my daughter, husband, mother, father, brother, sister, aunt or uncle, friend is flying out that day that nothing gets past me. Not a whole lot of people respect what I do but they are entitled to their own opinion. I signed up when 9/11 happened because I remembered and until this day I still do I have never forgotten. I am just an average working woman working my nine to five (graveyard) to keep my family and I above water…wouldn’t you do the same…United we stand! Isn’t that the notion? We need to help one another to keep these people who want to cause harm to our country from attempting to do it again… So if TSA is really a joke think about the average working man or woman who are trying to ensure the freedom of your flight and the rights to feed and shelter the people that mean the most to them…
rob Mar 12th 2009 8:27PM
dam, i like what i read i hope you feel better and thanks a lot for keeping my family safe
MRS.M Jun 26th 2009 5:20PM
That is so true. A lot of people blame the group for a couple of peoples' mistakes and it's not fair. I used to work in collections so everyone considered me a monster, but once they started listening to what I was saying to them and realized I wasn't trying to hurt them or take their money they lightened up. Customer service jobs are the same way. We are all human, we all make mistakes, and we all are working to make money to support ourselves or our families. People need to stop attacking each other and get over themselves.
Marie J. Kendrick Mar 7th 2009 7:34PM
As an 83 year old great grandmother who has two hip and two knee replacements and flies frequently, I am getting tired of "assuming the position". I can see that they need to wand me, but after hearing the beeps around the knees and hips, why do they have to pat me down and rub up and down both legs, arms and my torso? And holding my arns straight out with palms up gets quite tiring for this old lady. I've enjoyed reading about others' problems.
Kelly Mar 13th 2009 3:56PM
Since 9/11, every time we have flown, my husband (a retired police officer) has been singled out for a search.
On one occasion, I was also pulled aside. In the group being searched was an elderly (over 80) woman with a cane and orthopaedic shoes, and a middle-aged woman with three young children. Yes, the children were searched, too. My husband & I, and the other four "suspects" all were white. At the same time there were three gentlemen in turbans walking through the security gates. None of them were stopped. Interesting note: My husband was told he would be detained when we checked our luggage. His name was already on the list!!!!!
Mo Jan 16th 2010 1:23AM
Kelly, being that you are the wife of a RETIRED police officer, I would think that the both of you know how people can portray someone else to get by the authorities. I have read stories on drug dealers packing drugs in babies diapers, so what makes you believe that a terrorist couldn't do the same with explosives?? Also, I could probably go through with a cast, crutches, and explosives and I'm assuming if you were running the show, you would just feel sorry for me and let me go on without additional screening. Oh yeah, and I guess I should know that ALL elderly people are sweet angels and would never do harm. Please lady, WAKE UP!! Also, you're stereotyping when you say the guys in turbans weren't checked. And lastly, heaven forbid the white people are the ones getting additional screening because we should know all white people can't be terrorist. But for you here's a perfect example of one, Timothy McVeigh, who blew up the federal building in Oklahoma and killed 168 innocent people. Sweetie, you REALLY need a reality check if you believe that everyone who wears a turban is a terrorist. I really feel sorry for ignorant people like you.
RICHARD Mar 15th 2009 5:33PM
I HAVE WORKED FOR A WHAT USED TO BE A NUMBER ONE AIRLINE FOR OVER 30 YEARS AND I CAN TELL YOU TSA IS A JOKE..MIKE THE PILOT SAID IT AND I'LL BACK IT UP..WE KNOW HOW TO PENETRATE SECURITY AS EMPLOYEES ..AND I WILL NOT LET SOME NEWBEE ANDY FRAIN WINDOW LICKING SECURITY GUARD FIND OUT HOW..TSA EMPLOYEES ARE GOVT LEECH SUCKING LIABILITIES WHO HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO GET JOBS ANYWHERE ELSE DUE TO THEIR LAZY WORK HABITS, AND NOW THE GOVT IS STUCK WITH THEM.
ken Mar 28th 2009 1:28PM
Wow...I never dreamed there were so many ignorant people in this country....Until I read these posts! I don't even know where to begin???
