<<Anyone tempted to imagine that the airline industry, the FAA and the DoT are in any way concerned about passenger safety should consult this article by the New York Times, which reveals that the US Department of Transportation "will not insist that [airport] screeners be high school graduates, a requirement that would have disqualified a quarter of the present work force of 28,000." >>
Well, the fact that the software isn't up to the task should be a surprise to no one who's been following the news. I found the paragraph quoted above more interesting. Who says that it takes a better educated person to be a security guard? Curious about this point, I did a brief net-search to see if that was a NYS requirement. It isn't.: http://cfweb.sunydutchess.edu/scripts/cfweb3.DLL/proc1?page=sguard.html In 1992, the NYS Legislature passed the SECURITY GUARD ACT, requiring the licensing of all contractual and proprietary security guard employers. Additionally, the Act requires all security guards to register with the Department of State and mandates various training courses for all security guards. So... I decided to check what police officers and detectives need: http://www.jobbankusa.com/ohb/ohb160.html Quote: Training, Other Qualifications, & Advancement Civil service regulations govern the appointment of police and detectives in practically all States, large municipalities, and special police agencies, as well as in many smaller ones. Candidates must be U.S. citizens, usually at least 20 years of age, and must meet rigorous physical and personal qualifications. Physical examinations for entrance into law enforcement often include tests of vision, hearing, strength, and agility. Eligibility for appointment usually depends on performance in competitive written examinations and previous education and experience. In larger departments, where the majority of law enforcement jobs are found, applicants usually must have at least a high school education. Federal and State agencies typically require a college degree. Because personal characteristics such as honesty, judgment, integrity, and a sense of responsibility are especially important in law enforcement, candidates are interviewed by senior officers, and their character traits and backgrounds are investigated. In some agencies, candidates are interviewed by a psychiatrist or a psychologist, or given a personality test. Most applicants are subjected to lie detector examinations or drug testing. Some agencies subject sworn personnel to random drug testing as a condition of continuing employment. Candidates for these positions should enjoy working with people and meeting the public End Quote. So police detectives must complete at least high school in the US. I would assume the skills required by an airport screener should match those of a detective. Jon
