The One That Got Away – Security Screening Failures
It is extremely rare for a passenger to be able to board a flight with a firearm following the security screening. Airport security measures are in place to prevent this from happening. However, it might be possible in sporadic cases like security lapses or mistakes.
The recent incident where a handgun was able to board a domestic flight and then onto an international flight to Hong Kong in carry-on luggage had consequences in both regions. Thankfully, the firearm was found to be unloaded, and the passenger had no malicious intentions. Despite the strict training and protocols to prevent such errors, security screening mistakes can still occur for various reasons. To prevent errors, airport authorities and security agencies continually work to improve training, equipment, and procedures. Security personnel undergo regular training to stay current with evolving threats and concealment techniques, and screening equipment is frequently updated to enhance detection capabilities. Additionally, strict protocols and oversight are in place to ensure airport security and prevent the accidental transportation of firearms or other prohibited items on flights.
Security screening personnel are tasked with manually operating screening equipment, monitoring X-ray machines, and reviewing images on the screen to ensure safety. However, being human, they are prone to making errors, experiencing fatigue, or lapses in attention, which can lead to missed items during the screening process.
Passengers may use various techniques to hide firearms in their carry-on baggage, making them challenging to detect with standard screening methods. This includes concealing the firearm within cluttered bags or other items.
During busy times at airports, security personnel may feel pressured to quickly process a large number of passengers, leading to less thorough inspections and a higher likelihood of missing items in carry-on luggage.
During the screening process, security personnel may face distractions that divert their attention from the X-ray machine or metal detector.
Security personnel require extensive training to detect prohibited items, including firearms, effectively. Insufficient training or lack of experience can result in errors during the screening process.
To mitigate these errors, airport authorities and security agencies must continuously work to enhance training, equipment, and procedures. Security personnel receive ongoing training to stay up-to-date with evolving threats and concealment methods, and screening equipment is regularly upgraded to improve detection capabilities. Additionally, strict protocols and oversight are in place to ensure security at airports and prevent the inadvertent passage of firearms or other prohibited items onto flights.
EyeFox, from Neural Guard, is a revolutionary AI detection-based system that delivers automated threat detection at high-accuracy levels for X-ray security screening operators.
EyeFox provides continuous and focused analysis to differentiate potential threats from other objects in real-time rapidly. This reduces the need for close inspection of bag contents and individuals, improving efficiency and flow. It is easy to install on your existing airport security screening equipment to assist your X-ray screeners in quickly identifying potential threats.
For a demonstration or quote, please get in touch with one of our helpful staff at Neural Guard!