Originally Posted by
LessO2
Then why is the TSA wasting taxpayer dollars for something that even you say is not proven?
Something that is proven is x-ray technology. And the fact of the matter is most, if not all, of the TSA checkpoints are still using the two-dimensional technology that was used back when the Tony Orlando & Dawn were hot.
X-Ray is only as good as the individual reading the image. Behavior Detection is not a technology, it’s a process, and it also is only as good as the one applying it. I don’t know enough about it, and honestly I don’t think anyone here really does, to give definitive any answers about its effectiveness.
Updating the x-ray system would be of more benefit to the TSA than it realizes. As it is right now, one of the largest reasons there's a big line at the checkpoints is because us passengers need to accommodate for the many TSA shortcomings. We need to take the liquids out, because the TSA doesn't have the technology to tell what's in that bottle of Aquafina, we need to take the laptop out because the x-ray can't see it in a bag properly, we need to take our shoes off because the TSA can't figure out what's in them. We need to take out CPAP machines because some moron at Long Beach decided a Wii was a bomb.
We have the 3D X-rays at my airport. They still cant tell what’s in the bottle, and never will be able to. Interpretation of the image is why humans are a mandatory part of the picture, along with all their flaws.
Diverting money from the unproven, wasteful BDO program to updating x-ray technology would be a boon to the TSA. First, it might actually convert 90% failure rates to 90% detection rates. Second, it would speed up the lines when passengers don't have to accommodate for the TSA shortcomings, as listed in the previous paragraph.
Unfortunately those shortcomings you mention are always going to be there, no matter the technology added. Humans are and must be a part of the equation, machines cannot make judgment calls.
And last but not least (for the TSA), it would give them some positive PR. Not to mention something other than lowering itself to to brag about catching some college kid with fake ID.
We're into year number eight of the TSA. Three changes to the uniforms, no changes to x-ray technology. That's pathetic, and it's time the TSA start protecting the traveling public instead of talking about it.
TSA is finally getting a budget. Congress has blessed us with an actual appropriations bill of our very own. You would be surprised how much difference a little money will make.
There is far more to the BDO program than you might think. Give it a little thought and you might be able to glean some of the same tidbits of information that I have.