Airports And Swat: On-Site Security And Emergency Response

Airports are potential targets for terrorism and other forms of crime due to the large number of people passing through them daily. Aviation security is a combination of measures and human and material resources to safeguard civil aviation against acts of unlawful interference, such as terrorism, sabotage, threats, and bombing. Airport security attempts to prevent any threats or potentially dangerous situations from arising or entering the country. To ensure the safety of passengers, staff, aircraft, and property, airports employ various techniques and methods, including passenger screening, baggage scanning, and access control. Some airports have an agency dedicated to protecting all their airports, while others delegate this responsibility to state, local, or private entities. Airport law enforcement models vary and may include airport police, city police, county sheriffs, departments of public safety, and state police.

This paragraph introduces the topic of airport security and law enforcement, highlighting the importance of protecting airports from potential threats. It provides an overview of the measures, resources, and models used to ensure the safety of those who use and work within these critical transportation hubs.

Airport security techniques and methods

Security Checks for Passengers and Their Luggage

Advanced X-ray machines and screening technology are crucial components of airport security. Body scanners, for example, generate detailed images to detect concealed objects under a passenger's clothing without physical contact. Additionally, X-ray machines are used to inspect carry-on and checked luggage, identifying prohibited items like weapons and explosives. Explosive Detection Systems (EDS) are also crucial for screening baggage and preventing potential threats from reaching aircraft. Security personnel conduct manual checks and employ behavioural analysis to identify risks that automated systems might overlook. The training for these staff members is rigorous and regularly updated to address evolving security threats and technological advancements. Airports adhere to security regulations set by national and international bodies, such as the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA), and compliance is verified through regular audits.

Runway and Taxiway Maintenance

Maintaining runways and taxiways is vital for ensuring safe and efficient airport operations. Regular inspections are conducted to detect and repair surface issues like cracks, potholes, and wear, which could potentially damage aircraft during landing and takeoff. Foreign Object Debris (FOD) management is another critical aspect, involving routine sweeps to remove debris that could be hazardous to aircraft. Clear markings and robust lighting systems guide pilots during all operating conditions, and regular maintenance ensures their functionality. Weather-related maintenance, such as snow and ice removal in colder climates, and effective drainage systems are also implemented to maintain safe surfaces for aircraft operations.

Management of Potential Wildlife Hazards

Airports conduct regular wildlife hazard assessments to identify species that pose risks to aircraft operations. Management strategies are then adapted based on local wildlife behaviours and populations. Habitat modification, such as altering landscaping to discourage nesting and managing water bodies to make them less attractive to birds, is one key strategy. Techniques like adjusting grass heights can also help deter specific species. Active deterrence methods include the use of trained falcons, pyrotechnics, and bio-acoustics systems that emit distress calls of various species. Airports often collaborate with environmental experts to implement effective and environmentally sound wildlife control programs, ensuring compliance with environmental and aviation safety regulations.

Emergency Response Procedures and Fire Safety

Airports prioritise emergency preparedness and planning to handle a wide range of incidents, including aircraft accidents, fires, natural disasters, and security threats. Comprehensive emergency response plans outline the roles and responsibilities of various emergency teams, ensuring swift and coordinated responses in collaboration with local and national emergency services. Regular training and simulated drills are conducted to maintain the proficiency of emergency personnel. Airports maintain specialised firefighting units equipped with advanced vehicles and tools designed for aviation-related fire challenges. Strategically placed fire stations enable rapid response times, and ongoing maintenance and testing of equipment ensure operational readiness. Effective communication during emergencies is vital, and airports utilise public address systems, digital signage, and social media to provide clear, timely instructions to passengers and staff.

Thorough Regulatory Compliance

Airports adhere to strict standards and regulations set by national and international bodies, such as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). These regulations cover various aspects, including air traffic management, aircraft operations, emergency services, and environmental protection. Regular audits and inspections are conducted to verify compliance with these stringent requirements. Training and certification for all airport and airline staff are essential, including continuous education in security, air traffic control, emergency response, and environmental management. Airports also implement comprehensive Safety Management Systems (SMS) to proactively manage and mitigate operational risks, fostering trust and reliability in the aviation sector.

