When a passenger checks in for a flight, the passengers are classified as low risk or high risk by the passenger screening system (PSS) after the mandatory checking procedure. If the passenger is considered as low risk, the primary screening is continued. Otherwise, the passenger undergoes secondary screening measures. The method of choosing the selectees was formerly through CAPPS (Computer Assisted Passenger Prescreening System), CAPPS II and now by Secure Flight. However, the researchers state that opinions differ regarding passenger screening systems. One of the main problems with the prescreening systems is the ability of the terrorist groups to identify the low risk group members who can be identified by a test flight. In actual missions by the terrorists, group members classified as low risk could take the lead roles which would reduce the true effectiveness of the prescreening system. Hence, the present research work presents a simple mathematical model of the prescreening process, having one component which relates to the terrorist behavior. In the following section, the researchers present the passenger screening system (PSS) and the parameter description used in the model. In the next section, the researchers discuss the opposing viewpoints on passenger screening systems (PSS) in terms of 'right answer' to security and loopholes. In the discussion part of the paper, the researcher discusses the various arguments in terms of misplaced optimism and misplaced pessimism. In the concluding part, the researchers state that the mathematical model offers some preliminary indications about improved checkpoint security. (14 refs.)
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