TSA ponders the 'statistical significance' of its covert testing program

GSNMagazine.com
August 27th, 2009

The Transportation Security Administration is wondering whether the nationwide covert testing its does at airports across the country – by having its own staff members try to smuggle "threat items" past airport checkpoint security personnel – generates statistically significant results that can logically be applied at individual airports.

In other words, do the "national pass rates" it develops for checkpoint and checked baggage personnel provide a reasonable measure of success that can appropriately be used at specific airports?