LA Airport Uses Random Numbers To Catch Terrorists

An anonymous reader writes "Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is using randomization software to determine the location and timing of security checkpoints and patrols. The theory is that random security will make it impossible for terrorists to predict the actions of security forces. The ARMOR software, written by computer scientists at the University of Southern California, was initially developed to solve a problem in game theory. Doctoral student Praveen Paruchuri wrote algorithms on how an agent should react to an opponent who has perfect information about the agent's choices."

Comments

Contratulations!! You're number 3225

[Max Littlemore]

And seeing as you're not wearing a tea towel-you're allowed to enter1

You, number 3226, are wearing a tea towel with menace! you are an enemy of the united states of Amiracle and will die in gitmo!

Why not bait them?

[MrSteveSD]

Surely they can just use the same technique being applied in Iraq by US forces. It emerged last week that US snipers were baiting Iraqis by planting explosives and ammunition, then shooting anyone who picks them up. So just plant the same things around the airport, and anyone who picks them up can be shot as a terrorist. I'm sure no ordinary citizen would ever pick up a mysterious package so you are absolutely guaranteed never to shoot any innocent people.