Bl)()s IN MOTION ll? BDO Employee Newsletter April 1, 2014 The Importance of Team Building When we evaluate our roles as Behavior Detection Of?c- ers, more often than not, we focus 011 individualized skill- sets. It is often easy to over- look the importance of the Team Concept. In many ways, the values associated with Teamwork become so second nature that we forget how essential they are to our program and 110w important it is continue developing them and allowing them to grow. Team Building needs to take place both on and off the checkpoint. When off the checkpoint, team building gives us the ability to devel- op ?rm relationships with our coworkers. When on the checkpoint, it allows us to temper those relationships and see what our ?aws may be. Taking the time and ef- fort to with our partners allows us to bond when performing our duties. When we focus in on Team Building, it is very easy to limit the conversation to our communication skills. With a focus of working in pairs as BDOs, the level of mutual understanding is para- mount. Our experiences, upbringing, core values, shape and mold how we see everything in front of us. Having a mutual respect for our partners, and under- standing how they are seeing a situation differently makes for a better working environ- ment and allows for better communication. With the level of verbal tion we utilize, understand- ing a partner?s thought pro- cess becomes vital. This is when taking the time to build relationships with our coworkers off the check- point, pays off on the check- point. It allows us to act decisively and with the con- ?dence that we are taking the correct course of action in a given situation. Through effective Team Building, our actions will Issue l?Region 1 become more instinctive to each other; non-verbal com- munication becomes more in sync. Our abilities to plan for variances in checkpoint situations and adapt to changing environments be- comes more ?uid and can help to alleviate our person- al stress level. If we do not take the time and effort to build these relationships within our teams, we make our roles far more dif?cult. Reaching beyond what we are capable of individually, and building on the best in each other, strengthens us as a whole. Airpo? - MHT Article by: What makes a great Maybe it's someone who knows behaviors so well, you can wake them up in the middle of the night and they can rattle off the behaviors in reverse alphabetical or- der. Maybe it's someone who can coax a conversation out of the most tight- lipped passenger. It could be a myriad of characteristics, but in the end a great BDO, as with any great employee, boils down to one word: reliability. When it comes to reliability, MBDO of Team DCA is that 5011160116. Thank a Colleague Simply put, has it covered in every situation that I've seen at the Reagan National. Whenev- er we need someone for overtime, be it morning or evening shift, working on an RDO or pulling a double shift, - volunteers. Whenever there is a breach drill or security incident, - doesn't need reminding how to react. VVhenever- volunteers to be a shift lead, you can count on a smooth opera- tion that day. It's no surprise why participates in almost every playbook detail on or off airport grounds, and no surprise that- doesn't seem to have any personality con?icts or problems with anyone. Maybe a simple thank you and a hand shake to would do, but he is de?nitely more than quali?ed for a write up in a national newsletter. Nevertheless, you've got to ask your- self: who are the? on your BDO team? You might want to take some time out of your day and tell them, "Thanks". Ail-port DCA Article by: Page 2 BDOs in Motion Swwung the Snow Bangor, Mame When I?ist moved to Maine some very interestmg' sugges- inme) and again whenI started work- tions. Prepare your vehicle for Ashovel, spare sand or cat ing at Bangor International the harsh conditions byhaving litter for digging out and Airpo? rt, Iwas amazed at 110w plenty of 'eld washer traction bigthe snowplows were and ?uidon hand, placingawinter . Funtmk ofgas and cell how e?ic1e' nt the crews werein blend of oilinthe engme' and phone keeping our runway clear dur- makm' gsureyour winter wonderland ing a big storm Those from start at -25 degrees. Have MostMaJnerseitherhave4 Photos by;? afarask if their ?ight w?lbe well-stocked ?kIt? ready atall delayed due to the snow, to times to include: dnve which I would reply that I?ve an . or? mp lama been here loyearsand have not ?pada 0f Hand ind mg?? thebedlsa {Dust experienced one snow day or wamlerS2 Pall'S 0 slow and leavmg plenty airport closure. Don?t get me of room between vehicles helps wrong, we do have delays but 9 A Sheet that too. Listening to the weather not for long For us, more di- callbewomlikeabm fOI?eC'aStel'S and mducmg the versions show up here when 0 Granola bars (I would sug- amount