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Lead Article – Transparent Security: time for a poker face

20 Dec 2011

On a recent trip to Macau, I ventured into one of the myriad of casinos that now make up the gambling capital of the world  – with more tables, slot machines and, of course, pundits than anywhere else on the globe, including the more renowned Las Vegas. The first thing that caught my attention was [...]

Passengers with Implanted Pacemakers and Cardioverter-Defibrillators: can they be safely screened by hand-held metal detectors?

20 Dec 2011

Clemens Jilek, Stelios Tzeis and Christian Kolb present their research into the safety of using hand-held metal detectors to screen passengers with implanted pacemakers or cardioverter-defibrillators. Pacemaker and cardioverter defibrillator systems are routinely used for the treatment of cardiac arrhythmias. Function of these cardiac rhythm devices can be impaired by electromagnetic interference from devices and systems [...]

Flight Attendants: service providers or safety and security professionals?

20 Dec 2011

One of the long-standing challenges of the aviation industry has been how the image of those personnel who, arguably, proffer the last line of defence in the management of a terrorist or unruly passenger incident in-flight, can be transformed from that of a trolley dolly into one of a safety and security professional. Pilots are [...]

Airport Security: communicating effectively for effective action

20 Dec 2011

Graeme Harrison discusses the importance of building the right technology into airports and how effective communication can be the difference between success and failure during an emergency. The world of air travel has changed completely over the last decade. Airports around the world have been transformed with the introduction of high tech safety and security [...]

Video Analytics: from access control to behaviour detection and beyond

20 Dec 2011

Daniel Wan assesses the development of video analytics from a perceived premium add-on to a cost-effective and key component in certain security applications. The use of analytics has evolved beyond fulfilling basic security needs to include advanced features such as traffic monitoring functions and detection of left luggage within transportation hubs. On a basic level, [...]

Computer based training: advantages and considerations

20 Dec 2011

As we become ever more automated, opportunities for ever more creative ways of delivering training emerge. Classroom sessions, whilst still a necessity are now being supplemented by Computer Based Training (CBT) sessions that can be undertaken at work, at home, on the job or even whilst away. What can CBT provide that classroom training cannot [...]

Data Collection, Fusion Centres and Civil Liberties: implications for civil aviation

20 Dec 2011

Amid the plethora of technological innovations that help define the era of globalisation, few have more serious and far-reaching implications for air travel than the collection, analysis and focused dissemination of information. Also referred to as “data mining”, powerful engines can and do collect immense items of information from public and private sources. This information [...]

Keeping an Airport Running: emergency response

20 Dec 2011

by Alan (Avi) Kirschenbaum, Carmit Rapaport and Sharon Lubasz  One of the most vexing situations that airport managers can find themselves in is when a security threat or actual terrorism incident forces a decision to shut down the airport, close sections of it or try to maintain operations despite disruptions; all this while simultaneously trying [...]

Critiquing the Critics: debating without venom

02 Oct 2011

I certainly ruffled a few feathers. In my last lead editorial, entitled “Christian Fundamentalism & Justiciar Knights”, I used the atrocity perpetrated in Norway on 22nd July 2011 as an example of the fact that our security system must be able to counter the threat posed by all those who wish to target it, regardless [...]

THE FINAL FIGURES

02 Oct 2011

In this tenth anniversary issue of the 11th September 2001 terrorist attacks against the United States, in place of the Final Word, we feature the Final Figures… Timings 8.46    The time that American Airlines flight 11 crashed into the North Tower of the World Trade Centre 9.03    The time that United Airlines flight 175 crashed [...]