Newly Released: DHS Office of Inspector General Report

 

Good Morning,

 

Newly released DHS Office of Inspector General report is available on our website.    

 

Access all Fiscal Year 2013 #DHSOIGReport

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OIG 13-91 TSA's Screening of Passengers by Observation Techniques

 

The Department of Homeland Security’s Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Screening of Passengers by Observation  Techniques program screens passengers by observing their behavior to detect potential high-risk travelers. The program’s Behavior Detection Officers detect passenger behaviors indicative of stress, fear, or deception. Since the program’s inception in Fiscal Year 2007,  TSA data indicate that the program has expended an estimated $878 million and has more than 2,800 full-time equivalent positions, as of September 30, 2012. Despite the program’s growth, TSA has not implemented a strategic plan ensuring the program’s success.  

 

 

We determined TSA did not:

1. Assess the effectiveness of the Screening of Passengers by Observation Techniques program;

2. Implement a comprehensive training program;

3. Contact its partners; or

4. Have financial plan.

 

As a result, TSA cannot ensure that passengers at United States airports are screened objectively, show that the program is cost-effective, or reasonably justify the program’s expansion.

 

We made six recommendations to improve the effectiveness of the Screening of Passengers by Observation Techniques program.  TSA agreed with our recommendations to improve the program.  

 

 

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Thank you,
Office of Public Affairs
Office of Inspector General  
Department of Homeland Security
Phone: 202-254.4100
www.oig.dhs.gov l Twitter: @DHSOIG
Email: dhs-oig.officepublicaffairs@oig.dhs.gov