of time on the loads they can?t land anywhere eke. gest something?eeze duringa stormsaves sitting ina Airport BGR Iasked for ideas 011 how Majn? dned? Itwomd laSt) . Amide by: erssurvivethewinterand got . Norfolk: Celebrating Earth Day April 22, 1970 marked the ?rst date that over 20 mil- lion Americans expressed the desire for a healthy envi- ronment and sustainable way of life through marches and political talks. The events of that day led to the birth of what is now known as the modern environmen- tal movement and the crea- tion of the US Environmen- tal Protection Agency as well as the passage of the Clean Air, Clean Water, and E11- dangered Species Acts. Every year 011 April 22, over a billion people in 192 coun- tries take action for Earth Day by participating in civic observance through planting trees, cleaning up their c0111- munities, contacting their elected of?cials, and educating others on be- half of the environment. Earth Day 2014 has adopted the theme "Green Cities" and like events of the past, this year's focus is tailored to the unique environmental chal- lenges of our time. As the world?s population migrates to cities, and as the bleak reality of climate change be- comes increasingly clear, the need to create sustainable communities is more im- portant than ever. Initia- tives such as smart invest- ments in sustainable tech- nology, forward-thinking public policy, and an educat- ed and active public, can transform our cities and forge a sustainable future. As a federal organization the Transportation Security Ad- ministration has a commit- ment and obligation to be good stewards of our envi- ronment and reduce its car- bon footprint. The manage- ment and of?cers at TSA Norfolk have adopted that same commitment and are diligent in their actions through proper Hazardous Material (Hazmat) disposal and recycling. Of?cers like TSO transport and separate several tons of Voluntarily Abandoned Property (VAP) annually for pick up and proper disposal by the agencies government contractor Clean Har- bor. The Behavior Detection Of?cers (BDO) also have a desire to reduce the negative impact on the environment and are meeting the chal- lenge by turning off lights, unplugging unused electron- ics, sorting recyclables and disposing of them in marked containers in both the work place and home. This year's goal is to visit the Botanical Garden which is adjacent to the beautiful and newly re- modeled airport and learn more about the indigenous plants and species that share in improving our air quality. Here are some ways that you too can also help be a good steward of your environ- ment. Plan a day of tree planting. Pick up trash at a local park or beach. Host a talk for coworkers and members. Lead a recycling drive to col- lect as much paper, plastic, glass or metal as possible. For more ideas 011 staring your own community Earth Day 2014 visit: mvwearthdayo Lngreencities Airport- ORF Article by: Page 3 BDOs in Motion BOS BDOs support the Boston Marathon It wasn't as warm as the pre- vious marathon Monday but the crowds and thousands of run- ners from all over the states and many countries had still come for the armual Boston Marathon The many spectators had lined the streets of Boston to cheer 011 their rurmers and show support. However, milike the previous marathons, this particular day, April 15th, 2013 would change the way Bostonians viewed the marathon forever and how many viewed Boston as a city. This day was described to me by many that were traveling and those that worked on 9/11 as eerie and as desolate as that September morning 011 April 15th, 2013 at ap- proximately 2:45 pm two explo- sions went o? near the ?nish line on Boylston Street. The ?rst ex- plosion happened near a crowd of spectators and then another a few minutes afterward creating massive havoc on the crowded street. I had turned on the news to watch the status of the mara- thon when the explosion hap- pened. As the camera angles panned to fragments ?ying up in the air and people reacting by rurming and screaming I felt a sense of sadness and outrage. It was then that I got the call by our operations center to come in to work I started getting ready as soon as the call was completed and drove in on my day off to the airport. One of my managers had remarked to me, how impressed he was with the fact that so many people had volunteered. He said that he was worried he wouldn't have enough people at ?rst but his phone was ringing off the hook Some people didn?t even call they just showed up. Many had remarked that they didn't even care if they got paid, they just wanted to help. That stood out in his mind as an awesome testament to the Boston SPOT P1093111 The Boston SPOT program has been a close knit family since its inception in 2006. Many of us came in from working the moming shift, vacation days, and days oil to help with