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The US airport security agency is facing ridicule after leaked documents revealed its checklist of tell-tale signs that a passenger might be a potential terrorist.

Despite its own report finding that the human ability to identify deceptive behaviour through body language is no better than chance, the US government has spent almost $1 billion on a programme deploying Behaviour Detection Officers to airport security.

The specialised agents of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) are taught to evaluate passengers based on a checklist known as the “Screening of Passengers by Observation Techniques” (SPOT).

But according to a copy of a SPOT report published by The Intercept, the “stress factors” that could see passengers stopped at security include arriving late for your flight, blinking too much, sweating and “excessive yawning”.

How to SPOT a terrorist, according to US security:

Assign 1 point per “stress” factor, 2 points per “fear” factor and 3 points per “deception factor”. If the passenger scores 0-3 points, let them pass. If they score 4 or 5, refer for “selective screening”. If they score 6 or more, refer and notify a Law Enforcement Officer (LEO)

Stress factors (17):

- Arrives late for flight, if known

- Avoids eye contact with security personnel or LEO

- Exaggerated yawning as the individual approaches the screening process

- Excessive fidgeting, clock watching, head-turning, shuffling feet, leg shaking

- Excessive perspiration inconsistent with the environment

- Face pale from recent shaving of beard

- Facial flushing while undergoing screening

- Faster eye blink rate when individual requested to submit to screening procedures

- Increased breathing rate, panting

- Obvious “Adam’s Apple” jump when requested to submit to screening procedures

- Protruding or beating neck arteries

- Repetitive touching of face

- Rubbing or wringing of hands

- Strong body odour

- Sweaty palms

- Trembling

- Whistling as the individual approaches the screening process

Fear factors (15):

- Bag appears to be heavier than expected or does not suit the individual’s appearance

- Bulges in clothing

- Cold penetrating stare

- Constantly looking at other travellers or associates

- Exaggerated emotions or inappropriate behaviours to the location such as crying, excessive laughter or chatter

- Exaggerated, repetitive grooming gestures

- Hesitation/indecision on entering checkpoint or submitting to screening process

- Individuals who are seemingly unrelated but display identical dress or luggage

- Powerful grip of a bag or hand inside the bag

- Rigid posture, minimal body movements with arms close to side

- Scans area, appearing to look for security personnel or LEO

- Shows unusual interest in security officers and their work routine

- Displays arrogance and verbally expresses contempt for the screening process

- Wearing improper attire for location

- Widely open staring eyes

Deception factors (6):

- Appears to be confused or disoriented

- Appears to be in disguise

- Asks the Behaviour Detection Officer security-related questions

- Does not respond to authoritative commands

- Maintains covert ties with others (maintaining consistent eye contact with others, exhibiting hand gestures to others or passing objects to others)

- Repeatedly pats upper body with hands (not associated with divesting objects at X-ray/Metal Detector).
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OrangeDragon wrote:I scored a 2, just because I get bored in lines and like to look around/people watch sometimes.

How to SPOT a terrorist, according to US security:

Assign 1 point per “stress” factor, 2 points per “fear” factor and 3 points per “deception factor”. If the passenger scores 0-3 points, let them pass. If they score 4 or 5, refer for “selective screening”. If they score 6 or more, refer and notify a Law Enforcement Officer (LEO)

Fear factors (15):


- Wearing improper attire for location

- Widely open staring eyes

Deception factors (6):

- Appears to be confused or disoriented

- Appears to be in disguise

StroppyChops wrote:This explains 440 - those buggers are all on no-fly lists based on the above. Given the prevalence of ADD on CEO I'm surprised many of us can fly either.

OrangeDragon wrote:For all of the horror stories I've heard, I've never once had a problem with airport security... and in reality I probably should have. Convicted felon, traveling to 3rd world asia... as well as repeated stops in half a dozen other countries along the way. I mean shit, I'd probably detain me if I saw me coming through customs.

Anchor Moy wrote:(Hasn't happened for years now - probably not since i kicked my habit and got rid of my Nigerian boyfriend.)