TSO Screening and Pat-Down Procedures 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under TSA guidelines, when is an enhanced pat-down authorized?
- Whenever a TSO feels uncertain about a passenger
- When an anomaly is detected after standard screening or AIT imaging (Correct answer)
- For all passengers over the age of 60
- Only when a passenger refuses to use the body scanner
Correct answer: When an anomaly is detected after standard screening or AIT imaging
Enhanced pat-downs are authorized when standard screening or AIT imaging detects an anomaly that requires further resolution.
Question 2: What is the correct order of steps when a passenger's Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) scan shows an alarm?
- Send the passenger back through AIT, then pat-down, then resolve
- Inform the passenger of the alarm location, conduct a targeted pat-down, and resolve the alarm (Correct answer)
- Immediately call law enforcement before touching the passenger
- Visually inspect the clothing and clear the passenger
Correct answer: Inform the passenger of the alarm location, conduct a targeted pat-down, and resolve the alarm
When AIT flags an alarm, the officer informs the passenger of the location and conducts a targeted pat-down to resolve it.
Question 3: Which of the following is TRUE regarding pat-downs of children under 12?
- Children under 12 are completely exempt from all pat-downs
- TSA uses modified, less-invasive pat-down procedures for children under 12 (Correct answer)
- Children under 12 receive the same full pat-down as adults
- Only law enforcement officers may pat down children under 12
Correct answer: TSA uses modified, less-invasive pat-down procedures for children under 12
TSA uses modified, age-appropriate procedures for children under 12 to minimize trauma while maintaining security.
Question 4: A passenger's prosthetic limb alarms the WTMD. What is the correct TSO response?
- Require the passenger to remove the prosthetic for inspection
- Conduct a pat-down of the prosthetic and surrounding area (Correct answer)
- Waive the passenger through because prosthetics are exempt
- Refer to law enforcement immediately
Correct answer: Conduct a pat-down of the prosthetic and surrounding area
Prosthetic limbs that cause alarms are screened via pat-down of the device and surrounding area rather than removal.
Question 5: During a pat-down, a TSO must check which area using the front of the hand?
- Groin area
- Breast area
- Inner thigh
- Outer arms and legs (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Outer arms and legs
The front of the hand is used for non-sensitive areas such as outer arms and legs, while the back of the hand is used for sensitive areas.
Question 6: What must a TSO do before touching a passenger's head or hair during a pat-down?
- Obtain written consent from the passenger
- Ask the passenger if they have any head injuries or sensitivities and explain the procedure (Correct answer)
- Have a supervisor physically present
- Don gloves specifically rated for hair contact
Correct answer: Ask the passenger if they have any head injuries or sensitivities and explain the procedure
Officers must ask about sensitivities and explain what they will do before touching the head or hair area.
Question 7: If a passenger refuses to complete a pat-down after initially agreeing, the TSO should:
- Forcibly complete the screening for security reasons
- Allow the passenger to proceed without further screening
- Inform the passenger they will not be permitted to fly and notify a supervisor (Correct answer)
- Offer the passenger an alternative form of ID verification
Correct answer: Inform the passenger they will not be permitted to fly and notify a supervisor
A passenger who refuses to complete a required pat-down cannot be permitted to enter the sterile area and the officer must notify a supervisor.
TSO Screening and Pat-Down Procedures 3
Under TSA guidelines, when is an enhanced pat-down authorized?