Reply to peer HH: I don’t believe TSA security policies are completely ineffective but I do believe they could be approved upon. Having policies that are only reactive does not prepare you for the next wave of technology and terrorist. It is good to learn from past attacks but could those attacks have been stopped if we were proactive? Using the current TSA approach stops a terrorist’s attack of similar design from occurring, because they are looking for those markers. Identification checks, walking through body scanners and x-raying bags are important procedures. These eliminate any direct threats that could occur from the individual. I don’t think its necessary to remove shoes before entering a body scanner. “They are designed to detect “metallic and nonmetallic threat items,” according to the TSA”(Stathis, 2022). Body scanners have the ability to see down to the skin and therefore through shoes. Leaving your shoes on would decrease the time it takes to get through security.
The main advantage to taking an intelligence approach would allow terrorist activities to be identified without going through a TSA checkpoint. The implementation of behavioral analysis could identify suspicious activity at the baggage drop or even after the security checkpoint. Current TSA operations focus on physical evidence of the intention to commit a crime. If that evidence is not caught by TSA then a terrorist attack can still occur. Adding behavioral analysis to the current security measure would provide an almost fool-proof system of stopping crime from occurring. The main disadvantage is the possibility for error. The program could recognize suspicious behavior on someone who has no intention of committing a crime. Airports can be stressful places and cause people to act differently.
TSA has already began to implement facial recognition technology. “When entering the TSA screening area, guests may be asked to insert their government-issued photo ID into a next generation Credential Authentication Technology (CAT) unit, which is equipped with a camera that captures a photo of the guest. The CAT compares the guest’s facial features on their photo ID against the facial features from the in-person photo, confirming their identity”(TSA, 2022). This technology is a more accurate way to identify fake documents increasing security while decreasing time.
Adding facial emotion detection can add a significant layer of security. “UK firm WeSee, for example, claims its AI tech can actually spot suspicious behavior by reading facial cues imperceptible to the untrained eye”(Thomas, 2018). Adding new technology to make the TSA more proactive would decrease the chances for an unknown method of attack to occur. The technology is out there, we just need to acquire it and make it work for what we need.
Stathis, J. (2022, August 31). What do airport body scanners really see? Reader’s Digest. Retrieved November 20, 2022, from https://www.rd.com/article/what-do-airport-body-scanners-see/
Thomas, D. (2018, July 16). The cameras that know if you’re happy – or a threat. BBC News. Retrieved November 20, 2022, from https://www.bbc.com/news/business-44799239
TSA. (2022, March 18). TSA launches cutting-edge passenger identification technology at LAX security checkpoints. TSA launches cutting-edge passenger identification technology at LAX security checkpoints | Transportation Security Administration. Retrieved November 20, 2022, from https://www.tsa.gov/news/press/releases/2022/03/18/tsa-launches-cutting-edge-passenger-identification-technology-lax
Reply to peer LD: It is my opinion that the current TSA airport security policies are effective and should remain in place. There are many benefits/upsides to the current TSA security policies in place. Naturally, the fact that there have been no successful terrorist attacks on domestic flights since the inception of the TSA speaks for itself. This is a tremendous fact that goes to the merit, credibility, and effectiveness of the TSA and how it operates. For many people, going through airport security is just part of being able to ride on an airplane. People realize that having to wait for a while to get through security is just one of the many ways that the TSA makes flights safer. It is a seemingly small price to pay for peace of mind and safety once you’re in the air.