TSA TSA Behavioral Competencies 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: You suspect a coworker is under the influence of alcohol while on duty. What is the correct action?
- Tell the coworker to go home quietly
- Ignore it unless their performance is visibly impaired
- Report your concern to a supervisor immediately (Correct answer)
- Handle their assigned checkpoint tasks for them
Correct answer: Report your concern to a supervisor immediately
An impaired officer poses a security and safety risk, requiring immediate reporting to a supervisor.
Question 2: A passenger refuses to remove their shoes at the checkpoint. What is the correct procedure?
- Allow the passenger through without shoe screening
- Explain the requirement and offer alternative screening if shoes are not removed (Correct answer)
- Physically remove the passenger from the line
- Call law enforcement immediately
Correct answer: Explain the requirement and offer alternative screening if shoes are not removed
Officers should explain the requirement calmly; if the passenger still refuses, alternative screening options or supervisor involvement follows.
Question 3: You notice an unattended bag near the checkpoint. What should you do first?
- Open the bag to check its contents yourself
- Immediately alert your supervisor and follow the unattended baggage protocol (Correct answer)
- Move the bag to lost and found
- Announce over the PA for the owner to claim it and wait
Correct answer: Immediately alert your supervisor and follow the unattended baggage protocol
Unattended baggage is treated as a potential security threat, requiring immediate notification and established protocol.
Question 4: A traveler presents an expired government-issued photo ID. What action should you take?
- Accept it if the passenger looks like the photo
- Refer the passenger for identity verification using additional TSA identity verification procedures (Correct answer)
- Deny boarding immediately without further steps
- Accept it if it expired within the last 30 days only
Correct answer: Refer the passenger for identity verification using additional TSA identity verification procedures
TSA has identity verification procedures for travelers without acceptable ID, allowing them to still potentially be screened.
Question 5: During a pat-down, a passenger expresses concern about privacy and modesty. How should you respond?
- Tell them the pat-down is mandatory with no alternatives
- Explain each step, offer a private screening room, and use same-gender officer protocol (Correct answer)
- Skip the pat-down to avoid a complaint
- Have the passenger conduct the pat-down themselves
Correct answer: Explain each step, offer a private screening room, and use same-gender officer protocol
TSA procedures require officers to explain the pat-down, use a same-gender officer, and offer a private screening area upon request.
Question 6: A passenger does not speak English and appears confused at the checkpoint. What should you do?
- Wave them through quickly to avoid delays
- Use gestures, visual aids, or request a language-assistance resource to communicate screening steps (Correct answer)
- Deny boarding until a translator arrives at their expense
- Speak louder and repeat instructions in English
Correct answer: Use gestures, visual aids, or request a language-assistance resource to communicate screening steps
TSA officers should use available resources such as visual aids or language assistance to ensure all passengers understand the screening process.
TSA TSA Behavioral Competencies 2
You suspect a coworker is under the influence of alcohol while on duty.
What is the correct action?