TSA Launches Israeli-Style Behavior Detection at Boston’s Logan Airport
- Posted on August 2, 2011 at 10:26am by
Billy Hallowell
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Story Highlights:
- TSA to implement new behavior-detection security screening procedures
- New procedures will begin on Tuesday at Boston’s Logan International Airport
- TSA chief John Pistole recently said that the U.S. is considering Israeli-styled behavior detection
TSA Administrator John Pistole
On Tuesday, passengers at Boston’s Logan International Airport will be subjected to behavior-detection procedures, during which officials will ask a number of questions intended to increase airport and flight security.
According to The Boston Globe, the questions asked will be along the lines of, ”Where are you traveling today?“ or ”How long have you been in town? The behavioral screening is intended to detect suspicious behavior by taking a more hands-on, interview approach. According to George Naccara, TSA federal security director at Logan:
“We’re not looking for the answers necessarily; we’re instead gauging the reaction, the response to the question.”
As part of the new trial program, every passenger passing through Logan’s Terminal A will be subjected to about 20 seconds worth of questioning. Those who are deemed a potential threat will be pulled aside for additional screening. Logan is an interesting choice for the pilot program, considering that two of the airplanes utilized in the September 11, 2001 attacks departed from its gates.
This new program is likely a response to growing controversy surrounding TSA screenings. Advanced image technology (AIT), which has been labeled invasive and unneeded, has dominated recent conversations about the federal agency. Following public anger, officials have sought more applicable ways to balance security and individual rights. In July, The Blaze reported about plans to replace controversial scanners that expose details of a person’s body with units that only show a generic bodily outline.
The Logan announcement follows reports that the TSA has been considering adopting Israeli-style behavior techniques to ensure flight safety. While TSA chief John Pistole was very vague in a public announcement highlighting these new techniques, he explained that the mechanisms are based on models that other countries are using.
During an appearance at the Aspen Security Forum last week, the TSA head said that these procedures would mirror those followed at Israeli airports. Passengers would essentially be engaged in conversations with security officials that would enable agents to ask pertinent questions, while looking out for anything suspicious. Below, watch Pistole discuss these issues:
Times NewsFeed has more:
Those flying into Israel are subject to questions about where they are visiting from, why they are visiting, what their plans are during the visit, as well as personal questions about their family, occupation and ethnicity. Border patrol officers also use similar methods with drivers crossing the U.S.-Canada border.
Pistole was, again, vague in addressing which countries the U.S. model would be based on, though he did mention that many of the elements under Israel’s model are “very effective.” Critics, though, claim that the Israeli model is too time consuming, as some travelers have been stopped for up to two hours. Others fear that these procedures would lead to increased racial profiling. Some simply question the value of the new procedures. The Globe writes:
“The question is obviously, what is the quality of the verbal interaction that is going to be implemented?” asked Rafi Ron, a former Logan consultant and CEO of New-Age Security Solutions. “If it will have a poor quality, then obviously it will be another way to waste taxpayer money and increase the hassle to passengers. If not, then this will be great.”
Today, critics and proponents, alike, will be able to see similar procedures in action at Logan. The TSA already has behavior detection officers at 161 airports across the nation (some have already been accused of profiling). These new plans would likely build upon the current program; the pilot at Logan is likely a piece of this puzzle.
Considering past issues that have been raised about pat downs and screening machines (earlier this month there was another report about a cancer patient being mishandled), any and all procedures will likely be devised and handled carefully.
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Comments (100)
elosogrande
Posted on August 2, 2011 at 11:25amThis is probably a great idea, but does the TSA have any employees bright enough to judge reactions to their questions? I doubt it…better get some Israeli agents to do the work.
Report Post »hauschild
Posted on August 2, 2011 at 11:29amGovernment employees? Surely you jest!
It’s amazing what has to transpire in this country before leftists act.
