Safe Passage Security Training Blog

Concealment is the act of hiding or preventing something from being known. It happens more often than we’d like, ranging from minor infractions to major threats to our security. The unknown variable of who may or may not try to sneak items passed the checkpoint constantly requires security personnel to be on guard.

Fortunately, personnel are trained to detect anomalies and pick up on various concealment methods used by these offenders. Let’s discuss concealment and some creative tactics observed in the industry that all checkpoint staff should be aware of.

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.

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.

There are many threats that exist in our world. One of which is terrorism. Terrorism is the use of violence and intimidation in the pursuit of political, social, or criminal gains. International terrorism and domestic terrorism both fall under this umbrella.

Recently though, it seems as if domestic terrorism has been on the rise. We hear more and more about homegrown terrorists causing devastation within their own nation. The threat is all too real and it’s happening right here in your own country.

Many companies rely on X-ray systems to screen items arriving at or passing through their facility. The items these security screeners typically observe varies depending on the industry and whether belongings, cargo, or mail are being screened. For instance, screeners inspecting visitor belongings at a courthouse would experience different throughput than those inspecting passenger luggage at an airport.

Because of this, some companies would prefer to customize simulator training by adding their own X-ray images. To do that, an image capture is required. Here are some best practices for conducting your own in-house X-ray image capture.

For security screeners, being able to identify threats and prohibited items under X-ray is an important responsibility. To aid in this task, some may agree that learning how to identify everyday objects is almost equally important since most items inspected are innocent. Think about it. How beneficial would it be for security screeners to recognize and clear innocent everyday items quickly and efficiently? A rapid check over of the X-ray image is all it would take for a skilled screener. That’s why practice recognizing everyday objects alongside threats and prohibited articles is encouraged.

The recent upswing in terrorist activities is troubling. Terrorists have gotten smarter and more tactical with how they carry out their attacks. Although they haven’t stopped targeting the air industry as evidenced with the recent bombing of Metrojet Flight 9268 over Egypt, they have shifted toward more ground attacks.

Clearly, these attacks on places of worship, markets, cafes, hotels, and stadiums are becoming more common than we would like. Because of this, there are concerns of security especially in countries with open borders. This has some people asking whether Europe’s open border policy is making it easier for terrorists and criminals to do business. If so, would it be wise for Europe to bring back its internal borders?

X-ray systems are deployed at security checkpoints in many different industries. X-ray operators use them to screen belongings, mail, and cargo. In real-time, these operators must be able to view an X-ray image and promptly make a decision about it - whether the scanned items are safe to proceed or if further inspection is required.

To get to that point, there are a few fundamental topics X-ray operators must have a solid understanding of first. Help operators become successful at X-ray screening on the job by ensuring your X-ray equipment training includes these critical topics.

Currently, X-ray systems are in their most stable form. They have become a proven security screening technology and are used in many markets around the world including transportation, critical infrastructure, and ports & borders.

Until X-ray equipment manufacturers invent a groundbreaking way to revolutionize the X-ray machine and push it to the next level, today’s X-ray systems will continue to dominate the security screening industry.

Port and border security - their presence can be observed in many countries around the world. As a traveler, you are likely to notice them at border crossings and checkpoints. They’re the ones questioning you about where you’re going, for how long, and what you plan to do there. However, their duties go far past what you typically see.

Border security agents and officers play an important role in securing a nation’s border and port of entry. They are the first line of defense in the fight against terrorism, drugs, and contraband. Every day, they process people, vehicles, cargo, and shipments entering their country – constantly making decisions about the people and items passing through.