BDA (TSA program)

The Behavior Detection and Analysis (BDA) program, formerly known as SPOT (Screening Passengers by Observation Techniques), is a component of the Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) security protocols at airports and other transportation hubs in the United States. The BDA program utilizes specially trained Behavior Detection Officers (BDOs) who observe passenger behavior for indicators of stress, deception, or intent to cause harm.

BDOs are trained in techniques aimed at identifying potential threats by analyzing verbal and non-verbal cues exhibited by individuals. Their observations inform secondary screening decisions, potentially leading to additional scrutiny or questioning of passengers.

The BDA program has been subject to considerable controversy and scrutiny. Critics raise concerns regarding the program's effectiveness, citing studies that question the reliability and validity of behavior-based screening methods. Concerns have also been voiced about potential biases in the program, raising the possibility of disproportionate targeting of certain demographic groups based on subjective observations. The TSA maintains that the BDA program is an important layer in its multi-layered security approach.