What is the primary purpose of risk-based screening in CBP operations?

• A. To speed up all travelers with no checks
• B. To identify higher-risk travelers or shipments for additional checks
• C. To penalize low-risk travelers
• D. To randomize checks independent of risk

Answer: (B)

Risk-based screening uses data and intelligence to decide where to apply checks, focusing resources on travelers or shipments that pose higher risk. The goal is to protect border security while letting low-risk, legitimate travel and trade pass through with minimal delay. This approach means higher-risk cases receive additional scrutiny, while those with clean risk profiles move through more efficiently. For example, a shipment flagged by risk indicators or a traveler with concerning history would be examined more closely, whereas routine, low-risk cases are streamlined. The other options don’t fit because screening all travelers without checks would weaken security, penalizing low-risk travelers isn’t the purpose, and random checks ignore risk factors.