Originally Posted by
TSORon
X-Ray is only as good as the individual reading the image.
What does that say about you and your colleagues when a 90% failure rate is the norm?
Originally Posted by
TSORon
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.
Just like most of the items in the x-ray machine, you missed on this one.
The point was that the TSA could be using the millions in salary and training done for SPOT and apply them to
proven technology, such as x-ray.
Originally Posted by
TSORon
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.
You conveniently omitted my line about the computer and other electronics, so I'll take that as being on the mark.
The point is, the technology IS out there on the liquids. The TSA has been busy buying strip-search machines and new uniforms instead of putting safety as a priority.
Originally Posted by
TSORon
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.
Another sobering comment considering how many times we see failures of GAO tests.
Originally Posted by
TSORon
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.
TSA has always had a budget. The TSA has always had the need to update its resources, but have chosen to try and buy respect over securing the traveling public.
The fact of the matter is, technology should be replacing humans at the TSA. The "secure flight" program essentially takes out the need for one "team" at a checkpoint. With the demise of SSSS, the TSA doesn't need the staffing it once did (in evidence with all the jetway staring contests and gate searches). That's hundreds of thousands of dollars in salary taht can be saved every year and spent on new technology. But the TSA is clearly trying to stay relevant and bloated.
Originally Posted by
TSORon
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.
A nearly three year-old article written by an "adviser" to the TSA is hardly objective. There have been more, and recent, articles that point out the shortcomings of the program.
Given how the TSA regularly fails at what is supposed to be its core competency, they should concentrate on the basics, namely catching ALL of the prohibited items.