Family Life

02.12.10 | FL News Team

The Transportation Security Administration plans to provide some ten-thousand airport security workers with secret intelligence. "USA Today" cites TSA spokeswoman Sterling Payne as saying the intel will assist its officers in detecing terrorists by providing more detailed information about terrorist tactics and threats. The people who'll receive the classified information are managers, supervisors and "behavior detection officers" who keep an eye out for suspicious people at airports. Screeners who scan passengers and bags are excluded. Payne notes the information provides details that give the workers context to things they see on an every-day basis, which may otherwise appear unusual. It will also allow workers to use discretion in dealing with travelers.

 The move has drawn praise from some experts. Institute for Homeland Security Director Randall Larsen calls it a brilliant idea. He says it shows the TSA is zeroing in on where its focus should be -- on the people boarding airplanes. Critics are worried about the risk that intelligence will be leaked. Michael Greenberger, of the University of Maryland Center for Health and Homeland Security, says providing such confidential intelligence to a large group, opens up the possibility of someone who's dangerous gaining information that enables a terrorist attack itself