This is one of the more contentious issues between my supervisors and me. The SOP clearly states that wallets have to be screened by x-ray if they alarm during the HHMD inspection and the passenger had it in a pocket while passing throught the WTMD. I have my screeners physically inspect wallets in full view of the passenger and x-ray only when they are unable to locate the cause of the alarm. Then I have them take it to the x-ray only when the rest of the screening is completed so that the passenger can observe my screener place it in x-ray. This is more for my screener's protection than anything else, but it seems to satisfy most passengers.

Some supervisors insist that we follow the written guidelines to the letter, but so far I haven't been written up for deviating from this specific procedure.