Originally Posted by sbrower
You are supposed to be able to recognize the FAM's. The terrorists are supposed to be able to recognize the FAM's. The deterrent effect comes from knowing that there is an xx% chance that FAM's will be on a flight. The more visible the FAM's, the higher the deterrent effect. The "undercover" aspect is just to avoid making the average passenger nervous about having them on board.
This is a bit of sarcasam right? If not, no we don't want people to really know. Some people (as I have said before we hope only good folks, but with current policies it makes it easier for many, including those who might try and do us harm) do pick us out. No matter how "super secret" you think you are, there is always a chance someone is there who is trained or "in the know" to the point of picking you out. That will never go away, and exists in any job of this type.
I wish I could go into more particulars, but can't. But if the FAM system does stay in place, given its current style of operation, it is much better to go for the unknown vs. overt presence.