Research Project Description

Selective Passenger Screening in Mass Transit

Project Number: 2876

Project Objective

This project will provide to the US Department of Homeland Security a written supplement to MTI´s February 2007 publication entitled Selective Screening of Rail Passengers (MTI-06-07). The supplement will describe selective screening programs proposed or implemented by inter-city and urban mass transit rail operators, with a particular emphasis on lessons learned and best practices, including the application of technology in passenger screening.

Principal Investigators:

Brian Michael Jenkins, Director, Research Associate, Mineta Transportation Institute National Transportation Security Center of Excellence

Team Members:

Bruce R. Butterworth, Research Associate, Independent Consultant, Mineta Transportation Institute

Larry Gerston, Professor of Political Science, San Jose State University, Research Associate, Mineta Transportation Institute

Meg Fitts, Project Assistant, Research Support Manager, Mineta Transportation Institute

Project Abstract:

In 2006, under sponsorship of the U.S. and California Departments of Transportation, the Mineta transportation Institute provided a ground-breaking analysis of selective screening and how it could be applied to public mass transportation in particular. MTI examined selective passenger screening as a possible security measure for public surface transportation systems. One hundred percent passenger screening, as currently conducted at airports, is unrealistic for surface transportation. The passenger volumes and therefore the number of screeners required are too high. The cost would be prohibitive. The delays could become unacceptable. However, local authorities can randomly screen some passengers as part of a deterrence and risk reduction strategy.

The research concluded that: (1) Screening 100 percent of urban mass transit passengers is not a realistic security option, but that, (2) Terrorism alerts on transportation targets may dictate that security measures be rapidly increased, and that selective screening offers a flexible response; (3) The goal of any security measure is risk reduction, not the prevention of all attacks. Selective searches can contribute to deterrence, oblige terrorists to take greater risks, complicate their planning, force them to use smaller quantities of explosives, and divert them to less lucrative targets; (4) Full technological solutions are years away; (5) Selective searches run against Americans preference for security that is passive and egalitarian, and therefore must be carefully planned and closely managed to reduce the inevitable allegations of discrimination and profiling based upon race or ethnicity; (6) A good selection process must be planned in advance; must be based on clear policies and procedures; must combine random selection, behavioral profiling, and threat information; must maximize unpredictability; must allow for expansion, redeployment, and reduction; and must maximize interaction with riders, but not in a way that is perceived as harassment; and (7) Vigorous public information programs that outline risk-reduction goals must accompany the introduction of any new security measure that directly engages riders, to alley potential public concerns.

A major challenge is determining selection processes that are sensible, effective, and avoid even the perception of racial or ethnic profiling, which is both legally unacceptable and foolish from the perspective of security. Researchers examined various selection methods and described how such inspections might be deployed and conducted. Public buy-in is crucial and requires a concerted communications campaign. The results of this research were delivered in a February 2007 report, Selective Screening of Rail Passengers.

At least one transportation operator, AMTRAK, launched a selective screening program based in large measure on the recommendations of the MTI study. Another, Washington Metro (WMATA) proposed a selective screening program for implementation to its Board of Directors, also based in part on the MTI study.

In 2008, DHS asked MTI to update this study as several major transportation systems had implemented selective screening programs, some of which were even modeled on MTI´s earlier report. MTI researchers met with officials at systems employing screening programs, and observed inspections in process. They have addressed such issues as selection procedures, inspection procedures and protocols, the application of technology, staffing and training requirements, quality control and testing, contingency planning, overhead and direct costs, effects on passenger flow, and efforts to gain public acceptance. They also reviewed decisions by operators and local governments to not implement screening programs due to differing perceptions of the threat and public acceptance.

Objective and Products: The end product of the research will be a supplement to the MTI study provided to the Department of Homeland Security that will provide up-to-date information on current screenings, identifying best practices and lessons learned. This supplement will become the basis for a DHS-sponsored and endorsed security summit on selective screening programs for transportation operators. The ultimate objective is to increase understanding of the benefits and the challenges of selective screening programs in the passenger rail environment.

Task Description:

Task 1: Field Visits/Discussion with Operators

Task 2: Write Supplement

Task 3: Present Preliminary results to Transit industry in Panel Discussions

Task 4: Publish Supplement

Technology Transfer:

Upon publication, on-line versions will be available on the Mineta Transportation Institute web site. The project experience and data will be available for transportation operators and public authorities. The authors may submit articles based on the research to relevant journals and will present the information to end-users at conferences.

Potential Benefits of Project:

The supplement and summit that will be the products of this will significantly increase understanding of the practical benefits and challenges of selective screening programs in the passenger rail environment. Since DHS specifically requested and funded this project, MTI therefore anticipates that its results will be widely read by transportation operators, DHS and other government agencies.

There are a number of other topics that may be explored in further depth as a result of this research, including the broader question of the impact of security measures on civil liberties, the effectiveness of information sharing in the transportation environment, the use of Suspicious Activity Reporting (SAR), the training of credentialed and non-credentialed personnel who make screening and inspection decisions and conduct actual inspections, how to conduct quality control and testing of screening programs, and the integration of new technologies into screening programs.

Project Timeframe: February 2009–December 31, 2009

Project Funding: $67,498.00