securing the airport. We all knew that if the bombers came to the airport the likelihood of them being caught was greater, because of our abili- ties. We were a force; the strength and the skills we had acquired prepared us for a mo- ment like this. Although the marathon bombers never came to the air- port and remained in a hideaway outside of the city, the emotion and the heart that was shown that day still remains. When the chance for Boston SPOT to showcase their skills arose again, many vohurteered to help with the July 4th celebrations at the esplanade. Being one of the se- lected few that were present at the Fourth of July celebration, I can say I was honored and privi- leged to have had that oppor- tunity. The honor of working in unison again with several differ- ent agencies spoke to the value of our program We were seen as another asset to the arsenal of already highly quali?ed people. We as a state and as a city show- cased that we are resilient people and the Boston SPOT program is no di?erent. Airport-ROS Article by: Page 4 BDOs in Motion Philadelphia recently said ?Farewell and Good Luck? to the person who had been running the program for the past four and a half Security Operations at TSA Headquarters in Washington DC, and is now a program analyst for Standards and Effectiveness. She started work in her new title on Feb. 10, 2014. TSA airport transfe gan wo 2004 a Jones came into the BDA program in January 2007 as an EBDO. she had bee BDA TSM. years later, moted to ov BDA program at position wit 1 1e Of?ce of 0 Headquarters The BDA Program in became the only I-band manager in the program. The of?cers at PHL celebrated her promotion 'th words of encouragement. Several times during the cel- ebration was seen wiping away tears as she said her goodbyes to the PHL staff. ?iggest im- pact on me as a DO was how she prepared and taught me the administration part of said EBDO ?One of the biggest things I will mis she opened her mout it was serious or I promotion to hea qua ers will always be bitter-sweet to have me! for ad1 1. She was always on top of situations concerning the ?June made herself available Airport-PHL is her compassio made me laugh BDA Manage-ccepts New Position at TSA if guidance was needed in completing daily work tasks. She was a manager that would help you achieve the goals you set for yourself, _said. felt that after nine years at PHL, and seven years in the BDA program, it was time to move on and try something different? said. also knew th ment would allow oppor? tunity for someone else to advance as I have in my ca- reer with have been faced with plenty of challenges, obstacles and hurdles. Throu have over- come,? hope I was hose suppos that needed and asked for my help and inspired those who just needed to see that it can be done and consider me a role model.? Article by= Page 5 BDOS in Motion Albany Responds: What is the Best Thing about Being a After talking to the at ALB, it seemed there was a common thread to this question, ?VVhat?s the best thing about being a Of course we are different people and motivated in different ways, but perhaps the people who apply for the BDO position have more in than most. Overall, it seems we like to interact with people. Some BDOs enjoy the fact that they meet different people every day, while others agreed that each day brings something new. In the past, many of us could see when people were fearful or under stress. Now, with our training we can pinpoint the scienti?c facts surrounding behaviors. This is like unlocking a great secret! Another BDO noted that it was interesting to see that even though she felt stress or fear, she could not stop herself from leaking behaviors. Other BDOs liked being a part of a close-knit team. Some enjoyed the real potential of ?nding a threat and the ability to be mobile, while others liked that we are proactive instead of reactive. I would have to say my favorite part is the Casual Conversation and the challenge I face trying to gain a resolution. I also enjoy seeing the resolution and how it proves that this method really works. I hope we never face a real terrorist threat, but I feel con?dent that the ALB team be ready if we do. . ALB Article by: A Helping Hand Always Be Aware of Your Surroundings BDA team at Bradley International Airport is small While on patrol in our baggage claim area at Pitts- but not in heart. With only twenty-one members burgh International Airport (PIT), two of our team it is imperative for the group to work cohe- .o achieve operational goals and objectives. The Stopped to say hello to an on-duty police of- this team ether doesn?t end at the time ficer- It was very early in the morning, around 5 . weubeing of their fe]_ AM, and the police officer was ready to complete is aware the North his midnight shift. Upon greeting the LEO, he ex- . and snow covered pressed to the