To become a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agent fully empowered to aggressively pat down passengers — even inside passengers’ underwear — applicants need not pass any psychological testing despite having full federal backing.

I spoke to TSA’s Human Resources department to find out what is required to become an officer. “Cynthia” (no last name, though TSA requires callers to supply spelling of first and last names before anyone will speak to you) told me that applicants must pass a background check and credit check, and then they interview with the hiring office. “No psychological evaluation?” I pressed: “Absolutely none?” Absolutely none.