Report Post »Servant Of YHVH
Posted on August 2, 2011 at 11:35amI agree with you elososgrande. These people that they hire are more likely to ask questions like: Do you look good under your clothes? Will you hurt me if I feel you up? Do you mind if I grope your little 6 month old daughter while I am groping you up? If you like the way that I grope you up, can I have a date later? How about if I grope you up for a couple of minutes then you can grope me up for a couple of minutes, okay? I think y’all are getting my drift. If anyone answers these question with a negative then that is when they get pulled aside for additional screening, ie., two or more gropers groping you up at the same time with a porn film crew running a camera nearby.
Report Post »SON OF JEFFERSON
Posted on August 2, 2011 at 11:46amMy very first thought
Report Post »The Voice of Libertarian Reason
Posted on August 2, 2011 at 11:48amWe should be utilizing the men and women that are being brought home from Iraq and Afganistan for these roles.
Even better, we should be moth balling dozens of bases across the world and utilizing those men and women for border security.
Report Post »loriann12
Posted on August 2, 2011 at 11:54am@Servant Of YHVH
And questions like: Are you a conservative? Do you listen to conservative radio? Are you a Christian?
Hate to sound synical, but I can’t see the TSA doing anything like Israel does. They’ve been trained (and have experience) with how to deal with terrorists.
Report Post »Gonzo
Posted on August 2, 2011 at 11:57amI hope all passengers are fluent in ebonics… or they may not understand the questions.
Report Post »gramma b
Posted on August 2, 2011 at 12:09pm@elosogrande. That was precisely my reaction. Israeli style screening requires intelligence and judgment. Of all the hordes of dimwitted bureaucrats plaguing this country, the TSA bureaucrats are probably among the dimmest. TSA employs the otherwise unemployable, then unionizes them so they can’t be fired even when they screw up the ministerial tasks they now have.
Report Post »My Two Cents
Posted on August 2, 2011 at 1:21pmWell they will have their hands full since our Vice President has effectively labeled anyone who is conservative as a terrorist.
Report Post »Servant Of YHVH
Posted on August 2, 2011 at 2:45pm@loriann12
Report Post »I hate to admit it but you caught up some very important questions that I should have thought of too. Well done, now I’m jealoust @ you LOL I would be willing to bet that the best TSA person out there could do as good a job as the worst Israeli agent since the Israeli’s are actually looking to find and stop terrorists. They are not out looking for who they can grope next. What gets me is, if these people even bother going to church, do the other people in that church know it? If so, why are they still going to that church, I know that either they would leave or I would leave the church. I just realized how low these TSA people are, compared to them the IRS people are all saints. I bet the IRS agents love them for that. Just like how Carter is so delighted to not be the worst president ever any more. ROFL
JLGunner
Posted on August 2, 2011 at 3:29pmI agree. I don’t think a lot Americans, especially some at TSA have the ability of good judgment. This is an ability that evolves through experience and good training. Not folks just going through the motions and then rushing home to get to the next lil wayne concert.
Report Post »VISITORNUMBER3
Posted on August 2, 2011 at 4:01pmI was going to say essentially the same thing…..you saved me the trouble. Thanks !!
Report Post »getalong
Posted on August 2, 2011 at 6:39pmTSA will think Israeli technique not as much fun as making old ladies take off their diapers, and feeling up young children. Is Janet teaching the class????????????????????????? God help us all!
Report Post »Teaparty-grammy
Posted on August 2, 2011 at 7:56pmThat’s what I was wondering. Judging from some of the things they have done, I seriously doubt they DO have anybody bright enough to implement this program. I think it’s a MUCH better approach to airport security, but question whether the folks they have in place are competent to do this. I can envision the idiots causing even MORE trouble trying to do these interviews. Get ready for even LONGER security lines at the airports, folks.
Report Post »SallyForth
Posted on August 2, 2011 at 8:06pmyes, call in the israelis. they are not only God’s Chosen but smarter than any Christian. Call in John Israel. He’s the one who taught all those great techniques to the MPs that you saw pictured in Abu Garaib.
Report Post »Libertyluvnmomma
Posted on August 3, 2011 at 11:51amWhat what what???
