Of all the modern forms of transport, air travel is arguably one of the most security-conscious. With high profile attacks and hijacking being an ever-present threat, airport security is vital. However, as well as being highly vigilant, airport security also needs to be flexible for passengers and staff, ensuring that the flow of travellers and workers are not impeded by the security measures designed to safeguard them. Whilst security concerns are as prevalent as ever, modern integrated security systems are making it easier for security operators to effectively police airports, using an array of modern technology to counter crime and potential terrorist acts before they are able to materialise.
Baggage is a key consideration at airports. Integrated security systems can monitor checked baggage, from registering the movement of items to intelligent CCTV monitoring, this detects anonymities of items or individuals in unauthorised locations. Equally, security systems can help monitor hand luggage security checks, ensuring passengers do not stray from official channels or automatically close barriers if a threat is detected. In the event of a fire or similar emergency, busy passenger areas can be automatically configured to allow people to depart safely and orderly. Dangerous areas can be sealed off and rescue teams alerted if stray individuals remain within the danger area.
Like all public transport systems, airports have a potential threat from abandoned and unidentified baggage. Whilst passengers may innocently leave items temporarily, security teams need to be aware of them as potential threats. Intelligent CCTV monitoring is able to spot suspicious items and to assess whether they have been maliciously abandoned. This may not be easy for a human operator to achieve when monitoring a large site or number of sites. Integrated security systems can also log individuals associated with abandoned items and tracked for potential interception. Modern security systems, such as TDSi’s VUgarde2 CCTV software solution in combination with its EXgarde integrated access control software. Together, these systems offer a myriad of options with regards to the integration and co-operation between passive monitoring and proactive security systems (such as access control) to manage all security needs.
As well as passenger and airside safety, airports also contain many retail outlets, varying from catering and pre-packed foodstuffs to expensive duty-free goods and personal electrical items, which are equally at risk. Like all retail sites, airport shops and catering areas also contain large amounts of cash and other valuable items, so security systems need to be able to monitor, detect and help apprehend any criminals operating on site.
Elsewhere, airports equally suffer perimeter risks – be it potential thefts or indeed terrorism threats and even intruders that could be at risk from the dangerous operations of the site. Integrated CCTV and intruder systems are a vital part of protecting and monitoring often remote parts of the site perimeter – protecting the safety of not only passengers and airport personnel but also the general public in the area.
