TSA PreCheck "Random" Extra Screening?
#151
Join Date: Sep 2015
Programs: 1 thousand
Posts: 2,112
Is the WTMD sensitivity adjustable, and/or variable by site/equipment? I have a watch with a metal body and band; after being selected randomly twice in a row out of Precheck at SFO (after having never been randomly selected), I started taking the watch off along with emptying my pockets and have not been randomly selected since.
I definitely do not consider this statistically significant, just wondering if it's a possible cause.
I definitely do not consider this statistically significant, just wondering if it's a possible cause.
FWIW there are two separate indications: there's metal being deteted, and there's a random selection. They make different tones. At SEA recently I went through, had the (metal) beep, went back and took off my belt, went through again: different tone, the agent emphasised that this was a random (and told the second agent manning the AIT the same thing).
We don't know the chances of being selected, but it's much less than 50/50. I'm guessing about a 10% rate (which seems within the realm of possibility based on my experience, and my husband's previous experience). My probability calculating skills are a little rusty, but if we assume 1/10 chance of being chosen, then the chances of being chosen 7 out of 8 random tries are miniscule: .00001% or 1 in 100 thousandths percent. (1/10 7 times, times 9/10)
So I'm still skeptical that it's random.
So I'm still skeptical that it's random.
Note, I don't think your combinatorics are quite correct. You'd probably want to multiply that by 8, since the non-selected event could have happened at any of 8 positions, i.e. 8 permutations. But it's a bit late for me so I might be being stupid right now.
#152
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Hawai'i Nei
Programs: Au: UA, Marriott, Hilton; GE
Posts: 7,144
We don't know the chances of being selected, but it's much less than 50/50. I'm guessing about a 10% rate (which seems within the realm of possibility based on my experience, and my husband's previous experience). My probability calculating skills are a little rusty, but if we assume 1/10 chance of being chosen, then the chances of being chosen 7 out of 8 random tries are miniscule: .00001% or 1 in 100 thousandths percent. (1/10 7 times, times 9/10)
So I'm still skeptical that it's random.
So I'm still skeptical that it's random.
Yes, that's a perfect example of randomness.
Note, I don't think your combinatorics are quite correct. You'd probably want to multiply that by 8, since the non-selected event could have happened at any of 8 positions, i.e. 8 permutations. But it's a bit late for me so I might be being stupid right now.
But lets stay with the 10% odds of being searched at any one entry. So there is a 90% chance of not being searched. The odds of not being searched seven consecutive times is around 47% if my late-night math skills are working. I'd say that most of us beat those odds, but we don't question whether the randomness of the situation exists.
When dealing with probabilities and extremely large numbers of travelers, all sorts of anomalies/outliers will exist. The rare person who gets a bunch of secondaries, and the rare one who has never gotten one.
#153
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Some WTMDs at some airports in the world have adjustable levels of "random" alarms for WTMD users. Some airports have had the frequency of the "random" selection for additional checking set at 10-25%. Other airports haven't used the "random" selector to even go after 10% in this way.
I don't know the setting most frequently wanted by the TSA, but various airports have had the setting changed from time to time.
I don't know the setting most frequently wanted by the TSA, but various airports have had the setting changed from time to time.
#154
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: PHL
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Binomial Distribution
This distribution applies when the probability of success ("being selected") is the same for each independent trial. Like I said earlier, when the probability changes from event to event, the math is more arduous but can be calculated.
A common fallacy among non-statistician types is that the presence of unlikely events is evidence of a non-random selection process - yet Powerball has winners when the odds of winning are greater than 180,000,000:1. Except for the few examples where the selection process was manipulated by cheaters, lottery ball systems are designed to be truly random.
There is also the fallacy of dependent trials. Just because you were selected last time, and the time before that, and the time before that, and the time before that (however unlikely) does nothing to make selection on the next trip any more or less likely.
And to be really accurate, the selection algorithm is not truly random at all but is likely based on a seeded pseudorandom structure of some sort. Hopefully the WTMD algorithm is statistically random, but I'm sure that info is SSI.
This distribution applies when the probability of success ("being selected") is the same for each independent trial. Like I said earlier, when the probability changes from event to event, the math is more arduous but can be calculated.
A common fallacy among non-statistician types is that the presence of unlikely events is evidence of a non-random selection process - yet Powerball has winners when the odds of winning are greater than 180,000,000:1. Except for the few examples where the selection process was manipulated by cheaters, lottery ball systems are designed to be truly random.
There is also the fallacy of dependent trials. Just because you were selected last time, and the time before that, and the time before that, and the time before that (however unlikely) does nothing to make selection on the next trip any more or less likely.
And to be really accurate, the selection algorithm is not truly random at all but is likely based on a seeded pseudorandom structure of some sort. Hopefully the WTMD algorithm is statistically random, but I'm sure that info is SSI.