BDOs that he had been bothered se conditions would most of that early morning by SO MANY people, mother?s commute and he could not understand why he was being ap- the case for ED - proached and asked all these questions. - . tedly received sel?ess roke the news, ?It?s probably be- cause you?re sitting behind the information desk!? Naturally, he was a bit embarrassed at this point. Rebecca pointed out the big ?Information? sign on through the park- the front of the desk. Everyone enjoyed the good .rted in the freez- laugh; de?nitely one for the memory books! ow from it during 0 assist in this wintry the many stor About PIT Another kind act was to assist Ewa with her sweets crav- A?ide by? ing; playing the devil?s advocate, fellow had brought her cookies when she couldn?t curb the urge for sugars. Being there for fellow of?cers in any manner goes a long way to build that important rapport which is crucial to the function and success of a BDA team. If you have any ideas or suggestions for article themes in upcoming issues, please email us at BDL gov Article bY? Page 6 BDOs in Motion .1 Just a few of Boston?s BDOS Boston?s Green Team Behavior Detection Officer started a recycling initiative in the Screening of Passengers by Observational Technique (SPOT) of?ce at Boston Logan Airport, last Monday the 13th Of January 2014. The SPOT team here at Boston Logan Airport has 80 plus team members. saw a problem with the amount of trash the team produces and none of it was recycled. On an aver- age day the SPOT of?ce in Boston produces approximately a 50 gallon sized bag of trash. Our ?Missionour SPOT team members to recycle, helping make SPOT a ?Green Team?. The SPOT team will be recycling bottles (glass or plas- tic), paper (non-SSI), and cardboard. We started off with an 18 gallon recycling bin to see 110w that would work for our recycling needs. With our team growing exponen- tially and with the continued success of our Boston SPOT team, we soon will get sepa- rate containers for paper, bottles, and cardboard. As a close SPOT team, when there is a problem we come together and solve it as one sole unit. The SPOT Managers brief the recycling initiative over the course of the ?rst week to help get the recycling up and running. In the ?rst week of our recycling implementation in the SPOT of?ce, we grossed approximately 95 bottles, 5 pieces of cardboard and 18 sheets of paper. The second week is not over yet, and we already have approximately 70 bottles, 3 cardboard pieces, and 5 sheets of paper. If you think about these small sampling numbers in just two weeks and project out for a full year you get approximately 1014 bottles, 192 card- board pieces, and 552 sheets of paper. That is just from the ?rst two week sampling calculated over a course of one full year! The recycling initiative that was implemented was to help our SPOT team lessen our impact 011 the environment. It was great to see the performance of the last two weeks in our recycling. It is not the problem you have, but the solution you bring to the table. Airport-BOS Article by? Page 7 BDOs in Motion Get to know the National Training Team - started with TSA in August of 2002 as an LTSO at PVVM in Port- land Maine. In 2003,- as promoted to an STSO and in 2004 was trained in Passenger Assessment Screening System (PASS). In 200 5- was invited to be one of the ?rst National Training Team members and Team Lead. His duties were to lead a team to help roll out the ?rst BDOs across the country. The team also con? ducted the interviews for all potentially new BDOs across the country and conducted the ?rst Standardization visits to SPOT airports. The team trained BDOs at their airports along with FSD staff, TSMs, STSOs and LEOs. In 2007-was promoted to STSM. Also, that year he helped pilot the Additional Behavior Detection Training (ABDT) and in 2009 piloted the SPOT Refresher training. In 2012 -was TDY to OTWE and helped develop new classroom and OLC training. Photo and Bio provided by: from the Army he decided to remain in Germany and explore more of Europe and began working security at the American Consulate in the te evision screens.? at 1e te evision, 1e Twin Towers were crumbling down. His initial thought was this was some sort of movie. It was a painful reality that he could do 110th- ing about. At that moment, Franklin decided to make arrangements to come back home to the United States. Franklin applied with TSA in 2004, and was accepted in 2005 as a TSA Screener. 4 months later he was a Checkpoint Supervisor at BINI Airport. Rumors began to surface about a Behavior Detection Program that would eventually become reality. to which he says he owes his success to the National Training Team. Franklin has trained hundreds of BDOs and brings a lot of passion, energy and motivation. Photo and Bio provided by:? BDA Program Of?ce HQ BDOs In Motion Support