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PSIA - GATEWAY TO THE WORLD |
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Thursday, 14 June 2007 |
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Page 6 of 12  JOHN MITCHELL, HEAD OF AIRPORT SECURITY
AIRPORT SECURITY AND YOU - Keeping your experience simple There is much more to the operations of the Point Salines International Airport than readily meets the eye. Under all of the back and forth movement of passengers and staff, the shopping for last minute items, the electronic alerts and advisories and the landing and taking off of aircraft, there is the ever important question of security and safety for everyone and of everything traversing the facility. In more recent times aviation security has evolved into a highly specialized and dynamic operation that consistently utilizes both conventional and technical means to accomplish and maintain safety. Inspector John Mitchell the Manager of security and safety acknowledges that where airport security is concerned a moment’s lapse in vigilance can result in serious consequences for the traveling industry and by extension our nation’s economy. He further explains that the primary objective of the security department is to assure the protection and safety of passengers, crew, ground personnel, the general public, aircraft, and facilities of the airport against acts of unlawful interference perpetrated on the ground or in flight. He also states that since their safety is of primary concern, adequate measures are continuously enforced ensuring no windows of opportunity exist for the propagation of criminal activities. The increase in global terrorist activities has dramatically affected the way in which aviation security is being dispensed taking it to a significant higher level. The attacks of September 11th 2001and most recently the foiled liquid explosive plot on August 8th 2006 continually serve to remind us of the ongoing threat facing the civil aviation industry. Mitchell said that the most recent measures relating to the restrictions on liquids, aerosols, and gels is as a direct result of the real or perceived threat on the international arena. He was quick to highlight that other steps implemented are simple proactive and compensatory measures to accommodate the local environment. Although aviation security encompasses a multifaceted arrangement, (the majority of which are restricted), he used the opportunity to share some declassified information which in his view will immensely aid the traveling public in preventing delays at the security check point.  DEPARTING PASSENGERS ENTERING SECURITY CHECK POINT
He admitted that there have been some complaints from passengers who are not traveling to North America or the UK who made inquiries as to why their liquids and gel should be taken away when they are not headed for these locations. He pointed out that because the same departure lounge is used by everyone and people are sometimes checking in at the same time for flights going to different locations the possibility of some transfer or exchange of some dangerous material has to be preempted.
The security manager sees it as very important that the public understands the deep intent of the security measures that are implemented at the airport since their cooperation is critical to an effective passenger flow.< At the checkpoint, travelers will be asked to remove the zip-top bag of liquids and place it in a container for Xraying separately which will allow security officers to more easily examine the declared items. In addition, larger amounts of prescription liquid medications, baby formula and diabetic glucose treatments must be declared at the checkpoint for additional screening. To ensure the health and welfare of certain air travelers the following items are permitted.
He said that if these items are in containers larger than three point four ounces the following is to be performed:
On the issue of clothing the manager pointed out that there are no particular restrictions on the style or type of clothing that one should wear from a security point of view. Passengers are permitted to wear head coverings and religious garments during the screening process. However they may be directed to additional screening if their clothing (religious or otherwise) is loose fitting or large enough to hide prohibited items. In addition, certain clothing and accessories can set off an alarm on the metal detector and slow down the screening process. In light of this, passengers are advised to avoid wearing clothing, jewelry or other accessories that contain metal when traveling through the security checkpoints. Security Officers will have to identify any metal that is detected at the checkpoint. If passengers set off the alarm, they will undergo additional screening. This includes a hand-wand and pat-down inspection. Passengers should remove metal items at the security checkpoint and place them in the container offered. The container will then be sent through the X-ray machine. Time can be saved by not wearing metal items or by placing them in carry-on baggage before getting in line.
Items purchased in the duty free shops are for use within the sterile area or to be taken onboard the immediate flight. If you must leave the secure boarding area and re-enter through the screening checkpoint, items exceeding 3.4 ounces that are not in the ziptop bag will again be prohibited. Mitchell is satisfied that the security system at the PSIA is up to standard and meets international requirements. He said that they have been subjected to audits by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and while it is obvious they would find areas that can be improved upon, generally they were extremely satisfied with the security arrangements at PSIA. Mitchell gave a guarantee that the traveling public can feel very safe traveling through Point Salines International Airport.  SECURITY CHECK POINT USING STATE-OF-THE-ART EQUIPMENT With reference to the renovations and developments taking place at PSIA, Mitchell said whenever construction is being done at the airport the security department is readily consulted and plays an integral part in its evolvement, and that his department has therefore been involved from since the inception of the project, identifying and rectifying security and safety issues. The developing facility itself he said has improved the security product because suspected areas of weaknesses that may have facilitated possible intrusion were eliminated, generally enhancing the security arrangements. The inspector was high in praise for his security officers and other law enforcement agencies in particular the RGPF and the Customs who continue to maintain a steadfast commitment to the security of our boarders in general and particular PSIA.
Above all he concluded that except the lord keeps this facility the watchman watches in vain.
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