ID Cards - Airport Security Systems from Alpha Card

Video Surveillance: Airport Security Systems

Security systems are an integral part of airport operations, and a necessary step to protect the thousands of travelers, employees, cargo, luggage and planes that pass through them each day. The security system of an airport is composed of multiple systems of access control which work in cooperation to prevent harm from entering or exiting sensitive areas. Airport security screens passengers, employees and cargo separately in several stages.

The preliminary security system for passengers occurs during the check-in process, where travelers must verify their identity with photo ID and answer questions about the handling of their baggage. Then, they pass through a walk-through metal detector and subject their bags to screening by an x-ray machine. These two processes ensure that passengers are not carrying any weapons or other harmful materials, either on their person or in their carry-on baggage. Surveillance cameras monitor passenger areas within the airport, such as baggage claims, terminals, security checkpoints, gates, and commercial areas to watch for suspicious or erratic behavior, and to verify the identity of anyone charged with harm or crime.

Security verification of airport and airline employees is a modified version of the passenger screening system. Employees entering terminals still must pass through metal detectors and x-ray machines, but do not require as stringent verification of passengers in the preliminary processes. Employees usually carry a photo ID badge which allows them access into sensitive and employees-only areas of the airport. The ID card also serves as a unique verifier of identity.

Passenger luggage and cargo transported on commercial airliners and private shipping companies is passed through an x-ray machine upon check-in and screened for prohibited items like explosives, guns and other harmful substances. Bags or luggage thought to contain harmful or prohibited items may undergo a physical screening by a security officer. After being x-rayed, bags are often “sniffed” or inspected by a police canine for drugs. In the US, mail and packages transported by the United States Postal Service undergoes a “sniffing” by drug dogs, but is not x-rayed due to privacy policies.

The airport security system has always existed in some form, but advances in screening technology and intensified processes have historically been a reaction to spikes in violence and terrorist threats. In the late 1960s and early 1970s, a large number of airline hijackings and attacks on airports prompted officials to increase security measures. One of the first security products implemented was a hand-held metal detector, which was passed over a passenger’s body by security personnel in order to detect metal objects like guns or knives.
Airport security increased drastically after September 11, 2001, and is stricter today than ever before. Several key security measures were implemented to help prevent further skyjacking and terrorist attacks. For example:

Only ticketed passengers are allowed into the terminal and past secondary security screenings.

Passengers may be randomly selected to undergo further screening at the secondary security checkpoint. This may include inspection of carry-on luggage and a light frisking. This is especially common among passengers who have one-way tickets

Checked baggage is also screened randomly by security personnel employed by the TSA (Transportation Safety Administration).

The Federal “No Fly List” is a list of names of people who are prohibited from flying on domestic flights or international inbound flights into the United States. This is meant to prohibit any suspect parties from gaining entry into airport terminals.

In August 2006, airlines instigated a temporary ban of liquids and gel like substances aboard aircraft after an explosives scare in London. Now, liquids and gels are allowed on aircraft, but to a very limited extent.

Video Surveillance: Airport Security Systems

Video Surveillance

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