Report Post »Is this new policy in addition to my free pap smear?
Has anyone considered that the TSA would be just the free healthcare we need. Just add a urinalysis,weight check and make sure that ticking sound in my chest, IS in fact, my beating heart… and I’d literally be on my way!
KeithOlberdink
Posted on August 2, 2011 at 11:25amTSA = Total Sexual Assault
Report Post »Libertyluvnmomma
Posted on August 3, 2011 at 11:57amthe TSA needs a calender! Then, in line. I could opt for Mr. April.
Report Post »although those TSA “gals” and I use that term loosely, are a bit of a stretch for the imagination, sorry fellas!
SamIamTwo
Posted on August 2, 2011 at 11:17amGood deal, finally listening to Israel…they did offer and we did refuse their help. I hope the test passes.
You look or act suspicious, they ask you questions…just like Israel.
Report Post »Timbotim
Posted on August 2, 2011 at 11:27amIT’S ABOUT DAMN TIME! My son’s godmother is the head of security at Brussels International and she has said for almost ten years that our technology-based approach to security is ridiculous. No one on the planet takes security more seriously than the Israelis, so the typical, pathetic ACLU hue-and-cry that this is the end of civilisation as we know it shows where their true sympathies lie.
Now the only problem is to hire the (MUCH cheaper) private contractors who are professionals and will get twice the results at half the cost and get the inept, unionized government hacks off the field of play.
Report Post »BOMUSTGO
Posted on August 2, 2011 at 11:13amI want to work for TSA. I hear they have great “hands on” training!
Report Post »Michael
Posted on August 2, 2011 at 11:08amCitizens should contact their Senators and Congress people immediately and tell them to guard our water and food supply. Terrorists are targeting US sustenance and the Obama administration, in it’s typical bumbling fashion, will fall short in it’s efforts to protect us unless the citizens speak up about it. Do you need to see this happen before you will believe me? Or will you help me help you?
Report Post »Pattondog
Posted on August 2, 2011 at 1:41pmcan you clarify your information\sources on this.
Report Post »Libertyluvnmomma
Posted on August 3, 2011 at 12:06pmMichael the water is already fluoridated.The FDA is/has been corrupt.
Report Post »Where have you been?
They used fluoride in concentration camps to make the ‘inmates’ more docile.
GUT_CHECK
Posted on August 3, 2011 at 9:11pmSORRY MICHEAL,
Report Post »all reps and sens are running around like chickens without heads already. better prepare to fend for yourself.
Dismayed Veteran
Posted on August 2, 2011 at 11:05amIf TSA truly uses Israeli security screening, then profiing will be used. El Al has had only 1 hijacking which ended badly for the hijackers.
Report Post »capecodsully
Posted on August 2, 2011 at 11:04amThe fact that we are moving toward the Israeli style of terrorist detection is good news but I doubt the Israelis have the kind of shmucks working in their airports that we have in ours. Shouldn’t the people doing this have a brain in their head?
Report Post »MidWestMom
Posted on August 2, 2011 at 11:29amI’d like to see the details of the how these TSA folks will be trained and what criteria they will have to meet to get these positions. I’d bet none. And the only criteria they will have to meet is “can you read” the script.
Report Post »bugsy510
Posted on August 2, 2011 at 10:59amIt amazes me that we think everyone has to know everything on we do. How we search, what weapons we have, and on and on. All our enimes have to do is watch the news. Our leaders are a bunch of idiots. Does China, Russia, Israel,Germany etc. tell everyone their new weapons, or terrorist intel. Good grief America, wake up.
Report Post »Hephzibah
Posted on August 2, 2011 at 11:08amFirst thing I thought, too. If they did’t tell us, the idiot media would anyway, unless it is something that might be helpful.
Report Post »Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
Posted on August 2, 2011 at 10:54amSo now we will have yet another level of harassment for the KGB of the TSA and Homeland Insecurity to harass and detain the traveling public of the nation? If it was actually based with privatized security agents and screeners, backed with real police officers; and trained by the Israeli’s then maybe it would be a success.
