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.

By Tiffany Misrahi, Community Lead, Head of Aviation, Travel & Tourism Industry, World Economic Forum

Today, protectionist rhetoric is on the rise in countries around the world. But, just at a time when we should be working together to solve security issues, we’re becoming less collaborative and more isolationist. This will not make our countries safer; rather, illegitimate travellers will become more creative while legitimate travellers will suffer. 

In January of 2017, the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Industry Community for Aviation, Travel and Tourism published a white paper, Digital Borders: Enabling a Secure, Seamless and Personalized Journey. Although the focus is mostly on border security, there are several key insights for the aviation security (AVSEC) community to consider.

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.

As a security detection specialist, why am I so passionate about totes? For twenty-five years I worked at Southwest airlines in the Security field and was Manager of the Airport Security Technology group prior to my departure. I have first-hand experience on the impact of dealing with inefficient systems or lost bags. In my current role, I’m working side-by-side with different BHS companies integrating our CT EDS solutions for hold baggage screening. In doing this, I’ve seen the impact a well-designed tote system has on operations.