As the federal government considers getting tougher on employee screening at U.S. airports, Miami International (MIA) is already exploring ways to make that happen. Its strategy' Deploying familiar technologies traditionally used to screen passengers and checked baggage.
Creating a security system is a lot like constructing a new building-it needs to be built properly to be strong, stable and function as intended.
In the last issue of Airport Improvement, we covered various foundational elements of the recent $53 million security system upgrade at Portland International Airport (PDX): a new identity management system and card readers, perimeter security upgrades, additional cameras, etc. This issue, we examine the relocation and automation of PDX's exit lanes-the roof that tops off the security system construction to protect the airport's workers and 20 million annual passengers.
Airport security is like a vexing jigsaw puzzle: There are many unique pieces, and all must fit together seamlessly to achieve a cohesive overall design.
Chasing away unpleasant memories from massive backups at TSA checkpoints last spring, Chicago's O'Hare International Airport (ORD) opened five new automated screening lanes in November.
Following a series of high-profile security breaches at Mineta San Jose International (SJC), the airport teamed up with local and federal agencies and is working toward a safer, more secure facility through perimeter fence upgrades and technology enhancements.
Until recently, Nan Walsh was concerned about the "security of the security" at Lakeland Linder Regional Airport (LAL), a Part 139 facility in a particularly lake-dotted portion of central Florida. As assistant director of LAL, Walsh felt that the dated, stand-alone security system the airport had been using had "reliability issues." And that was putting it diplomatically.
Managing the safety, security and credentialing of employees and outside workers presents complex challenges for airport operators across the globe. U.S. airports, in particular, have found themselves swimming chin-deep in paperwork associated with post-9/11 security regulations.
Between international turmoil, nationwide security challenges and the headlines that invariably follow, Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) is implementing an autonomous security master plan. As security manager at PHL, Renee Tufts is accustomed to playing in the big leagues. If a security incident occurs at a small, rural airport, news may trickle around the nation or industry; but if a similar issue occurs at a large airport, the floodgates swing wide open, Tufts explains.
From Oregon to Virginia, U.S. airports are slowly embracing the idea of replacing human guards with automated systems to prevent and detect exit-lane breaches. Those who have made the switch report that automated systems improve landside-to-airside security and reduce ongoing operating expenses.
As TSA continues on pace to break its all-time annual record for firearms collected at checkpoints, guns continue to aggravate security efforts at U.S. airports. But the problems don't end with the recovery of wayward weapons at passenger screening stations.
Elmira Corning Regional Airport (ELM) was still in the process of installing a new $2.4 million security system when an arriving passenger prematurely tested some of its new components. The passenger was later discovered to be suffering from dementia, and the 2013 incident decisively validated the decision to invest in new technology at the upstate New York facility.
Last year, Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB) became the 19th airport to join TSA's Screening Partnership Program. Now a private firm performs its security screening for passengers and checked baggage.