In this case with the TSA it will become one more source of harassment and hubris thrown in our faces; a TSA agent here in Phoenix yesterday I overheard was discussing this very topic; he said he cannot wait for it to come to Phoenix International for the “increase of authority he can wield.”
I told him of the harassment I have gone through with the TSA when I used to fly; and his words were exactly this “If you were a muslum, or not American you would be safe…” while making a gun figure with his hands in my direction and acting like he was shooting.
We are faced with dangers from within by the very government itself.
Report Post »wesleyapril
Posted on August 2, 2011 at 11:35amSnow,
Shaking head, the TSA has to much power and they are to PC – at the end of the day – this law won’t be use to protect Americans – it will be used to protect the very people that blow up the airplanes. :)
Report Post »getalong
Posted on August 2, 2011 at 7:01pmLet’s not forget what Rahn-way Emanuel said or was it Alexrod “you should never let an emergency go to waste”. The government has been taken over by the progressives. Who knows what they have in store. I wonder what kinds of questions they will be asking people, ie, Are you a conservative? Are you a Christian? Keep in mind, there actions no matter how devastating to our country will be seen as justified by them – the end justifies the means. That is their philosphy. Morality, courage, fairness, the laws of God‘s humanity do not apply in their power pursuit to control people’s lives. Let’s keep praying that God will protect our country till the 2012 election, and will expose corruption along the way so that more people will see what ishappening to our country. And let’s pray that Israel knows that millions of Americans stand with them. We know there is NO disputed land. The land belongs to Israel and they have every right to defend it. And America should help them defend their country. God refers to Israel as the “shining light”.
Report Post »Rogue
Posted on August 2, 2011 at 10:54amThere is no way TSA can replicate Israeli effectiveness – they have trained professionals to do thier screening, starting with the staff at check-in. Most of these TSA agents today would not have the first clue on how to tell when someone is lying to them, or what constitutes truly suspicous behavior.
These so-called TSA agents we have currently will have no clue how to effectively and efficiently screen passengers, because it won’t be based on any type of logical profiling – they will continue to press the hardest on travelers who are of zero risk, and continue to look the other way with anyone who might call them out for profiling.
This is not a serious proposal – rather, a way to legitimize the invasive screening they already have in place. They will try this for a while, and say it doesn’t work (not mentioning it is due to thier own incompetence). They will publicize the types of typical delays caused, maybe get sued a couple of times for “profiling”, and tell us the real solution is need newer, bigger, better naked scanners
Report Post »V-MAN MACE
Posted on August 2, 2011 at 10:53amStop Flying!!
Shut down the Airline Industry!
Make them pay for their OWN SECURITY!!
Stop demanding that taxpayers absorb the cost of PRIVATELY OWNED AIRLINE SECURITY!
Let the free market keep the airlines in check!
If you don’t want to be groped, fly from another airport, or DON’T FLY!
FREE MARKET WORKS EVERYTIME!
HIT’EM WHERE IT HURTS!!
WHERE IT COUNTS!!
IN THEIR POCKET!
Report Post »lynnissmart
Posted on August 2, 2011 at 1:21pmI agree with you!
Report Post »Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
Posted on August 3, 2011 at 6:59amIn agreement as well; the TSA and a lot of government progressive oriented programs need to go.
Report Post »Class2000Generation
Posted on August 2, 2011 at 10:53amProfile away – as someone who can pass for Asian, Puerto Rican, Native… (you name it) and not born on US soil, I am ok with it. I may even start flying again if this replaces the TSA screenings.
Report Post »HD Veteran
Posted on August 2, 2011 at 10:47amkids and grandmothers might want to fly out of Logan.
Report Post »MidWestMom
Posted on August 2, 2011 at 12:59pmThey will be asked “the” questions but doesn’t matter what they answer – they will still be considered “suspicious”. The TSA has already profiled them as the number 1 group of suspected terrorists.
