S800 Examining Luggage & Personal Items

Question 1

Before opening any luggage, ask:

Answer 1

• Is this your bag(s)?
• Is everything in this bag yours?
• Did you pack this bag yourself?
• Are you carrying anything for someone else?
• Do you have all of your luggage?

Question 2

Why is it important to obtain a binding declaration from a traveler before beginning a luggage examination?

Answer 2

So the traveler acknowledges ownership of the luggage. Without such an acknowledgement the traveler can deny ownership of the items if something is found. It allows for better testimony for court purposes.

Question 3

If Bob Jones is carrying a piece of luggage for his friend Anne Smith, who is responsible for that luggage?

Answer 3

Bob Jones

Question 4

What kind of inconsistencies should you be aware of when examining a traveler’s luggage?

Answer 4

Inconsistencies among the clothing, items in the luggage, and the traveler’s stated reason for travel

Question 5

Before examining any baggage what must you first do?

Answer 5

Get a binding declaration.

Question 6

What is the first part of the bag that you examine?

Answer 6

The exterior

Question 7

Who is responsible for the contents of the bag?

Answer 7

The traveler presenting the bag, regardless of whether the items are his or hers.

Question 8

Name two things you should watch for from the traveler while examining his or her luggage.

Answer 8

Increased nervousness; drawing attention away from a particular item; trying to distance him- or herself away from luggage; sighing or expressing relief when the exam is over

Question 9

What should you always do for safety prior to examining a bag?

Answer 9

Put on gloves, look for sharps/traps, and ask the owner if anything inside may hurt you

Question 10

What are the five steps for examining luggage?

Answer 10

-Examine the exterior
-Open the luggage
-Remove and examine the items
-Check the weight of the empty bag
-Examine the luggage interior

Question 11

How should every bag be searched?

Answer 11

Systematically

Question 12

What are 4 luggage concealment methods?

Answer 12

• False bottom/sides
• Wrapped inside items in luggage
• Hidden in lining/frame
• Hidden within extending handles

Question 13

What are the 3 most common concealment methods for personal items?

Answer 13

• Hiding inside false containers
• Hiding inside hollowed objects
• Hiding inside miscellaneous small gifts and objects

Question 14

What are some concealment indicators?

Answer 14

• Suspicious shapes
• Excessive weight
• Tampering or damage
• Fresh paint, new hardware, or other recent repairs
• Bags within bags
• Traveler resistance to luggage search