Observe, Target, Engage, Respond (OTER): High-stake behaviour analysis using an integrated, scientific approach within an airport context

Lansley, C, Garner, A, Archer, DE, Dimu, R, Blanariu, C and Losnita, S (2017) Observe, Target, Engage, Respond (OTER): High-stake behaviour analysis using an integrated, scientific approach within an airport context. UNSPECIFIED. White Paper Series: EIA/SRI/OTP.

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Abstract

In this paper, we explore the impact of combining three key components of behavioural analysis into a training course for those responsible for observing, targeting, engaging and responding to those who may pose a terrorist or other serious threat to airport safety and security. First, the challenge of primary detection; identifying and targeting those with potential malintent from a crowd of genuine passengers and airport users from behaviour alone, without racial or other discriminatory profiling practices. Secondly, testing the prediction through real-time capturing of behavioural data across multiple communication channels (Face, Body/Gestures, Voice, Linguistic Content, Interactive (verbal) Style and Psychophysiology) that aid veracity judgments. It is about noticing what we see and hear. We adopt a truth bias to enable a manageable methodology for real-time lie/truth detection using a holistic approach with concurrent attention to multiple channels of a subject’s behaviour. Thirdly, we highlight the key to detecting malintent is in the questions you ask. Undercover personnel, using elicitation techniques via casual conversations and/or formal interviews by armed and unarmed staff, using unpredictable questions that are no trouble for a truthful person, yet are a major challenge for the malfeasant, creating verbal and non-verbal leakage across six channels that are probably impossible to manage simultaneously. We highlight the impact of training processes that are fit for purpose for the field and the need to devise innovative approaches for those working in high-stakes, real-time contexts, maybe working alone, maybe in interactions that last only three minutes. We will outline how this unique combination was tested and resulted in increased true negatives by 400% and reduced false positives by 60% in a high-stake experiment, with benchmark controls, conducted over six days in a busy airport by an integrated team of behaviour detection officers from civil, police and military agencies.