Category - Security

Friedman Memorial Opts for Technology vs. Extra Staff to Comply with Badging Regs

Steve Guthrie, airport security coordinator at Friedman Memorial Airport (SUN) in central Idaho, will be the first to tell you that small general aviation airports must contend with the same TSA directives as the largest commercial airports. Guthrie will also be the first to speak volumes about the time and effort his Category III commercial services facility has saved using some of the same security-specific computer systems as much larger airports.

DFW Adds Hotel Hospitality to TSA Checkpoint with Help from Marriott

It wouldn't be hyperbole or marketing hype to say that the newly renovated TSA checkpoint at Dallas/Fort Worth International (DFW) puts most airport screening areas to shame. The 3,000-square-foot screening station in Terminal E features soft music, mood lighting, oversized artwork, a video wall and other style-conscious décor. Beyond the X-ray machines, passengers don't stoop and wobble awkwardly to put on their shoes and repack carry-ons. They sit on plush couches or stand at tall tables in a specially designed "re-composure area."

Self-Service Passport Readers Reduce Wait Times at O'Hare Int'l

In an ongoing effort to improve the arrival process into the United States, the recent installation of Automated Passport Control (APC) kiosks has proven to be a "game-changer" at Chicago O'Hare (ORD) and a handful of other international hubs embracing the relatively new technology.

Sea-Tac & Portland Jetport Install Automated Exit Lane Control Systems

If TSA has its way, the new year will bring new security responsibilities - and their associated costs - to U.S. airports. As usual, some have already mobilized resources to meet the anticipated requirements while others are taking a "wait-and-see" approach. Many are likely banking that some type of industry or legislative intervention will delay or possibly eliminate the need for investments in new equipment or additional personnel.

Palm Springs Int'l Boosts Perimeter Security With Radar-Based System

Palm Springs International (PSP) recently joined a small vanguard of U.S. airports using perimeter security systems that employ ground-surveillance radar and infrared cameras to detect intrusions.

Orlando Int'l Speeds Customs Process with Automated Kiosks

Airport operators can spend millions on new construction, renovations and the latest customer amenities, but none of it affects a traveler's satisfaction more than an extended wait time.

Tampa Int'l Installs New IP-based Video Surveillance System

Tampa International Airport (TPA) is seeing things more clearly these days, thanks to the recent installation of a new video surveillance system that virtually covers the airport from landside to airside. The $10 million project converted the airport's previous analog system to an enterprise-class Internet Protocol (IP)-based system, explains Safraz Samad, TPA's manager of access control and CCTV (closed-circuit television).

Airports Adjust to Redeployment of TSA Body Scanners

Officials at regional non-hub U.S. airports are coping with a federal decision to remove advanced body screening equipment from their facilities and send it to larger hub airports, where the machines are replacing less current scanners that drew a firestorm of public criticism for producing overly revealing images.

Denver Intl Upgrades Security Camera System

A $1.8 million TSA project designed to enhance security and improve video management at Denver International Airport (DEN) has paved the way for the airport to undertake a broader, ongoing effort to replace all of its analog closed-circuit television (CCTV) surveillance cameras with newer digital technology.

Orlando Int'l Gives the 'All-Clear' to Private Registered Traveler Program

For frequent business travelers, clearing Security quickly is just as important as on-time departures and arrivals. But all too often, it's a game of "hurry up and wait."

Sacramento Int'l Lauds New Background Check Channeling Service

Until recently, airports had just one option for channeling their data for TSA-required employee background checks, a clearinghouse operated by the American Association of Airport Executives. It collected fingerprints and other pertinent information for every employee at every affected U.S. airport and submitted it to TSA.

LAX Beefs Up Security with Upgraded CCTV, Access Control & Badging Systems

Between capital improvements and operating expenses, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) has invested more than $1.6 billion in safety and security since 9/11.

Security Training for Florida Airports Funded with License Plate Sales

"By making the program available to all public-use airports, we have made airport security a top priority - even for airports that previously could not afford to offer training to their staff," explains David Roberts, FDOT Aviation Operations administrator. The agency also extends training to onsite workers not employed by the airport, such as local police officers who respond to calls at the airport.

TSA Pilot Programs Aim to Speed Screening Without Compromising Security

A select group of travelers began whizzing through airport security checkpoints last fall at Miami International, Dallas/Fort Worth International, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International and Detroit Metropolitan as TSA launched the TSA Prev(tm) pilot program. Some travelers didn't even need to remove their shoes and belts or take out their laptops, because they were deemed "low-risk" and had voluntarily provided more information than is usually checked at screening points before their trips.

Keeping Animals Out & Tenants Happy

Until late last year, Grand Junction Regional Airport (GJT) had a hodgepodge of perimeter fencing. Some areas had two- or four-strand barbed wire while other areas had woven wire fencing. Three different heights of chain link products protected still other portions of the two-runway commercial airport between Denver and Salt Lake City.

StandardAero Adds "Invisible Escort"

Like airports, many aircraft repair centers have boosted security measures since 9/11. The StandardAero facility at Augusta Regional Airport in Georgia added a "virtual escort" program to its security network.

Explosives Detection Goes to the Dogs

A dog's sense of smell is said to be 1,000 times more sensitive than that of humans. And Chief Steve Heim of the Nashville International Airport (BNA) Department of Public Safety has witnessed it in action.

Austin-Bergstrom Overhauls Security System

Roughly two years ago, Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) went live with a complete overhaul of its security system. The $9.8 million system provided necessary upgrades and left room and capability for future growth.

In-House Police Retained & Reorganized at Jacksonville Int'l

After investigating the option of contracting out police services for Jacksonville International Airport, Jacksonville Aviation Authority (JAA) recently decided to keep services in-house, but make some changes to the department.

DuPage Airport Secures Its Borders

Located just 30 miles from a major U.S. population and commerce center, Chicagoland's DuPage Airport (DPA) isn't focused on meeting minimum security standards. The bustling general aviation airport recently completed a $1.7 million perimeter security project more typical of commercial airports.

El Paso Int'l Renovates General Aviation Customs Facility

For five months, the general aviation arm of U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP) at El Paso International Airport operated from a doublewide trailer. But those days are long forgotten, now that officers are settled back into their revamped, upgraded facilities.

Canada's Mobile Units Screen Olympic-Size Passenger Loads

When the world came to Vancouver, British Columbia, for the 2010 Winter Olympic Games in February, nine new mobile screening vehicles helped the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) handle the influx of visitors.

Airports Across the Nation Make Passenger Screening a Private Matter

From removing shoes and belts for metal detectors to privacy concerns about full-body scans, some airline passengers feel like they receive a virtual shakedown at airport security. Add understaffed checkpoints, overworked screeners and equipment glitches to the mix, and passenger screening quickly becomes a recipe for disaster. As customer complaints skyrocket, so does the risk of dangerous mistakes.

Non-Traditional Methods Increase Security at Miami Int'l

Technology reigns supreme in airport security - from increasingly fast baggage screening systems to puffer machines able to detect mere traces of explosives on passengers. But focusing solely on equipment is a mistake, say some security experts.

Mounted Patrol Augments Security at Houston Intercontinental

Don't mess with Texas - especially its largest airport. George Bush Intercontinental in Houston has a volunteer regiment of more than 600 horseback riders patrolling its 13,000 acres.

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