It is unusual for T.S.A. officers to make allegations against co-workers. (Courtesy Creative Commons/ U.S. Department of Transportation)

The Transportation Security Administration's "behavior detection" program was intended to identify the mannerisms of would-be terrorists, according to the New York Times. But statements from more than 30 T.S.A. officers allege that not only Middle Easterners, but also blacks, Hispanics and other minorities were disporportinately targeted. The profiling occured in an effort to satisfy managers' demands for more stops, searches and criminal referrals, according to the allegations.

“They just pull aside anyone who they don’t like the way they look — if they are black and have expensive clothes or jewelry, or if they are Hispanic,” said one white officer, who spoke on the condition of anonymity.

The practice became so widespread, Massachusetts State Police officials had questioned why so many criminal referrals were for members of minorities.

The T.S.A. has launched an investigation into the matter and said that the behavior detection program “in no way encourages or tolerates profiling.” The agency reassured that it prohibits singling out passengers on the basis of nationality, race, or religion.

Read the story at the New York Times.

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