SWAT crisis preparation and training

Planning and Training

• Start by collaborating with airport police, fire departments, and technicians from airlines operating at the airport.
• Identify a suitable location at the airport to divert endangered planes, minimizing casualties, containing the problem, and facilitating emergency response and evacuation.
• Develop a comprehensive plan by asking critical questions, such as how to immobilize a plane, gain access, and evacuate passengers safely.

Hands-on Training

• Learn to approach from blind spots, deliver negotiation equipment, and perform breaching and entry techniques.
• Practice physical control and arrest drills, limited-space movement drills (stealth and verbalization), and surrender rituals.
• Train in full gear and conduct live-fire exercises using mock setups or Simunitions equipment.
• Understand the unique challenges of ballistic shields and shooting accurately in confined spaces within planes.

Training Facilities and Resources

• Acquire access to an out-of-service plane to create a realistic training environment, replicating the spaces and constraints of an actual aircraft.
• Utilize donated or decommissioned aircraft for hands-on training, enabling officers to familiarize themselves with aircraft layouts and constraints.
• Incorporate stairs and vertical elements into training scenarios to simulate different airport environments.

Active Shooter Training Scenarios

• Prepare for scenarios with one or multiple active shooters, requiring coordination between contact teams and effective radio communication.
• Train for situations involving wounded individuals, off-duty officers, and the need to transition between rescue and contact team roles.
• Practice responding to shooters with improvised explosive devices (IEDs), evacuating innocents, and dealing with secondary threats.

Physical and Mental Fitness

• Ensure SWAT team members are in excellent physical condition, capable of enduring the demands of the job.
• Focus on endurance, not just strength, as SWAT operations require sustained physical performance.
• Emphasize mental agility, quick thinking, teamwork, and proficiency with firearms to handle high-stress situations effectively.

SWAT roles and responsibilities

SWAT, or Special Weapons and Tactics, is a police tactical unit generally trained, equipped, and deployed to resolve high-risk situations that regular police units are not trained or equipped to handle. These situations include shootouts, standoffs, raids, hostage-takings, and terrorism.

SWAT teams are equipped with specialized weapons and equipment, such as automatic firearms, high-caliber sniper rifles, stun grenades, body armor, ballistic shields, night-vision devices, and armored vehicles. They are often trained in special tactics such as close-quarters combat, door breaching, crisis negotiation, and de-escalation.

The roles and responsibilities of SWAT teams in an airport setting can be outlined as follows:

Tactical Team Leader

The tactical team leader is responsible for preparing plans to resolve problems at the airport and submitting them to the officers in charge. They have the authority to make necessary changes to the plan if conditions change.

Tactical Team Operator

Tactical team operators carry out the approved tactical plan. They are required to be in top physical condition and possess excellent tactical, physical, and firearms skills. Regular training with other team members is essential to maintain readiness.

Counter-Sniper/Observer

The counter-sniper/observer has exceptional skills to remain unseen and provide protective overwatch for the team before, during, and after an incident.

Crisis Negotiator

Crisis negotiators are crucial in diffusing tense situations, such as a suspect barricading themselves in an airport area. They can bring about a peaceful resolution or buy time for the tactical team to plan and act effectively.

Investigator

The investigator's role is to gather information and evidence during a crisis, even as negotiations are ongoing. They also streamline the process of obtaining any necessary warrants to facilitate the tactical plan.

Grenadier (Munitions Expert)

The grenadier is an expert in chemical and impact munitions and their delivery systems. They maintain certifications, train team members, and ensure the department's munitions are current and well-maintained.

Breacher

A trained breacher can effectively use various tools, including pry bars and explosives, to gain entry during an operation.

