TSO Screening and Pat-Down Procedures 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When must a TSO offer a passenger the option of a private screening during a pat-down?
- Only when the passenger requests it
- Before any pat-down is conducted (Correct answer)
- Only when the alarm is triggered a second time
- Only when a supervisor is present
Correct answer: Before any pat-down is conducted
TSA policy requires officers to offer the option of private screening to every passenger before conducting a pat-down.
Question 2: Which technique does TSA use during a standard pat-down to check sensitive areas?
- Pinching motion with fingers
- Back-of-the-hand technique for sensitive areas (Correct answer)
- Firm grip with full palm
- Only visual inspection without physical contact
Correct answer: Back-of-the-hand technique for sensitive areas
TSA uses the back-of-the-hand for sensitive body areas such as the groin and chest during standard pat-downs.
Question 3: A passenger with an insulin pump attached to their body approaches the checkpoint. What should the TSO do?
- Ask the passenger to remove it for X-ray
- Conduct a targeted pat-down around the device instead of having it removed (Correct answer)
- Deny boarding until a physician clears the device
- Wave the passenger through without screening
Correct answer: Conduct a targeted pat-down around the device instead of having it removed
Medical devices that cannot be removed should be screened via pat-down and alternative screening methods rather than requiring removal.
Question 4: What is the TSO's responsibility regarding the gender of the officer performing a pat-down?
- Any officer may perform any pat-down regardless of gender
- The pat-down must be performed by an officer of the same gender as the passenger (Correct answer)
- Gender matching is only required for children under 12
- The passenger has no say in the officer's gender
Correct answer: The pat-down must be performed by an officer of the same gender as the passenger
TSA policy requires that pat-downs be conducted by an officer of the same gender as the passenger.
Question 5: How should a TSO handle a passenger who becomes verbally aggressive but compliant during a pat-down?
- Immediately stop the pat-down and call law enforcement
- Remain calm, continue the pat-down professionally, and report the behavior to a supervisor (Correct answer)
- Raise their voice to match the passenger's tone
- Skip remaining steps of the pat-down for safety
Correct answer: Remain calm, continue the pat-down professionally, and report the behavior to a supervisor
Officers should remain calm and professional while completing the screening and reporting any issues to a supervisor.
Question 6: When screening a passenger in a wheelchair, which step is required before beginning a pat-down?
- The passenger must transfer to a standard chair
- The officer must explain the procedure to the passenger before beginning (Correct answer)
- A supervisor must be called to observe
- The wheelchair must be sent through the X-ray tunnel first
Correct answer: The officer must explain the procedure to the passenger before beginning
Before conducting any pat-down, officers must explain the procedure to the passenger, which is especially important for passengers with disabilities.
Question 7: What should a TSO do if a pat-down reveals a hard, irregularly shaped object under clothing that the passenger cannot explain?
- Allow the passenger to proceed if they seem trustworthy
- Refer the passenger to additional screening and notify a supervisor (Correct answer)
- Immediately detain the passenger and call police
- Repeat the pat-down and ignore it if not felt again
Correct answer: Refer the passenger to additional screening and notify a supervisor
Unexplained hard or irregular objects found during a pat-down require referral to additional screening and supervisor notification.
TSO Screening and Pat-Down Procedures 2
When must a TSO offer a passenger the option of a private screening during a pat-down?