#155
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Hawai'i Nei
Programs: Au: UA, Marriott, Hilton; GE
Posts: 7,144
A common fallacy among non-statistician types is that the presence of unlikely events is evidence of a non-random selection process - yet Powerball has winners when the odds of winning are greater than 180,000,000:1. Except for the few examples where the selection process was manipulated by cheaters, lottery ball systems are designed to be truly random.
http://www.cbsnews.com/news/new-york...e-gas-station/
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/lo...y_history.html
#156
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Binomial Distribution
This distribution applies when the probability of success ("being selected") is the same for each independent trial. Like I said earlier, when the probability changes from event to event, the math is more arduous but can be calculated.
A common fallacy among non-statistician types is that the presence of unlikely events is evidence of a non-random selection process - yet Powerball has winners when the odds of winning are greater than 180,000,000:1. Except for the few examples where the selection process was manipulated by cheaters, lottery ball systems are designed to be truly random.
There is also the fallacy of dependent trials. Just because you were selected last time, and the time before that, and the time before that, and the time before that (however unlikely) does nothing to make selection on the next trip any more or less likely.
And to be really accurate, the selection algorithm is not truly random at all but is likely based on a seeded pseudorandom structure of some sort. Hopefully the WTMD algorithm is statistically random, but I'm sure that info is SSI.
This distribution applies when the probability of success ("being selected") is the same for each independent trial. Like I said earlier, when the probability changes from event to event, the math is more arduous but can be calculated.
A common fallacy among non-statistician types is that the presence of unlikely events is evidence of a non-random selection process - yet Powerball has winners when the odds of winning are greater than 180,000,000:1. Except for the few examples where the selection process was manipulated by cheaters, lottery ball systems are designed to be truly random.
There is also the fallacy of dependent trials. Just because you were selected last time, and the time before that, and the time before that, and the time before that (however unlikely) does nothing to make selection on the next trip any more or less likely.
And to be really accurate, the selection algorithm is not truly random at all but is likely based on a seeded pseudorandom structure of some sort. Hopefully the WTMD algorithm is statistically random, but I'm sure that info is SSI.
#157
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Arizona, USA
Posts: 2,403
A TSA staff member once explained to me that the percentage of random alarms is variable. I do not know if it changes by shift, airport, checkpoint, or all of the above.
The sensitivity of the metal detector is also variable. It is my understanding that the designated PreCheck detectors are set at a much lower sensitivity. I started to take out my large set of keys, including an electronic transmitter. The agent said, "believe me; you can leave those in your pocket." She was right.
The problem arises when a single metal detector serves multiple purposes. The same outfit, accessories, etc. will alarm at one checkpoint but not at another based on the designation of that particular machine.
I've experienced random quite a few times. It used to just be the hand swab, then it was the full body scanner, then back to the hand swab. As usual: they're "consistently inconsistent."
I know that the TSA relies on a lack of predictability, but I fail to see how any of these techniques prevent an act of terrorism. The TSA's answer, of course, would be that this is SSI. That means, "we don't know; we have no data."
The sensitivity of the metal detector is also variable. It is my understanding that the designated PreCheck detectors are set at a much lower sensitivity. I started to take out my large set of keys, including an electronic transmitter. The agent said, "believe me; you can leave those in your pocket." She was right.
The problem arises when a single metal detector serves multiple purposes. The same outfit, accessories, etc. will alarm at one checkpoint but not at another based on the designation of that particular machine.
I've experienced random quite a few times. It used to just be the hand swab, then it was the full body scanner, then back to the hand swab. As usual: they're "consistently inconsistent."
I know that the TSA relies on a lack of predictability, but I fail to see how any of these techniques prevent an act of terrorism. The TSA's answer, of course, would be that this is SSI. That means, "we don't know; we have no data."
#158
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Vancouver, BC
Programs: UA MM *Gold, Accor Silver
Posts: 1,852
SEA Precheck
I have never had any problem going through security at any airport except SEA. Every time I go through, I get the "you have been selected for additional screening" from the TSA agent. Anyone else find this happening to them at any particular airport?
#159
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Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: SFO
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Random (zone 5) selection with TSA Pre✓
Today, I went through Pre✓ at SFO international. I was randomly selected ("zone 5" is the term I keep hearing). I had to wait for someone, then he swabbed my hands, then I left.
An hour later, I had to go back to check-in.
Coming back in, random selection, zone 5. This time, they swabbed one of my two bags and I was on my way.
However, while today was the first time that was enough to prompt me to write this post, I am probably around 60% for this with Pre✓.
Does anyone have any idea how this works?
I tend to leave everything on my body (including some medical equipment) that might increase the amount of metal passing through the WTMD, but it is NOT the same thing that happens when you walk through with a phone.