Team-Member Trainer

The team-member trainer is responsible for conducting regular training sessions to ensure the team maintains its skills and readiness.

Armorer

The armorer inspects, maintains, and repairs the team's weapons, ensuring they are in optimal condition.

Quartermaster (Logistics Officer)

The quartermaster manages the acquisition, maintenance, and budgeting for the team's equipment. They are well-versed in federal grants and military surplus programs to enhance the team's capabilities affordably.

Empty Hands Specialist

Empty hands specialists possess exceptional skills in hand-to-hand combat and can control suspects without the use of weapons. They also train other team members in these techniques.

Technology Specialist

The technology specialist handles technological aspects, such as operating surveillance equipment and constructing PowerPoint presentations for briefings. They keep the team informed about advancements in the technological field.

Shield Specialist

Shield specialists undergo rigorous training to effectively utilize ballistic shields during operations, requiring skill, strength, and endurance.

Vehicle Operator

Vehicle operators are trained to handle specialized vehicles, such as the Bearcat and Bell helicopter, ensuring swift and safe transportation of the team and equipment to the airport incident site.

Tactical Emergency Medic

Tactical emergency medics provide critical medical care to injured officers, victims, and even suspects during an airport crisis. Their presence can significantly reduce battlefield deaths and injuries.

Additional Roles

Depending on the specific needs of the airport jurisdiction, SWAT teams may also include roles such as aerial support, canine units, and investigators specializing in airport-specific challenges.

In summary, the roles and responsibilities of SWAT teams in an airport setting are diverse and specialized. Each member of the team contributes unique skills and expertise to ensure effective resolution of high-risk situations, protecting the safety of airport personnel, passengers, and the general public.

Airport police departments

The size and structure of airport police departments vary depending on the airport and its location. For example, the DFW Airport Police Department has approximately 200 officers who patrol an area of more than 17,000 acres and protect over 60 million passengers annually. On the other hand, the Cleveland Hopkins International Airport is patrolled by a dedicated unit within the Cleveland Police Department, with officers permanently assigned to the airport.

The reporting structure and management control of airport police departments can vary. In some cases, law enforcement personnel report directly to airport management, while in others, they may be employees of the airport owner or operator. The level of integration of law enforcement into daily airport operations can also differ, ranging from moderate to high coordination between law enforcement and airport operations teams.

Airport security and hygiene

Airport security is a combination of measures and human and material resources to protect civil aviation against acts of unlawful interference, including terrorism, sabotage, threats to life, property, and communication of false threats. Large numbers of people pass through airports every day, making them potential targets for terrorism and other forms of crime. Therefore, airport security attempts to prevent any threats or dangerous situations from arising or entering the country.

Techniques and Methods

Airport security employs various techniques and methods to protect passengers, staff, aircraft, and property. These include:

• Passenger security screening through metal detectors, millimeter wave scanners, and explosive detection machines (X-ray machines and trace-detection portal machines).
• Use of police dog services for explosive and drug detection.
• Computed tomography and walk-through body scanning.
• Artificial intelligence systems for translation services and reducing aircraft turnaround time.
• Backscatter X-rays to detect hidden weapons and explosives.
• Conversation-based threat detection by specially trained individuals.
• Biometric deployment, risk-based screening, and intelligent video analytics.
• "Screening Passengers by Observation Techniques" (SPOT) program.

Hygiene Challenges

While airport security measures are crucial for ensuring passenger safety, they can introduce hygiene challenges. For example, a study at Helsinki-Vantaa airport during the 2015-2016 flu season identified plastic security screening trays as a significant vector for the spread of respiratory viruses, emphasizing the need for enhanced sanitation practices.

Law Enforcement at Airports

Airport law enforcement models vary and include airport police, city police, county sheriffs, departments of public safety, and state police. Airport police departments have specially trained officers dedicated to the airport, often located within the terminals. They perform a range of tasks, including emergency response, criminal investigations, patrolling, traffic enforcement, and making arrests.

Frequently asked questions