TSA orders retraining in wake of racial profiling

In wake of reports of racial profiling in Newark, Honolulu, and Boston, The Transportation Agency (TSA) has ordered training for behavior at 161 airports.

“All behavior detection officers nationwide are receiving an online refresher course to reinforce that racial/ethnic profiling will not be tolerated,” the TSA said in a statement Tuesday.

More intensive classroom training will be given at Boston Logan International Airport where reports of racial profiling surfaced after a TSA compliance officer validated a local screener’s complaint.

Although racial profiling has not been reported, classroom training will also be given to behavior detection officers at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport where the same intensive program as the one in Boston is in place.

Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano has directed TSA Administrator John Pistole to take steps to preventive measures of racial profiling. This includes working with Homeland Security’s civil rights consultant to review training programs and curriculum; enhancing data collection procedures for the behavior detection program; emphasizing to employees the importance or reporting profiling; and letting fliers know the TSA will respond to their complaints.

Even federal security directors, who have the highest level TSA offical, will get a refresher course.

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