February theme: Aviation security / Industry voice // Paul Brisgone Airport Security
Airport security is about more than lighters and scissors; it is about offering efficient and effective answers to this daunting challenge; industry’s innovative technologies, and close cooperation between industry and government, are two essential ingredients of such answers
When homeland security issues are raised, more often than not the discussion begins with airport security. With millions of passengers — many arriving from or departing to foreign destinations — and tons of baggage and cargo passing through our commercial airports each day, maintaining security is a daunting challenge.
Often overlooked in debates over permitting scissors or cigarette lighters on board an aircraft is the close cooperation developed between the federal government and the security industry.
Equipment manufacturers are working with government agencies to design and test new technologies that can provide higher levels of security, while moving passengers through the security process more quickly.
Advances in video technology are being deployed in airports and expected to play a large role in increasing overall security. A project currently underway for the Massachusetts Port Authority, which operates Boston’s Logan International Airport, uses a video intrusion detection system to help monitor the airport’s waterfront perimeter.
The system includes the installation of fixed and dome cameras, along with infrared cameras capable of detecting intruders at night and during poor weather conditions. The cameras integrate with automated surveillance software that triggers an audible alarm when violations of security rules, such as movement in restricted areas, are detected. The software provides full-time monitoring of incoming video signals, which can enhance the effectiveness of onsite security personnel by extending their coverage to other areas of concern. The completed system also features a wireless network that can provide security staff with fire-walled, secure command-and-control capabilities through a wireless, Web-enabled remote management system.
Other airports are employing another system to help security personnel better determine when unauthorized personnel enter a restricted area. The system uses stereo optical tracking with machine vision technology to provide real-time video that is tied into an airport’s existing access control system. This combined system can better distinguish between people and objects to help determine whether unauthorized individuals enter secure areas through doorways using practices commonly referred to as tailgating or piggybacking.
Tailgating occurs when one authorized person holds the protected door open for another person that he or she knows or perceives to be authorized. This practice completely removes the authorization system from the process and circumvents the system’s ability to reject a revoked or counterfeit pass or badge.
Another form of unauthorized entry is piggybacking, which can occur at heavily used doors, such as in an airport baggage area, when unauthorized personnel slip though the door behind authorized personnel. The system also alerts security personnel when a person tries to block a door from completely closing in order to enter once the area is clear.
The Department of Homeland Security has cited airport passenger exits as one of the weak points in airport security. A new security system uses video and microwave technologies to monitor these exits for possible security breeches. The system targets intruders attempting to bypass airport security checkpoints by going the wrong way through an airport exit, or those who attempt to throw weapons or other objects to an accomplice waiting on the other side.
Detecting movement, the system uses microwave technology to scan for people or objects traveling in the wrong direction. If spotted, the system erupts with flashing lights and a loud alarm warning that a security breech has occurred. Simultaneously, video surveillance cameras provide live and recorded video of the breech to airport police, providing them instantaneously with an image of the suspect. Today, with so many airport police equipped with wireless PDAs, the images can be quickly disseminated to officers throughout the airport, aiding in apprehension efforts.
These are but few examples of how the security industry has stepped forward to work with federal officials to create new products and find new applications for existing technology in order better to secure our airports.
Paul Brisgone is national director of ADT’s Federal Systems Division
