Originally Posted by
Andy1369
OK, I understand what you're getting at. I really do. But, isn't the TSA's purpose of an agency to SCREEN us for dangerous items? In the 1990's, nobody seemed to care if you were acting suspiciously at the airport, as long as you were screened. Everyone's different, and what is suspicious to someone may not be suspicious to others. How exactly do you constitute suspicious behavior?
Yes, everyone's different and visual observation can be subjective. That is why we work with, at least, one other BDO. Each time we make an observation, we confer with our partner/s. This protects you and us.
Originally Posted by
Andy1369
Why is it even TSA's business of why someone is in a bad mood or stressed? Airports are stressful environment--so is travelling. This is not 1984 - this is America. We all have a right to not have to explain ourselves.
Please don't give us that "it's a different world after 9/11" crap... please give us an logical explanation WHY behavioral screening is so important, and how it prevents against a plane being taken down, as long as the person in question doesn't have any dangerous items? And, what does TSA consider suspicious behavior? Nervousness? Tics? People with OCD? People with other disorders or disabilities that doesn't make them look "sheep-like"? And, no, it's not SSI - or at least I hope not.
Actually, yes, it is SSI. However, much of the research involved could be found via Google if you are so inclined. Specific behaviors may or may not be found. There is, at least, 50 years worth of research into observing behavior related to deception. When someone fears being discovered in a group, their fear manifest into involuntary, autonomic responses.