To Marie...sorry about your knee and hip replacements but here is the deal..Yes the alarm on the hand held metal dtector sounds around your hips! If we dont pat it down, How do we know its your Hip? Because you told us? Aren't GUNS carried on or near your hips?
To KELLY...Yes your husband is a retired Policeman..Thanks for his service..Does that mean we should NEVER screen him? Because why? "Retired Policemen" have never comitted any crimes? And Imagine? TSA was screening women and children? Have women AND children never committed an act of terrorism? Do you read the newspaper for anything other than "grocery coupons"?
To the "PILOTS"....I have alot of respect for what you do..and the majority of PILOTS are cooperative through the screening process. Yes. there are quite a few "arrogant" ones, but I don't hold that against them..I believe that is part of what makes them GOOD pilots! Now, I personally do not advocate screening PILOTS(crew yes, PILOTS no)..I mean, they can fly their aircraft like a missile into any structure they choose, so what do I care if they have a steak knife in their carry on bag? BUT I do want to make sure that the PILOT I am letting into the sterlie area IS in fact a PILOT WITH CREDENTIALS and that he is at the airport for a valid reason. I know one PILOT states that he can access secure area of the airports and he wont tell us how..All I can say is TSA in ONE, let me say that again...ONE layer of security at an airport, so if there is mal-intent, hopefully, another net will catch him.
Finally to RICHARD who had some colorful adjectives about TSA's work force..I will submit this to you..There are good workers and lazy workers. But guess what? Thats in ANY workforce. Don't stroke TSA's workforce with ONE BRUSH..There are ALOT of Professionals who work here. ...Heroes from wars, retired Police Officers, and yes...even PILOTS
Sarojni Mar 18th 2009 10:21AM
When it comes to security and safety I am all for it. I was traveling from Phoenix Arizona Jan 11 th 2008 flight was around 10/11 pm I remembered clearly because it was my 50th birthday. I was wearing slacks belt, jacket, underwear sheer a bracelet that always goes off at the airport . A female TSA employee decided to give me a hard time insisting that i take off jacket I told her I had only underwear under jacket. She insisted on me taking off jacket not the bracelet or the belt. I was very tired and forget about the belt and bracelet I followed her orders the alarm went off so I removed the bracelet, and proceed through the check point again the alarm went off because I was still wearing belt, this time I was pulled aside put in the glass cage for exhibition and told that the alarm went off too many times so i have to wait to be searched all the male TSA was having a good show whiles the female did her tap down.
I accessed the situation and said you have a job to do and you are doing your job! Her respond was "I did not have to do that" meaning she has the power. Upon my arrival home when I open my suitcase i discovered that my bags were all searched by the TSA.
Dave Jun 26th 2009 9:16AM
What is your point?
TSA did everything properly according to the current legally required procedures.
If you had read, and followed, the instructions, which are clearly posted in every airport, you would have gone right through.
Lynn Sep 12th 2009 2:44PM
You arrived SAFELY at your destination, didn't you?
Seems to me the 'inconvenience' was well worth the outcome!
carnes Mar 29th 2009 2:38PM
You're an idiot!
joe blow Apr 4th 2009 12:53AM
luvnu99 ,,,your so won-a-ful,,,maybe some day they will write a song about you,,,spare me,,the tsa was set up to look for terrorists ,,not to search pilots with ID,,not to hassle people with your power trips,not to pat down peoples pockets looking for a joint,,or $5 worth of coke,,one more time a good thing has turned to sh-t,,,sorry to say ,but 9 out of 10 tsa workers are dumb as a box of rocks,,but not you
Jarrod Jun 27th 2009 11:51PM
I've been stopped every time I have ever passed through an airport with the exception of when I travel in full uniform (rare). They usually lose my luggage too, which has mostly worked to benefit, but still a PITA (always claim the full $2500, but don't check that much). By the way I'm a Marine and have been to Iraq 3 times helping keep this country safe, but what does that matter when you're flying the "friendly" skies. It's possible that a cop would also be stopped constantly as we have similar demeanor's but I doubt it.