Hunting suspects versus fishing for objects

While digital security systems are ubiquitous in international airports, this article foregrounds a different approach to security by looking at the importation of a behavior detection program into France. The French ‘évaluation du comportement des personnes’ (ECP) is a human surveillance technique that appears removed from the terrorism prevention model generally implemented in these spaces. This article examines the uses and functions various professionals attribute to the program depending on their operational level in the airport security chain. Drawing on semi-structured interviews with French agents and documentary research (professional, legal and institutional literature), the paper shows how the ECP is used by many actors as a resource to challenge or circumvent the automation and proceduralization of surveillance activities. In an infrastructure where machine surveillance prevails, practicing human or ‘low-tech’ surveillance can be a source of prestige and professional distinction.