Ruth Haines
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is working to improve aviation security by implementing enhanced security measures, such as increasing security protocols around aircraft and in passenger areas, deploying advanced technology, and expanding canine screening. DHS has also introduced a global collaboration to improve the airport passenger experience and maintain the highest levels of security. To improve passenger screening, DHS is developing advanced imaging technology and exploring self-service screening options, which aim to increase security effectiveness, reduce wait times, and minimize person-to-person contact. These measures are crucial as terrorist groups continue to target passenger aircraft and adapt their attack methods.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Security measures | Enhanced security measures, both seen and unseen |
| Intelligence sharing | Improved intelligence sharing with international partners |
| Technology | Advanced Imaging Technology, millimeter wave systems, HD-AIT, Real-Time AIT, self-service screening |
| Canine screening | Expanded canine screening |
| Preclearance locations | Additional preclearance locations |
| Compliance | Airlines that do not comply may face penalties such as additional security restrictions, civil penalties, or suspension of flights to the US |
| Screening process | Improved speed and accuracy of threat detection, reduced need to remove shoes/outerwear, reduced pat-downs, improved passenger experience |
| Global standards | Harmonization between TSL, TSA, and ECAC to improve the passenger experience and enhance security |
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What You'll Learn
Improving intelligence sharing and standardising best practices
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is working to improve aviation security by implementing enhanced security measures. These measures are a response to evolving threats, such as the various attempts by terrorists to hide explosives in shoes, laptops, and printers. DHS aims to improve intelligence sharing and standardise best practices to raise the global aviation security baseline.
To improve intelligence sharing, DHS is working with partners worldwide to advance operations and information sharing. This includes assessing foreign airports and inspecting airlines to ensure compliance with US regulations and international security standards. DHS is also seeking advanced technology to enhance security, such as improved passenger screening technologies that provide higher-resolution scans and better automated detection algorithms to reduce false alarms.
In terms of standardising best practices, DHS is working with international partners to strengthen security measures around aircraft and in passenger areas. This includes enhanced screening of passengers, their electronic devices, and their property. DHS is also working to standardise requirements, screening equipment, and operating procedures to make the international travel experience more efficient and less confusing.
Additionally, DHS is collaborating with the United Kingdom, Germany, the Netherlands, France, and Spain to analyse the strengths and weaknesses of US and European testing methodologies. This will ensure that standardised screening systems and processes can be deployed with confidence. DHS is also working on a self-service screening option to increase security effectiveness and reduce checkpoint wait times, giving passengers more autonomy and reducing the need for pat-downs and bag inspections.
Overall, DHS's efforts to improve intelligence sharing and standardise best practices are crucial steps in enhancing aviation security and protecting travellers worldwide. These measures demonstrate a commitment to staying ahead of evolving threats and ensuring the safety of the travelling public.
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Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT)
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is working to improve aviation security by implementing enhanced security measures, including Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT). DHS and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) are collaborating on AIT to improve the passenger screening experience.
AIT systems use millimeter waves to scan passengers. These waves are completely safe, as they are 10,000 times less powerful than cell phone signals and do not penetrate the skin. The data from the scans is processed by an algorithm that protects passenger privacy. This algorithm presents results on a generic human figure for Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) to review. The algorithm will alert the TSO to potential anomalies with identifiers on the generic human image, allowing for further investigation if needed.
The Screening at Speed Program has been instrumental in developing AIT. The program co-sponsored a competition with the TSA Office of Acquisition Program Management, Passenger Screening Program, to solicit new automated detection algorithms. These algorithms improve the speed and accuracy of threat detection during the airport screening process. The winning algorithms were further refined and certified for field trials to increase security effectiveness.
The HD-AIT system, developed by the Screening at Speed Program and PNNL, has two versions: a stand-alone passenger screening system and a passenger screening retrofit-kit. The stand-alone system operates similarly to existing walk-in, pause-and-pose systems but with higher-definition data that can more easily identify threats, reducing false alarms and the need for pat-downs. The retrofit-kit packages the custom electronics so they can be installed into existing systems at airports without replacing the entire chassis.
The Real-Time AIT system may eventually allow standard passengers to be screened at walking speeds, similar to a metal detector. Integrating HD-AIT into standard airport screening lanes could allow passengers to keep light sweaters, jackets, and even shoes on during screening, improving the passenger experience.
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Increasing security protocols around aircraft and in passenger areas
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is working to improve aviation security by implementing enhanced security measures, both seen and unseen, to protect against an evolving range of threats.
One key area of focus is increasing security protocols around aircraft and in passenger areas. This includes enhanced screening of passengers and their electronic devices, which may result in longer wait times. Travelers are encouraged to arrive early for flights to accommodate this. The DHS is also working to improve intelligence sharing with international partners and implement advanced technology to enhance security.
