Portal Technologies
Part 1
According to Elias (2009), a very small increase in screening time may prove to be prohibitive logistically when we consider the huge numbers of passengers using the airline. Zellan (2003) notes that more screening that has an effect of decreasing passenger throughput can have a negative economic impact and be a big contributor to congestion at the airport. It hence makes sense to use portal technologies that have the goal of decreasing the passenger wait time. The use of passenger explosives trace detection system can hence prove effective as far as passenger throughput is concerned while maximizing security effectiveness. This system can drastically reduce throughput time by exclusively enforcing its use on passengers picked for secondary screening. This was one of the recommendations of the commission on 9/11.
Another suggestion on enhancing passenger throughput time while maximizing security effectiveness is the use of additional screening lanes. According to Elias (2009), lack of space and various design issues have been to blame for the failure of TSA’s inability to increase the number of screening lanes at large airports.This in turn has resulted to the increase in the passenger throughput time where passengers have to wait for long periods of time at most notably at peak periods in screening checkpoints. With the likely future growth in passenger volumes the increase in screening lanes may be an inevitable undertaking TSA might take into consideration without compromising on security efforts As Zellan (2003) notes, additional screening lanes will not only enable travelers to have a more relaxed atmosphere but it will also enhance the interaction of behavorial detection officers with passengers so as to detect suspicious behavior and hence boost security while reducing passenger through time.
Part 2
The U.S has become a proponent of tighter aviation security measures especially after the September 11 terrorist attack. In that line TSA’s has a strategic plan on air cargo which is an approach designed to enhance the effectiveness of air cargo security. One of the means of increasing the effectiveness of air cargo side screening operations has been seen in the efforts by TSA whereby participants in the program dubbed certified cargo screening program or simply put as CCCSP, have been certified. When in place, this program will enhance screening not only in airline cargo warehouses but in other places as well. This other places include distribution and consolidation points as well as manufacturing establishments.This will enable independent cargo screening facilities to meet the legal requirements as regards screening in a cost effective manner.
The good thing with this distributed screening initiative as Sweet (2004) notes is its ability to enhance the screening of the 12 million pounds of cargo which is estimated to be loaded on passenger planes on a daily basis. The other approach to increase effectiveness of air cargo side screening operations is to blend or incorporate both technology and operational initiatives in the cargo side screening operations. The technology proposals include use of cargo containers that are blast resistant, controlled access to facilities with air cargo and worker identification by use of biometric systems etc. Operational proposals include provision of cargo information in advance, more specialized training for air cargo handlers as well as an enhancement of operations involving air cargo. This measures if used together will inevitable increase efficiency and hence effectiveness of air cargo side screening operations.
References
Elias, B. (2009). Airport and Aviation Security: U.S. Policy and Strategy in the Age of Global Terrorism. CRC Press
Sweet, K.M. (2004). Aviation and airport security: terrorism and safety concerns. Pearson / Prentice Hall
Zellan, J. (2003). Aviation security: current issues and developments. Nova Publishers
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