Seeing Clearly: Security Detection Insights and Trends

The US Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) new requirements for enhanced measures related to personal electronic devices (PEDs) are now fully in swing in a range of last point of departure (LPD) airports globally. As a result, TSA has rolled back a full PED ban previously imposed on airlines operating from select Middle Eastern locations.  

A quick recap of the last six months: TSA first issued a PED ban for select locations, hinting that computed tomography or CT systems at checkpoint could allow electronics to fly. US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kelly then spoke of a full ban for airlines inbound from foreign locations. Finally, the ban was turned off and airlines and airports hustled to implement additional security procedures with existing and available technology. 

For detection technology solution providers, this uncertainty must be incredibly confusing. Having written two prior blog entries on the topic for regulators and security operators, this final entry focuses on considerations for technology providers as they grapple with an ever-changing landscape.

With the Standard 3 deadline quickly approaching across Europe, airports are grappling with growing passenger traffic combined with increased security threats.

The question is, will Standard 3 requirements—which call for more thorough baggage screening—slow down screening times and increase congestion throughout airports? Not with the right Standard 3-approved explosives detection system (EDS). 

Upgrading to Standard 3-approved explosives detection systems (EDS) takes resources and planning. The question then becomes, how to continue delivering a high level of customer service, while providing similarly high levels of security. A recent article in Aviation Security International Magazine provides insights from Monty Lutzker, our Vice President of Sales and Marketing.

Communication. Responsiveness. Transparency. These are a few of the critical elements needed when airports are choosing a security partner to help them transition to Standard 3-approved explosives detection systems.

In the medical arena, initial exams are usually done by X-rays. But when doctors need a more comprehensive view to detect cancer or examine small and complex fractures, what do they use? They turn to the cross-sectional and 3-dimensional (3-D) images generated during a Computed Tomography (CT) scan. The same theory holds true for CT explosives detection systems (EDS).

Just as it takes a long runway for a jetliner to gain enough speed for take off, it requires many months of planning and implementation to get an airport ready for Standard 3 deployment. The shorter the runway, the riskier the takeoff. 

At airports, "baggage scanning is passing through a transformative phase,” points out Tom Cropper in his introduction to the report on Next Generation Detection Solutions for Future Airport Baggage and Passenger Screening Operations.

By kick-starting the Standard 3 transition, UK Airports are playing a foundational role developing the process and best practices for European-wide adoption. Smiths Detection’s UK team has, to date, worked with more than fifteen airports conducting site surveys, working with baggage handling system (BHS) suppliers, integrators and contractors to assist in providing the optimum design and Standard 3 solution for each airport. By spending countless hours traveling the country listening to airports ranging in size and traffic from London Heathrow to Cornwall Airport Newquay, Smiths Detection’s sales team has gained priceless insight.

For airports in Europe upgrading hold baggage screening infrastructure to Standard 3 capabilities, the facts are clear: by September 2018 in the UK and 2020 in continental Europe, all airports must screen checked baggage with an advanced explosives detection systems (EDS).