I was involved with a test about a month after 9/11 - we were able to track PNRs within seconds (about 6) of a booking. We then ran the pax name against a list (don't ask) and could make matches according to mispellings and abbreviations. This also took seconds as the list was short at the time (one list now has thousands of people on it). We were able to notify authorities (don't ask) and the airline within 15 seconds of a person that met the red flag event. The technology to do this has existed for a decade. The project died because of external factors.

You may be scared of this because of privacy. Personally I think it is an excellent thing to monitor travelers BEFORE they get to the airport. If they pick up a few people being sought that is OK with me too. The idea is to figure out to take CAPPS 2 to the next level I guess - and track anyone at any time. The most powerful system like this is called NORA (non obvious relationship algorithm) from SRD. Check it out - it is fantastic technology. I think NORA is the best solution there is. And if it finds people, it is doing it job.