Securitas Magazine, Article 2/ 2005, Page 1
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Another chapter deals with the exact requirements for technical security equipment, such as metal detectors, hand-held devices and x-ray systems.
In addition, the directive also emphasizes the importance of keeping security staff highly motivated.
In other words, security staff working with aviation security need to be properly screened, approved, and trained. They also need to combine these qualities with social skills, stress-handling capabilities and service-mindedness.
Securitas has provided airport security services to its customers for decades and conducts specialzed aviation training in eight European countries through its dedicated sub-division, Securitas Transport Aviation Security.
Leading the way
In on of these countries, Norway, Securitas has become an officially approved airport security training provider. While Norway is not a member of the European Union, it is the only country in Europe that has ratified the EU directives to the fullest extent. The country’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has worked on developing strict national regulation standards for its airport security training, which complies with the directives and other international regulations.
The new national policy, announced in May 2004, requires CAA –certified airport schools to provide security personnel with training, followed by a security certification proving that they have attended a basic training course and passed all tests and examinations that allow them to work in an airport.
Tore Roald, Training Manager for Securitas Airport Security AS, explains: “The new policy does not require that we, as a security company, start a school. However, since we have worked to develop and improve airport security for more than 30 years in Norway, and we have been looking after 49 airports and already had a good course plan approved by Avinor, the state-owned company which owns and operates the airports in Norway, we don’t find a reason not to.”
Secuirtas Norway’s long experience in airport security meant that it stood well prepared when the new policy came out and didn’t need to many changes to its existing course plan. The minimum requirements by the CAA in the new policy include 80 hours’ basic training and one month’s practice at an airport followed |
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LEARNING
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Aviation security is one of the most prominent areas in the security business that call for increasingly sophisticated training methods. Learning how to spot dangerous items using computer-based programs is key to Securitas’ airport security training. |
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Text by Asa Larsson and Helene Astrom
Photos by Terje Heiestad and Ralf Baumgarten
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Civi Aviation has undergone tremendous changes since 2001, especially in the area of security.
In December 2002, the EU directive 2320/2002 was established, laying down recommendations on security for the civil aviation operations in member countries. |
The chapter on the screening and training of security staff states that training should include screening technology and techniques, baggage search techniques as well as security systems and access control.
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Securitas Magazine, Article 2/ 2005, Page 2
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“They have to pass with 75 percent and they have three attempts. If they don’t pass the test they have to do the training course all over again.”
Tore Roald, Training Manager Securitas Airport Security AS, Norway |
The full program contains 1,200 pictures of prohibited items that can be “hidden” in different types of luggage. Each picture of item and luggage is available as an x-ray picture and a photo. This allows for the security officer to compare the two after completing the program.
Continues Laude: “Screeners need to have a technical mindset because, while the images they see are two-dimensional, they have to be able to think in three dimensional terms to analyze what they are seeing. One way of facilitating this is to place the luggage at an angle on the belt.”
The initial training in Germany is six weeks, or 164 hours, of classroom training combined with practical exercise. Upon completion, the officers have to pass a test overseen by the Federal Police. Every year, each security officer has to take a refresher training course of an additional 40 hours.
Each quarter, they have to pass a refresher test at 80 percent hit rate. Not only do they have to identify the correct items, but must do so within a specified time. In addition, the Federal Police also conducts undercover live tests at the Berlin airports by pretending to be passengers. So far this year, 46 tests have been carried out, all of which were exposed by Securitas.
Though the Federal Police oversees Securitas in Germany, it has commended Securitas’ airport training and the services on numerous occasions. And as a sign of trust, Securitas was given the task of training the Federal Police to carry out personal and luggage screening at Germany’s Olympic Village complex at the Athens Olympics in 2004. |
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by theoretical and practical exams – all of which already existed prior to the new policy. However, additional components have been included in the training course to comply with the new regulations.
“with the new policy came stricter requirements on screening, and one of the elements in the course is the 20-hour CBT – computer based training for X-ray luggage screening.” Says Roald. “Before, you practiced your screening on the spot with a supervisor overlooking the job, but now, all students have to take a test on the computer, in which they have to recognize dangerous articles in up to 90 photos. They have to pass with 75 percent and they have three attempts. If they don’t pass the test they have to do the training course all over again.”
In addition to technical know-how, officers are trained in basic profiling, psychology and conflict management. “But, it is not just about security.” Emphasises Roald. “It is also about being a good service provider and being able to meet and greet passengers with a smile.” |
Once the officers have been approved by the authorities, they are still required to take a two-day course and retake the tests every year to maintain their certificates.
“The new policy is very strict compared to the old system, but it helps us keep the quality up.” Roald concludes.
German efficiency
Another county that has a similar training program is Germany. The difference is that the courses, test and exams are overseen and approved by the German Federal Police.
Like its Norwegian sister program, the actual training takes place at airports in designated training facilities. The Berlin-Tegel Training Center serves as the classroom for hundreds of security officers working at two of the airports in Berlin.
Here, Securitas Training Manager Peggy Laude runs classes, tests and builds database material for the training program. “ The screening training program we use is computer based.” She says. “The system is upgraded every three months and we received 800 new pictures last month alone.” |
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