Safe Passage Security Training Blog

Security checkpoints exist as a measure of precaution to protect certain areas, only allowing specified individuals and items through the threshold. We’ve all experienced these points of inspection at least once in our lives. Many people tend to think of an airport security checkpoint, but it may also include checkpoints at secure buildings, government facilities, courthouses, correctional facilities, etc.

We often expect a smooth transition through the checkpoint, but many of us know from experience that this is not always the case. There are many bottlenecks that can occur including blockages caused by the public, staff, and current process.

Suicide bombings can occur anywhere. When we hear about them, they typically occur in North African countries or the Middle East region. One of the latest attacks occurred in Kabul, Afghanistan on the morning of May 31 in the city’s diplomatic quarters, killing at least 90 people and injuring more than 400.

At times, they occur in Asian or Western regions such as the attack in Manchester, UK which occurred shortly after a concert concluded on May 22, killing 22 and injuring dozens. In another incident just two days later, a pair of suicide bombers killed three police officers outside a bus terminal in Jakarta, Indonesia.

No one can tell where and when a suicide bomber will strike. That’s why incidents like these are such a shock and difficult to cope with. It does not matter where in the world you are, it’s clear that the threat of the suicide bomber has grown greater and become more widespread.

For years terrorists have called on followers, affiliates, and sympathizers to use any means necessary to harm those who do not follow their ideals. For those who are unable to build their own bombs or acquire the necessary weapons to carry out attacks, the use of vehicles has been recommended to cause damage and harm people.

We’ve seen it time and time again. Terrorists and lone wolfs drive trucks, lorries, and other vehicles through large crowds, injuring and killing the defenseless. It’s an ugly terrorism tactic that has gained momentum in the past few years. Even in just the last few months, we’ve witnessed a handful of these vehicle attacks worldwide. Let’s look back at the most recent incidents and discuss this new terrorism trend of using vehicles as a weapon.

On the morning of Tuesday 21 March, the United States announced an electronics ban on inbound direct flights from certain Middle East and North African countries and required nine airlines to comply within 96 hours. The United Kingdom released similar restrictions later that day affecting 14 airlines.

Both bans order airlines to prohibit passengers from bringing large electronics into the cabin of the aircraft, but to instead place them into checked baggage. Although there is no direct threat or plot authorities are aware of, US officials say it’s a move in response to terrorist organizations working to perfect techniques for hiding explosives in electronic devices. Let’s take a closer look into the aviation threat causing governments to implement bans.

Released November 2016, the fourth edition of the Global Terrorism Index (GTI) generated by the Institute for Economics & Peace (IEP) continues to analyze key global terrorism trends and patterns for 163 countries. Raw data is derived from the Global Terrorism Database which is considered to be the most comprehensive dataset on terrorist activity, with over 150,000 terrorist incidents documented worldwide.

This most recent edition of the terrorism index puts an emphasis on a 16-year time frame beginning in 2000 through the end of 2015. As defined by the GTI, terrorism is “the threatened or actual use of illegal force and violence by a non-state actor to attain a political, economic, religious, or social goal through fear, coercion, or intimidation.” Here’s a summary of the latest global terrorism trends, facts, and figures.

One of the primary weapons of choice for terrorists and lone wolf attackers has been the Improvised Explosive Device, or IED. These dangerous, homemade devices are typically constructed from common household items making them rather inexpensive to build. Nevertheless, IEDs can pack a powerful punch and have been known to cause an extraordinary amount of damage and loss of life.

Consequently, security checkpoint personnel must always be on high alert for the IED threat. If allowed to pass through a checkpoint, the device will certainly be used with malicious intent. At a fundamental core, security personnel must gain a basic understanding of improvised explosive devices and how they are constructed in order to recognize when one is presented before them.

By the end of 2016, over 3.7 billion passengers will travel this year. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), forecasts for 2035 will nearly double at 7.2 billion air passengers travelling in a single year.

The biggest driver of air travel demand is expected to be the Asia-Pacific region whereby more than half of aviation’s new passengers will come from over the next 20 years. A key concern for the aviation industry is that the region’s current infrastructure will not be able to keep pace with the forecasted passenger growth. In fact, some runways and airport terminals in the region are approaching capacity limits or already over capacity. Any plans for building new airport infrastructures must happen soon.

If it seems as though terrorism has been on the rise these past few years, it has. Terror attacks have spread to more countries than ever and innocent, private citizens are increasingly becoming targets. When terrorism strikes, it undeniably leaves a lasting impact on the nation and its people.

In the third edition of the Global Terrorism Index for 2015, the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP) collected data from the Global Terrorism Database to determine key global trends and patterns in terrorism over the past 15 years, with an emphasis on 2014. Let’s take a look at these global terrorism trends, facts, and figures.

The recent safety recall of the Samsung Galaxy Note7 smartphone is causing a stir within the aviation industry. Dozens of consumers have reported these devices catch fire while charging. These incidents have been attributed to faulty lithium ion batteries. As a result, many airlines and aviation organizations have banned their use aboard airplanes.

This restriction comes as no surprise since earlier this year, International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) put into effect new regulations concerning this dangerous good. The temporary aviation ban prohibits all cargo shipments of lithium ion batteries from flying on passenger aircrafts. The risk of an aircraft fire is too significant given that lithium batteries contain very high levels of energy and current in-flight suppression systems are not strong enough to put out these types of fires.

Whether you’ve realized it or not, X-ray security screeners exist everywhere. That’s because X-ray screening technology is present in so many industries. We can find X-ray screeners at airports, cargo facilities, courthouses, schools, correctional facilities, immigration agencies, special events, and more.

These X-ray operators work endlessly to protect the surrounding people and infrastructures from harm by inspecting belongings, packages, and goods flowing through. They are trained to detect contraband, weapons, explosive devices, and drugs. Every day, X-ray security screeners put themselves in potentially dangerous situations and risk their lives to protect us.