Checkpoint security - Articles and news items

The integrated approach to Airport security

Issue 1 2011 / 26 January 2011 /

Security has become an ever increasing feature of our daily lives and nowhere is this more readily apparent than in the airport. For the majority of passengers, the most overt indicator is the queue at the security checkpoint as more rigorous checks on passengers and their luggage cause bottlenecks.

While passenger and baggage screening understandably remains a high priority for airports, a more holistic approach is often being adopted, one which brings together the different security threats that are faced and deals with them through interoperable solutions using fully integrated systems. (more…)

Reveal signs $5.3m contract with IAA

Airport news / 17 March 2010 /

Reveal Imaging Technologies, Inc., a developer of industry-leading threat detection solutions, today announced that it has signed a $5.3 million contract with Israel Airports Authority (IAA) for Reveal Explosives Detection Systems (EDS) to be installed at various airport locations. The contract includes options to purchase additional systems that will significantly increase the final value of the order, if exercised. (more…)

TSA checkpoint security technology evolves

Issue 1 2009, Past issues / 7 February 2009 /

Over the course of 2008, TSA deployed, piloted and tested several technologies that greatly enhanced the screening process for travellers all across the country. The ultimate goal is to create an environment that harmonises a high level of security with the need to ensure freedom of movement for travellers. (more…)

The evolution of MRTDs

Issue 1 2009, Past issues / 7 February 2009 /

The evolution of Machine Readable Passports (MRPs) over the past decade has been quite extraordinary, particularly with the advent of the electronic or ePassport enhanced with biometric identification. While the ICAO standard calls for all 190 Member States of the Organisation to begin issuing MRPs only by April 2010, at last count there were 54 ICAO States issuing ePassports and 36 others planning to issue them by the end of 2009.

There is evidently a much deeper comprehension, on the part of all stakeholders, of the inherent value of standard and electronic MRTDs relative to authenticity and security of documents, ID management, identity confirmation – including biometrics and facilitation at border control points. There is also a better grasp of the technological, operational and policy issues involved as the world moves forward in the implementation of a global MRTD infrastructure that meets the dual objectives of optimum security and facilitation. (more…)

An interview with Mr. Dimitrios Gatsonis

Issue 4 2008, Past issues / 1 August 2008 /

Budapest Airport has introduced its new passenger security screening system for a total investment of HUF 900 million. The new equipment will make security screening quicker and seamless, cutting waiting time and enhancing security. The baggage belts before and after the X-ray machine are longer, enabling four passengers to use it simultaneously at both ends, instead of the one or two currently used. The machine automatically rotates the 20 trays that are in the system. At the end of the belt, a camera checks that the tray is empty and does not allow the machine to run on if there is as much as a single coin left on it.

The operator sees the baggage on two monitors, shown from the side and from above, giving a clearer picture of the contents. Similar to the computer tomographs used in medical diagnostics, the device is capable of analysing the density of materials in addition to their atomic weight. The machines used earlier labelled chocolate as just as suspicious as explosives, since their atomic structures are similar, although their density is different. Thus, the number of false alarms will drop and passenger screeners will have to open fewer pieces of baggage, speeding up the screening process. (more…)

Enhancing aviation security – How TSA is using technology, innovation, and collaboration to redefine screening operations

Issue 1 2008, Past issues / 4 February 2008 /

The fundamental challenge of protecting passengers and transportation networks against an act of terrorism is a constantly changing, unpredictable threat environment. TSA knows that terrorists seek to exploit our weaknesses. We also know that terrorists attempt to adapt to the security measures we put into place. A static, fortress-like defense is not the answer.

While we apply what we learn from intelligence, from attacks of the past, and from other lessons learned around the world, we understand that terrorist activity is fundamentally not predictable in a statistical or actuarial way. We must, therefore, “anticipate the unexpected.” Our security approach must reflect the principles of flexibility, adaptability, and innovation. (more…)

An interview with Jim Fitzpatrick, UK Aviation Minister

Issue 4 2007, Past issues / 31 July 2007 /

The minister answers our questions on the subject of current UK security restrictions with regard to baggage and the carrying of liquids aboard aircraft. (more…)

ePassports: Examining the benefits

Issue 4 2007, Past issues / 31 July 2007 /

The issuance of ICAO-standard ePassports by some 45 member states of the organisation by year end 2007 and the inherent benefits included in this travel document, should drive the adoption of this latest-generation Machine Readable Travel Document (MRTD) by an increasing number of governments in the next few years.

This is good news indeed, since ePassports hold many advantages for airports, airlines, travel companies, governments and yes, travellers. However, there is still a fair amount of confusion about what ePassports are and what exactly they contribute to making the travel process more efficient and more secure for everyone involved.

In this article, we will look at the advantages and benefits of ePassports for these four categories of stakeholders. But first, a quick refresher on ePassports – a Machine Readable Passport (MRP) enhanced with biometric identification capabilities. (more…)

Checkpoints – are we there yet?

Issue 4 2005, Past issues / 25 November 2005 /

Despite enhancements since 9/11, recognition is growing that work remains to be done before the level of security desired for passengers and their carry on baggage is reached.

Despite the somewhat predictable regulatory frenzy in the US and Europe immediately after the tragic events of 9/11, many people believe that little real benefit has been achieved in enhancing passenger and carry on baggage security. Indeed, some believe that the almost fanatical focus on small sharp objects has resulted in a reduced focus by the security screeners on the more traditional threats to civil aviation.

It is recognised that the hijackers in the four co-ordinated incidents on September 11 used box cutters to access the cockpit. This risk could have, and subsequently has been, mitigated by the simpler and less frustrating process of simply securing the cock pit door.

Also today, such an attack is unlikely to succeed, because many passengers would now follow the example of those passengers of United Airlines flight 93, who took it upon themselves to co-ordinate an attack against the hijackers. I think it is safe to assume that today’s passenger is much more enlightened in the role that they may have to play in such an event. (more…)