Who's In Charge? Airport Security: Pmc Or Police?

Airport security includes the techniques and methods used in an attempt to protect passengers, staff, aircraft, and airport property from malicious harm, crime, terrorism, and other threats.

Aviation security is a combination of measures and human and material resources in order to safeguard civil aviation against acts of unlawful interference. Unlawful interference could be acts of terrorism, sabotage, threat to life and property, communication of false threat, bombing, etc.

Large numbers of people pass through airports every day. This presents potential targets for terrorism and other forms of crime because of the number of people located in one place. Similarly, the high concentration of people on large airliners increases the potentially high death rate with attacks on aircraft, and the ability to use a hijacked airplane as a lethal weapon may provide an alluring target for terrorism (such as during the September 11 attacks).

Airport security attempts to prevent any threats or potentially dangerous situations from arising or entering the country. If airport security does succeed then the chances of any dangerous situation, illegal items or threats entering into an aircraft, country or airport are greatly reduced. As such, airport security serves several purposes: To protect the airport and country from any threatening events, to reassure the traveling public that they are safe and to protect the country and their people.

In some cases, airport security is controlled at the state or local level. The primary personnel will vary and can include:

- A police force hired and dedicated to the airport e.g. the Irish Airport Police Service

- A branch (substation) of the local police department stationed at the airport

- Members of the local police department assigned to the airport as their normal patrol area

- Members of a country's airport protection service. E.g., US TSA

- Police dog services for explosive detection, drug detection and other purposes

In India, security of airports is handled by the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF)

In Singapore, The Singapore Police Force (SPF) operates The Airport Police Division (APD). The APD functions as the law enforcement agency, responsible for the maintenance of law and order within its jurisdiction of, Singapore Changi Airport and Seletar Airport.

In Hong Kong, Hong Kong Police Force's Airport Security Unit as well by civilian contractor Aviation Security Company Limited Hong Kong (AVSECO) personnel provide security. HKPF officers are armed while AVSECO personnel are unarmed.

In Pakistan, Airports Security Force (ASF) Provides law enforcement and Security for Airports.

In the US, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is responsible for providing security for airports.

Police forces and private security companies are responsible for airport security

Airport security is a combination of measures and human and material resources in order to safeguard civil aviation against acts of unlawful interference. Unlawful interference could be acts of terrorism, sabotage, threat to life and property, communication of false threat, bombing, etc.

• A police force hired and dedicated to the airport, e.g. the Irish Airport Police Service
• A branch (substation) of the local police department stationed at the airport
• Members of the local police department assigned to the airport as their normal patrol area
• Members of a country's airport protection service, e.g. US TSA
• Police dog services for explosive detection, drug detection and other purposes

In India, airport security is provided by the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF). The CISF is one of the five Central Armed Police Forces of India and comes under the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Airport security includes the techniques and methods used to protect passengers, staff, aircraft and airport property from malicious harm, crime, terrorism and other threats

Airport security is a combination of measures and human and material resources in order to safeguard civil aviation against acts of unlawful interference. These measures include techniques and methods used to protect passengers, staff, aircraft, and airport property from malicious harm, crime, terrorism, and other threats.

Techniques and Methods

Passenger Screening

Passengers are screened by metal detectors, millimeter wave scanners, and explosive detection machines, including X-ray machines and explosives trace-detection portal machines. In some cases, detection of explosives can be automated using machine learning techniques. Artificial intelligence systems are also being used for translation services on information stations and to reduce the time airplanes spend at the gate between flights.

Biometric Deployment

Biometric deployment is being used across touchpoints and for risk-based screening and intelligent video analytics.

Backscatter X-Rays

Backscatter X-rays are used to detect hidden weapons and explosives on passengers. These devices require the passenger to stand close to a flat panel and produce a high-resolution image.

Surveillance Systems

Surveillance systems, such as CCTV, are used to monitor people moving through restricted areas and sound an alert if a restricted area is entered.

Law Enforcement

Police, fire, and other emergency medical services are the core first responders to almost any emergency.

Communication

Effective communication is critical to incident management. Communication systems include police, fire, and emergency medical service (EMS) dispatch, maintenance and airport operations personnel, and air traffic control (ATC).

Health and Medical Services

Health and medical coordinators send representatives to the EOC and coordinate health and medical assistance.

Cyber Security

Cybersecurity measures include firewalls, network segmentation, software and hardware updates, disaster recovery plans, intrusion detection and protection systems, data encryption, and strong user authentication.

Aviation security is a combination of measures and human and material resources to safeguard civil aviation against acts of unlawful interference

Acts of unlawful interference are defined as acts or attempted acts such as to jeopardize the safety of civil aviation and air transport. This includes:

• Unlawful seizure of aircraft in flight or on the ground
• Hostage-taking on board aircraft or at aerodromes
• Forcible intrusion on board an aircraft, at an airport, or on aeronautical facility premises
• Introduction of weapons, hazardous devices, or materials intended for criminal purposes on board an aircraft or at an airport
• Use of an aircraft in service to cause death, injury, or damage to property or the environment
• Provision of false information that may jeopardize the safety of an aircraft, passengers, crew, ground personnel, or the general public at an airport or on aeronautical facility premises

To prevent acts of unlawful interference, each state must establish an aviation security body to coordinate security activities between stakeholders responsible for implementing aspects of the national civil aviation security program. Aircraft and airport operators are also required to establish and maintain a security program covering their activities.