Report Post »Mateytwo Barreett
Posted on August 2, 2011 at 10:47amGREAT! Another spendid “investment”. So, the procedure is the Thugs Sex Analysts is noiw going to asking wuestions, but will still have to investigate further, but on a ‘quota”. Yep, this is going to work really well!!
Report Post »starman70
Posted on August 2, 2011 at 10:40amBeats getting a “Feel Job” by TSA employees!
Report Post »Secret Squirrel
Posted on August 2, 2011 at 10:51am.
Report Post »Yeah, but they’ll screw this up too.
“Check suspicious behavior, but not if they’re wearing a burka.
or shouting Allahu Achbar.”
biohazard23
Posted on August 2, 2011 at 10:40amTSA still needs to go. They’ll find some way to screw this up and cop a feel on some 5-year-old cancer patient.
Report Post »Richard Compton
Posted on August 2, 2011 at 10:37amIt’s about time the TSA did something that will actually catch terrorists.
Report Post »Anonymous T. Irrelevant
Posted on August 2, 2011 at 10:48amLook for it to only be around up to the election. After that, depending upon who wins, we’ll see how it proceeds.
Report Post »Erabin
Posted on August 2, 2011 at 11:14amIt‘s not like we’ve actually been flooded with airline terrorism and hijackings lately.
Report Post »My Two Cents
Posted on August 2, 2011 at 1:23pmPerhaps our nimrod Vice President will have them showing up at Tea Party events.
Report Post »JP4JOY
Posted on August 2, 2011 at 10:37amConsidering the level of conversational skills I’ve encountered with the current TSA folks, they would be needing a lot of new hires to effectively engage the traveling public.
Report Post »SREGN
Posted on August 2, 2011 at 10:36amToo bad congress doesn’t fly commercial.
Report Post »Obama Snake Oil Co
Posted on August 2, 2011 at 10:35amIts about time! Our bandaid approach was too intrusive to PC….
Report Post »santramir
Posted on August 2, 2011 at 10:35amfist question: are you willing to mock, accuse, torture and nail live jesus again?? ok then come on in.
Report Post »V-MAN MACE
Posted on August 2, 2011 at 10:35amAbolish the Nazi TSA for America!
Innocent until proven guilty doesn‘t mean we’re all automatically under investigation!
Protect our rights!
Report Post »Erabin
Posted on August 2, 2011 at 11:11amYou have no right to fly. If you want to use that privilege, you have to follow (and submit to) the rules.
Yes, it sucks.
Report Post »biohazard23
Posted on August 2, 2011 at 10:33amProfile. Please please please start profiling, CAIR and their ilk be dam*ed.
Report Post »Blazer123
Posted on August 2, 2011 at 10:33amI’m sure TSA will find a way to mess it up.
Report Post »Lloyd Drako
Posted on August 2, 2011 at 10:31amSounds to me like it might lead to unacknowledged racial profiling.
About time, too!
Report Post »last frontier
Posted on August 2, 2011 at 10:59amThey will racial profile all right, blue haired women in wheel chairs, this just more smoke and mirrors from the gender neutral homeland security. They know the country is sick of them and they are trying to do a preemptive correction before it become mandatory after the clobbering in the 2012 election.
Report Post »rose-ellen
Posted on August 2, 2011 at 12:39pmBlue haired women in wheelchairs SHOULD be profiled as the “anyone that white has to be good” mentality proved false when that sweet looking norwegiian acted and his manifesto [which is standard tea party american and european cultural christian ideology ]exposes the possibility of another form of terrorism[ cultural christianity] taking root in nonmuslim populations .Never know what someone willing to hunt down children might put in a blue haired grannys’ wheelchair to start a cusade against those ******* and their government elites who dare oppose ethnic cleansing or genocide against them!
Report Post »JLGunner
Posted on August 2, 2011 at 3:32pm@rose When blue haired ladies start blowin crap up, the I’ll start looking at them with suspision until then, I’ll just look at them hope for some great apple pie. I love grannys, they are the backbone of our great nation.
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