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[IP] more on Don't act "suspicious" -- TSA testing SPOT "observation" program





Begin forwarded message:

From: Suresh Ramasubramanian <suresh@xxxxxxxxxx>
Date: October 4, 2004 8:06:25 AM EDT
To: dave@xxxxxxxxxx
Cc: dgolding@xxxxxxx
Subject: Re: [IP] more on Don't act "suspicious" -- TSA testing SPOT "observation" program

David Farber wrote:
Many European countries employee an observational method, and it has proven quite successful. Many countries go farther, and will ask a few (varied)
questions of those wishing to board airplanes. Almost no amount of
mechanical screening is more useful than a reasonably capable observer
asking a passenger one simple question: "Why are you flying today?"

Right. You just have to take into account the reactions of an average asian / middle eastern young male who suddenly has a uniformed, armed police officer asking him that question.

Yes, the question will be in a very polite tone, yes, the policeman will call him "Sir", but ...having an armed cop suddenly start asking you questions does tend to be a bit disconcerting even if all you intend to do is to go visit your dying grandmother in Peoria.

        srs

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