Additionally, specific measures are taken to prevent unlawful interference, including:

• Access control: Security measures like perimeter fences and ID systems separate the airside of airports and restrict access to security-critical areas like the apron and manoeuvring area.
• Aircraft security: Preventing entry into the aircraft by unauthorized persons and ensuring no personal items are left behind by passengers. This includes rules for lockable flight deck doors that can resist small arms fire and grenade shrapnel.
• Cabin and hold baggage: Screening of hand luggage and checked baggage before departure. Hold baggage is also not normally transported if the owner is not on board, unless it is declared as "unaccompanied" and subject to additional screening.
• Cargo, mail, and other goods: Special security procedures are developed for transport on passenger aircraft.
• Special categories of passengers: Security measures for transporting potentially disruptive passengers, including defined provisions for the carriage of weapons on board and appropriate information for the flight crew.

Mitigation measures are also in place to reduce the impact of unlawful interference should a security breach occur. For example, in the event of unlawful interference, the flight crew will try to notify the appropriate air traffic control unit using methods such as calling on the frequency, deviating from the flight plan, or using a transponder code. Air traffic controllers are trained to recognize signs of possible unlawful interference and inform the authorities to trigger appropriate procedures, such as military interception.

At airports, operational services and emergency services are established to increase security and counter threats. These include:

• Airport security service: An armed formation that provides direct physical and ad hoc protection within the airport area, including security checks of passengers, crews, and employees to exclude the possibility of bringing dangerous equipment and prohibited materials into restricted areas. They also control the technical condition of the fence, protect restricted zones, and identify unattended luggage and personal items.
• Airport control service: Consists of operational positions like the TWR Supervisor, airport controller, terrestrial traffic controller, clearance delivery operator, and assistant air traffic controller.
• Airport operating officer: Supervises persons who manage teams and initiates procedures in the event of threats to civil aviation. This unit is also responsible for informing relevant services about incidents and can cancel or terminate procedures.
• Airport rescue and firefighting service: Primarily established to rescue endangered people, conduct evacuations, and remove immobilized aircraft. They are responsible for extinguishing fires, neutralizing spills of flammable substances, and eliminating local threats, including technical, ecological, chemical, or medical rescue services.
• Other services: Terrestrial air traffic coordinator ("Follow Me"), meteorological service, and operating service of the Polish Air Navigation Services Agency (PANSA).

To further safeguard civil aviation, states have established public services responsible for maintaining safety and security at airports, including the Border Guard, Police, and Customs Service. The Border Guard ensures public security in the area of the border crossing, takes action in the occurrence of situations threatening the safety and security of users, and provides Sky Marshalls on board aircraft if necessary. Airport police stations ensure safety, maintain public order, judge programs for counteracting crisis situations, take over individuals who violate regulations or attempt to enter restricted zones, escort dangerous passengers, conduct negotiation activities, and safeguard VIPs. The Customs Office controls compliance with customs law and transport regulations, particularly watching over the thwarted transport of endangered animals and plants. Handling agents, who perform tasks like passenger and baggage check-ins and printing and checking boarding passes, may also observe unusual behavior from passengers and forward comments to the airport security service.

Finally, airports must have necessary documentation that describes the rules, procedures, and regulations applicable on the premises. This includes an Airport Emergency Plan, which covers the airport security program against acts of unlawful interference, and an Operational Airport Rescue Plan for prompt action in case of an accident or emergency landing. A plan for counteracting crisis situations in civil aviation is also part of the Airport Security Program and must be consistent with ICAO regulations, guidelines, and requirements.

Airports are considered a gateway to the world for travellers and business, and are of great importance for country development and economic growth

Airports are considered a gateway to the world for travellers and businesses, and they are of great importance for country development and economic growth. They are not just travel hubs; they are major employment centres, providing various job opportunities. They also create jobs in related sectors like transportation, tourism, and various services.

Airports are crucial in the global supply chain, especially for time-sensitive and high-value goods. Their role in facilitating efficient logistics and supply chain management directly impacts the productivity and competitiveness of various industries.

Airports are vital for growing tourism. They’re crucial in promoting the tourist industry because flying is the main way people travel internationally. Airports attract visitors by providing excellent facilities, reasonable prices, and easy access to various places. They also serve as promotional platforms for tourism through various channels like signage, brochures, digital displays, and information centres.

Airports are causing a real estate boom in their neighbourhoods. Large pieces of land are being used for real estate projects because it’s known that real estate does well near airports. The growth of aviation cities, residential areas, logistics centres, business hubs, offices, and co-working spaces around airports adds a lot of value to the whole area.

Airports are vital drivers of growth and development in our ever-changing global economy. They significantly influence regions, cities, and nations, playing a key role in enhancing tourism, trade, and real estate development.

Airport security attempts to prevent any threats or potentially dangerous situations from arising or entering the country

Airport security is a combination of measures and human and material resources in order to safeguard civil aviation against acts of unlawful interference. These unlawful interferences could be acts of terrorism, sabotage, threats to life and property, communication of false threats, bombing, etc.

Airport security forces vary by country. In some countries, airport security is protected by a dedicated police force, such as the Irish Airport Police Service. In other countries, protection is controlled at the state or local level.

Airport security implements a variety of methods to prevent threats, including:

• Metal detectors and millimeter wave scanners
• X-ray machines and explosives trace-detection portal machines
• Backscatter X-rays to detect hidden weapons and explosives on passengers
• Security screening of carry-on and checked baggage
• CCTV cameras
• Police dog services for explosive detection, drug detection, and other purposes
• Artificial intelligence systems for translation services, reducing the time airplanes spend at the gate, etc.

Frequently asked questions