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August 15, 2011

TSA 'Chat-Downs' Need Proper Validation

(WASHINGTON) – Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security, sent a letter to John S. Pistole, Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), expressing concern regarding the Behavior Detection Officer pilot program at Boston Logan International Airport. Behavior Detection Officers (BDO) are currently being trained and will be deployed to "interview" 100% of passengers moving through checkpoint security screening. This pilot program, frequently noted in the press as "chat-downs" and begins today, will be in addition to other security measures currently in use. TSA is going forward with this program despite concerns from Congress and independent analyses stemming from its precursor, the Screening Passengers by Observation Technique (SPOT) program.

LETTER

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Media Contact: Adam Comis at (202) 225-9978