I still find it's easier (in the sense that shoes and hoody stay on, laptop stays in bag, etc.) than the regular priority line, but if I'm just doing something stupid to trigger this, I'd like to know
Thanks
An hour later, I had to go back to check-in.
Coming back in, random selection, zone 5. This time, they swabbed one of my two bags and I was on my way.
However, while today was the first time that was enough to prompt me to write this post, I am probably around 60% for this with Pre✓.
Does anyone have any idea how this works?
I tend to leave everything on my body (including some medical equipment) that might increase the amount of metal passing through the WTMD, but it is NOT the same thing that happens when you walk through with a phone.
I still find it's easier (in the sense that shoes and hoody stay on, laptop stays in bag, etc.) than the regular priority line, but if I'm just doing something stupid to trigger this, I'd like to know
Thanks
#160
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: IAH
Programs: UA GS/MM, MR PPE/LTG, TSA Pre✓, NEXUS, APEC BTC, UKBF RT, CLEAR, DXB E-GATE
Posts: 251
Today, I went through Pre✓ at SFO international. I was randomly selected ("zone 5" is the term I keep hearing). I had to wait for someone, then he swabbed my hands, then I left.
An hour later, I had to go back to check-in.
Coming back in, random selection, zone 5. This time, they swabbed one of my two bags and I was on my way.
However, while today was the first time that was enough to prompt me to write this post, I am probably around 60% for this with Pre✓.
Does anyone have any idea how this works?
I tend to leave everything on my body (including some medical equipment) that might increase the amount of metal passing through the WTMD, but it is NOT the same thing that happens when you walk through with a phone.
I still find it's easier (in the sense that shoes and hoody stay on, laptop stays in bag, etc.) than the regular priority line, but if I'm just doing something stupid to trigger this, I'd like to know
Thanks
An hour later, I had to go back to check-in.
Coming back in, random selection, zone 5. This time, they swabbed one of my two bags and I was on my way.
However, while today was the first time that was enough to prompt me to write this post, I am probably around 60% for this with Pre✓.
Does anyone have any idea how this works?
I tend to leave everything on my body (including some medical equipment) that might increase the amount of metal passing through the WTMD, but it is NOT the same thing that happens when you walk through with a phone.
I still find it's easier (in the sense that shoes and hoody stay on, laptop stays in bag, etc.) than the regular priority line, but if I'm just doing something stupid to trigger this, I'd like to know
Thanks
Last edited by TWA884; Nov 25, 2016 at 8:43 pm Reason: Policy debate/commentary; not trusted travelers advice/information.
#161
Join Date: May 2008
Location: BOS
Programs: TSA TSO
Posts: 455
Yes, some people are receiving it more than once more than, but it's pure random coincidence. There is no secret hidden trigger that a TSO can operate to set it off.
#162
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You're not doing anything stupid. A few years back, around the start of PreCheck, the WTMDs were updated to include a random number generator in the firmware.
Yes, some people are receiving it more than once more than, but it's pure random coincidence. There is no secret hidden trigger that a TSO can operate to set it off.
Yes, some people are receiving it more than once more than, but it's pure random coincidence. There is no secret hidden trigger that a TSO can operate to set it off.
Most of these alarms were never set off that way, but at least previously it was a way.
#163
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What makes you say that it was "random"? If it was the odd beep from the metal detector, that is the so-called randomizer and it has nothing to do with you or with Covenant, the private security company at the SFO checkpoints. If you hit the randomizer twice in a row, that is simply bad luck.
If you are being diverted to a secondary for other reasons, there are other reasons.
If all that is happening is a hand / bag swab, more likely the former.
If you are being diverted to a secondary for other reasons, there are other reasons.
If all that is happening is a hand / bag swab, more likely the former.
#164
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Join Date: Sep 2012
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What makes you say that it was "random"? If it was the odd beep from the metal detector, that is the so-called randomizer and it has nothing to do with you or with Covenant, the private security company at the SFO checkpoints. If you hit the randomizer twice in a row, that is simply bad luck.
If you are being diverted to a secondary for other reasons, there are other reasons.
If all that is happening is a hand / bag swab, more likely the former.
If you are being diverted to a secondary for other reasons, there are other reasons.
If all that is happening is a hand / bag swab, more likely the former.
I understand probability, which is why I've waited so long to post about this.
There's very little variance in what's on my body when I pass through the WTMD each time, which is why I'm wondering exactly how the system's implemented. If it's some probability factor multiplied by the amount of metal it detects on you, for example, then that could explain why I'm hitting it more than most.
Otherwise, I guess I'll resign myself to getting my hands or bag swabbed every other trip
#165
Join Date: May 2008
Location: BOS
Programs: TSA TSO
Posts: 455
What I'm meaning to say is, not a single TSO can trigger the monotone random alarm.