Total Airport Security System: Design and Implementation

Introduction to Airport Security Challenges

The secure operation of the aviation system across the globe is one of the most significant factors in the security and economic development of the United States. The world's airspace must also be secured because aviation has become a major target for criminals, terrorists, and hostile nations who increasingly consider it a prime opportunity for exploitation and attack. A stark example of the security threats facing this industry is the 9/11 terror attacks, which highlighted the desire and ability of enemies to inflict considerable harm on the United States. Aviation security is therefore increasingly important in order to protect the country and its citizens from such attacks. According to the Federation of American Scientists (2007), aviation security is realized through a combination of private and public security activities coordinated across the globe to detect, prevent, deter, and defeat threats. Aviation security also requires the development of an airport security system that enhances capabilities to deal with threats at airports.

Airport security in the United States remains largely broken despite government efforts to enhance it in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks. The American government responded to those attacks by developing a comprehensive aviation security plan focused on enhancing capabilities and measures to deal with threats across the industry. This response included major improvements to existing security methodologies, technologies, and operations through developing security systems in every component of the Aviation Transportation System. The government also created a scalable and dynamic security system with the capability to respond to various levels of threat. These flexible systems incorporated capabilities to respond to a series of present and future threats and to effectively lessen vulnerabilities within the Aviation Transportation System ("Aviation Transportation System Security Plan," 2007). Major components of these flexible systems include increased scrutiny of individuals in the aviation system and improvements in detecting threat objects and explosives.

Despite these efforts, airport security still remains relatively broken. No single security measure is completely fail-safe, and terrorists continue to develop techniques for defeating established security initiatives. In addition, airport security systems are still largely disconnected and bureaucratic, distanced from the very individuals they seek to protect. Hawley (2012) states that preventing security threats at airports requires flexibility and ongoing reevaluation of security threats — a process that also necessitates unwavering public support, which current aviation security systems have failed to generate.

Airports across the United States have experienced significant challenges because of a relatively misguided approach to risk. While these airports have made several efforts to improve security, they have often ended up complicating air travel for passengers and visitors. The best possible measure for addressing current security challenges is therefore to develop and implement a state-of-the-art Airport Security System. This system is oriented towards a primary commercial service airport in the United States — specifically, Greater Rochester International Airport, which is vulnerable to security attacks, particularly cyberattacks. Security components with major flaws at this airport include explosive detectors, X-ray scanners, and time-clock systems. The implementation of a state-of-the-art security system will help enhance security by improving the capabilities to detect, deter, prevent, and defeat security threats.