Page 14 - Security Today, July 2017

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are potentially under surveillance.
Access Control
All sensitive areas, such as ramps and op- erational areas, restricted from the public require access control. These areas, known as Security Identification Display Areas (SIDAs), may use keypads or card readers and video intercoms to limit access to only authorized employees. In some areas, elec- tronic beams may alert police to someone entering hallways leading to restricted areas.
Highly secure areas, such as tarmac en- tries and security command centers, may require a second identity authenticator. Typically, this would be a biometric reader using iris, fingerprint or facial recognition technology.
All employees should carry a proxim- ity cardkey with a photograph serving as identification. These should be worn any- time the employee is working on airport property. Simple or complex rules can be applied to each employee record listing those areas, times and days a person is au- thorized to enter restricted areas. Badges may have a different colored stripe further indicating access privileges.
Video intercoms can also limit public access to interior offices such as executive management, storage facilities, computer rooms and the security command center.
Mass Communications/ Policies
The lack of a mass communications plan can lead to public confusion and panic. During and immediately following an emergency, real-time information is vi- tal to calm people and control the situa- tion. This information must be available throughout the entire facility.
With the addition of speakers and horns, wide-area paging is possible using an airport’s video and/or audio intercom system.
Having an active shooter plan is also vital. All airport employees, from air mar- shals to volunteer information assistants, should engage in regular drills to prepare for the worst. During an emergency, pas- sengers and visitors look to those individ- uals for guidance.
In late April 2017, a South Florida con- gresswoman announced plans for legisla- tion to improve first responder communica- tions and worker training as well as require all airports nationwide have mass evacua-
tion plans. Many politicians and security experts were critical of officials’ response to the Fort Lauderdale shooting. Thousands of passengers were held on the airport’s tarmac for six hours with little or no infor- mation. Some sat on planes for hours.
The activities of some airport workers have drawn attention. A February 2017 report, “America’s Airports: The Threat From Within,” by the Congressional Homeland Security Committee majority staff, reported many of the 900,000 U.S. airport employees can bypass security measures typically experienced by pas- sengers. Increased gun and drug smug- gling and other security breaches linked to employees are raising concerns about insider threats. Airlines and airport per- sonnel needing access to secure areas should be held to the same stringent stan- dards passengers face.
Layers of Security
Everyone recognizes the need for strict security at the nation’s more than 3,300 public-use airports—about 450 of which are under federal supervision and control. Congress has passed laws and TSA and in- dustry organizations have developed poli- cies regulating aviation security.
The sheer numbers of people in a busy airport and the potential dangers from a lone wolf or team of terrorists make se- curing an airport one of society’s biggest s’s security challenges. Yet, at the same time, airport security needs to be managed with the same basic approach as any large commercial or government facility.
The highest degree of security comes from layers of security—integrated com- ponents each enhancing the performance of the total system.
The security industry is working on new tools—or layers—to get people through checkpoints faster. Better scan- ners will have a higher throughput, while allowing passengers to continue wearing their shoes, belts and light jackets. Other equipment will detect liquid explosives and other dangerous materials.
As terrorists look for ways to beat se- curity, our industry must continue work- ing with federal, state and local officials to make the airport experience pleasant, convenient and most of all safe.
Bruce Czerwinski serves as U.S. general sales manager for Aiphone Corp.
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