Airport screeners understand 'small talk'

The U.S. Transportation Security Administration is expanding the use of small talk by airport security screeners to identify potential terror suspects.

Airports in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, Detroit and Miami recently began using the technique, but the TSA said it will begin training screeners at 40 other airports.

The psychological tactic of casual conversation or "behavior detection" is aimed at identifying people who appear nervous or evasive, who would be subject to extra scrutiny, the report said.

U.S. Customs officers have long asked arriving travelers questions, often in random order. If a person gives "stumbling answers," that could indicate the person has fraudulent travel documents or plans to overstay a visa, said Customs and Border Protection spokeswoman Kelly Klundt according to UPI.

V.Y.