To improve the passenger experience while maintaining security, the DHS is developing advanced imaging technology (AIT) and millimeter wave systems. These systems provide higher-resolution scans and better automated detection algorithms, reducing the need for passengers to remove items like shoes and outerwear. The Real-Time AIT system may eventually allow passengers to be screened at walking speed, similar to a metal detector. The HD-AIT system also improves the detection of threats while reducing false alarms and the need for pat-downs.
The DHS is also working on a self-service screening option, which will allow passengers to complete the security screening process independently. This will reduce person-to-person contact, minimize the handling of bags by TSOs, and allow passengers to proceed at their own pace. The prototype includes a video monitor with instructions and a help button for live assistance.
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Expanding canine screening
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is committed to improving aviation security worldwide in response to evolving threats from terrorist groups. To achieve this, DHS has implemented enhanced security measures, including expanded canine screening.
Canine screening is a vital component of aviation security, and expanding this capability can significantly enhance the detection of explosives and other threats. Canine teams offer several advantages in airport security. Firstly, their sense of smell is extremely sensitive, allowing them to detect trace amounts of explosives, drugs, or other contraband. This capability complements advanced imaging technology and algorithms by providing an additional layer of security.
Secondly, canine teams are highly mobile and can be rapidly deployed to various areas within an airport, including passenger screening areas, baggage claim, and aircraft. This flexibility enables targeted and efficient security operations, ensuring that resources are utilized where they are most needed.
Furthermore, canine teams can assist in improving the overall passenger experience. Well-trained canines can conduct screenings quickly and efficiently, reducing wait times and minimizing disruptions. Their presence can also be a deterrent to potential security threats, providing an additional layer of protection.
To optimize the effectiveness of expanded canine screening, DHS should consider several key factors. Firstly, investing in specialized training for canine teams is essential to ensure the highest standards of detection capabilities. This includes regular and rigorous training programs to maintain and enhance their skills.
Additionally, collaboration with international partners is crucial to standardize canine team training and deployment procedures. By sharing best practices and establishing consistent protocols, DHS can ensure that canine teams across different jurisdictions work cohesively, especially in the context of international travel, where consistency in security measures is vital.
In conclusion, expanding canine screening is a critical aspect of improving airport security. By leveraging the capabilities of canine teams, DHS can enhance detection capabilities, increase operational flexibility, and improve the overall passenger experience. Through specialized training, collaboration with international partners, and the integration of canine teams into existing security protocols, DHS can further strengthen aviation security and protect travelers worldwide.
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Developing self-service screening systems
The Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) has been working on developing self-service screening systems to improve airport security. The self-service screening system is a result of S&T's Screening at Speed Program, which develops and tests solutions for the next generation of airport screening.
In late 2021, S&T awarded contracts to three companies to develop self-screening concepts, prototypes, and hardware. The companies are Micro-X of Federal Way, Washington; Vanderlande Industries Inc. of Marietta, Georgia; and Voxel Radar of San Francisco. These companies are working with Screening at Speed and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to develop self-screening concepts that meet TSA's rigorous security standards. Micro-X, for example, is developing a pod-based design with individual screening consoles consisting of a compact carry-on screening system and a flat-panel passenger screening capability.
The prototype self-service screening system was unveiled at Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas in March 2024. The prototype has a video monitor that provides step-by-step instructions for passengers to complete screening at their own pace. It also eliminates the need for Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) to handle carry-on bags and trays and reduces the need for pat-downs. The system incorporates primary and secondary screening in the same conveyor belt system.
The TSA will carefully study the results of the assessment at Harry Reid International Airport before announcing a timeline for future deployment of the prototype to other checkpoints or airports. The data collected will inform design, development, feasibility, and viability decisions for future iterations. The TSA is committed to enhancing the passenger experience while improving security.
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Frequently asked questions
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is working to improve airport security by implementing enhanced security measures, both seen and unseen, such as increasing security protocols around aircraft and in passenger areas, deploying advanced technology, expanding canine screening, and establishing additional preclearance locations.
DHS is collaborating with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) on Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) to improve the passenger screening experience. This includes the development of HD-AIT systems, which provide higher-definition data to identify threats more easily and reduce false alarms, as well as the Real-Time AIT, which may allow passengers to be screened at walking speeds.
DHS recognizes that terrorist groups continue to target passenger aircraft and adapt their attack methods. In response, DHS is working with international partners to raise the global aviation security baseline and implement measures that exceed current standards. This includes sharing intelligence and standardizing best practices to stay ahead of emerging threats.
DHS is focused on improving the passenger experience by reducing wait times and minimizing person-to-person contact. This includes the development of self-service screening options, where passengers can complete the security screening process on their own, reducing the need for pat-downs and bag inspections by TSOs.
DHS uses millimeter wave technology, which is 10,000 times less powerful than cell phone signals and does not penetrate the skin. The data is processed by an algorithm that protects passenger privacy by presenting results on a generic human figure for TSOs to review. This technology improves detection while also enhancing the passenger experience.
