b'SECURITYPSP33say the mandate was long overdue. MostThe screening needs to be random so employees dont know airports are checking badges to make surewhether they will be screened from day to day, McNaughton workers are authorized to enter secure areas,explains.but they are not checking for threats on theirBecause PSP has only one access point for aviation workers, bodies or among their personal property,it operates one HEXWAVE unit stationed in a fixed location. The explains Ian McNaughton, senior director ofequipment, however, has rotating casters and side handles so business development at Liberty Defense.personnel can move it to screen employees at different locations Some airports visually screen employeesIAN McNAUGHTONthroughout the day. That is the routine at Manchester-Boston bags, but thats not always very effective.Regional Airport. To its credit, PSP was using metal detectors to screenMoving the system doesnt require any recalibration, employees before TSA announced its forthcoming requirements.McNaughton advises. They just power it off, unplug the cords, The new federal mandate calls for a non-discriminatory, physicalplug it back in and start screening.and technology-based process to search aviation workers,The HEXWAVE system combines active millimeter-wave aiming to detect and prevent unauthorized weapons, explosivestechnology, advanced 3D imaging, and artificial intelligence to and incendiaries from entering secure areas. More specifically,detect potential threats. The millimeter waves are safe and do it requires airports to visually verify employee IDs and screennot penetrate the skin, producing no ionizing radiation, notes workers, their coats/jackets and accessible personal property, withMcNaughton. The waves transmit outward, pass through a focus on detecting metallic and non-metallic threats. clothing, reflect off the body, and return to a HEXWAVE receiver, Insider threats are one of the toughest challenges in aviationwhich generates a holographic image for the detection algorithm security, Reynoso stresses. Traditional metal detectors cantto analyze.catch everything. By adding HEXWAVE, we establish theThe walk-through system has a throughput rate of up to expectation that everyone entering secure areas will be regularly700 people per hour under ideal circumstances. While it meets screened. requirements of the Americans With Disabilities Act, PSP also To meet the new mandates requirements, PSP sought aoffers alternate forms of screening that are vetted and approved combination of technology and human-based solutions. Inby TSA to ensure compliance with the new mandate.September 2024, it issued a request for proposals from qualifiedScreening is faster because it happens as the person is firms to provide worker screening services at the airport. Thein motion, McNaughton explains. As they walk through, the selected firm would also be responsible for procuring themillimeter wave can detect both metallic and nonmetallic threats. associated equipment. For guidance, the airport detailed itsIt can even identify 3D-printed guns, which metal detectorseven operational needs and provided a list of equipment that meetsenhanced metal detectorscannot detect.TSA-NA-23-02 requirements. From Reynosos perspective, the lack of effort required by In late January 2024, the airport sent a contract to Veterans Highemployees is a big plus. Its a walk-through system. Theres no Risk Security Solutions, a security firm based in Rancho Mirage, CA,stopping or emptying your pockets, she highlights. It picks up to provide worker screening services and bring HEXWAVE to PSP. threats almost instantly, so workers get screened without losing The new screening technology was delivered on March 28 time. Thats a big win for safety and operations. later than originally scheduled, per the airports preference. The number of workers passing through the new system HEXWAVE offered a whole new level of detection, Reynosofluctuates from day-to-dayadding to the random and reports. The system is programmed to go beyond knives andunpredictable nature of PSPs screening program. The goal of guns, catching powders, liquids and even 3D printed weaponsour screening is for it to be random and unpredictable. However, that wont show up on a metal detector.the volume of screening varies due to multiple factors, including The automated system also keeps up with evolvingscreening times, flight loads and daily workforce changes. threats, she adds. HEXWAVE is built with the capability to support future software upgrades, allowing it to adapt to emerging threats or changing security needs. Walk-Through TechnologyAccording to a recent economic impact study, PSP supported nearly 18,400 jobs last fiscal year, underscoring the need for a robust employee screening program.PlanningMoving forward, the pending TSA mandate will requireDELTA AIRPORT EngineeringCONSULTANTS, INC. Environmentalcontinuous, randomized screening based on the numberIndustry Analysisof airport access points and employees at each location.www.deltaairport.com Program Management Construction AdministrationBusiness & Financial PlanningAirportImprovement.comNovember | December 2025'