b'28 DFW SPECIAL REPORT SECURITYAs a large airport, DFW spent more than $25 million to convert existing space into nine dedicated employee screening rooms (at least one in each terminal). McLaughlin considers that a reasonable spend, given that so many of the 36,000-plus badged people working at the airport need to be screened. Each one of those represents time and money for their employer, so there is PHOTO: DALLAS FORT WORTH INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT an ROI for us, he notes. McLaughlin appreciates that DFWs procurement rules do not require him to select the lowest bids for security projects. So, we have handpicked companies that deliver the absolute best security proposition for us and our employees, he remarks.To staff its nine screening stations, the airport uses a combination of internal employees and a third-party security company. Screening employees receive extensive training to learn how the highly automated systems work.Another factor to consider when adding an employee screening program is how (or if) the new technology components will integrate with systems already in place. Rohde & Schwarz walk-through scanners, for example, are designed to operate independently, but they can be connected to a network for remote monitoring and centralized management of multiple machines. The new program at DFW is designed to be highly effective from a security standpoint, but also to create the best possible experience for workers being screened. Were customer-obsessed, and that includes our internal customersour E-gates from dormakaba and IDEMIA cameras combine facialemployees, emphasizes McLaughlin. So we have put systems recognition and badge verification to control access to thein place by design that are user-friendly. When an employee is screening portals. coming to work, the last thing we want to do is ruin their day before it even starts. Many of the X-ray equipment and AI detection features focus on streamlining the employee screening process. Dual-viewThe project team considered various mobility levels within the technology provides comprehensive images from multiple anglesworkforce when designing the portals and specifying equipment to reduce the need for re-screening. With a common usersuch as ADA-compliant e-gates. That being said, accommodations interface across our operator platforms, training burdens areare sometimes needed due to the capability of existing minimized, fostering operational efficiency, Kennedy remarks.technologies. For instance, wheelchairs will trigger alarms in the body scanners, just as they do at TSA passenger checkpoints.From a project logistics standpoint, Smiths Detection units run on standard 120-volt power, which eliminates the need for majorOverall, Olsen reports that workers have given positive infrastructure changes. The systems also can be integrated withfeedback about the process and technology. They like the existing airport security systems. simplicity of it, how easy it is, he says. Factors to Consider Insight and AdviceFinding adequate space in the right location can be a challenge forAfter DFWs employee screening rooms were built and the airports that want to add or enhance employee security screening.equipment was in place, airport leaders didnt simply proclaim Popular configurations include checkpoint-style setups thata start date for the new security procedures. In January through resemble TSA passenger checkpoints and enclosed rooms withMarch of this year, the project team held a series of open houses multiple scanning systems to accommodate high-volume needs.and discussions to introduce the program to employees. The There is no one-size-fits-all solution that will work for every airport.purpose was to teach workers about the equipment so they could But whatever the format, space is needed for manual physicalsuccessfully walk through it in a single pass, but the airport did not searches, and efficient flow is crucial.rush the process. In our case, weve been able to construct purpose-built roomsWeve been able to take a slow approach because we already at each of our terminals where employees can quickly be verified,have screening in place, McLaughlin comments. Both the can quickly have their body and their bag screened, and processinternational pilot opportunity, as well as the TSA mandate, are through in just a few seconds, McLaughlin comments. Werestill somewhat in the distance, so we have time to get it right. fully integrating those systems into the fabric of our terminals.May | June 2024AirportImprovement.com'