Centerlines - September 2008 - (Page 50) SECURIT Y CHECKPOINT EVOLUTION B Y C A ROL E S H I F R I N Checkpoint of the future rolled out at BWI lthough the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is rolling out elements of its security checkpoint of the future at various airports around the country, all components of the Checkpoint Evolution prototype are on display at Baltimore/ Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI). Introduced at BWI at the end of April, the prototype’s ingredients include Millimeter Wave whole body scanners, Advanced Technology X-ray screening machines for carry-on baggage, and a restructuring of the security checkpoint environment and processes. Along with technologies, there are intangibles. Transportation Security Officers and managers at BWI were the first in the country to complete 16 hours of training to provide them with the latest intelligence analysis, more advanced explosives detection skills, and, importantly, ways to engage with passengers to promote a calmer environment for better security. “It represents a philosophical shift from the way we have looked at security since 9/11,” said a TSA official, “emphasizing people, process and technology.” “ACI-NA applauds TSA for its approach to continually improve the efficiency and effectiveness of security screening and passenger throughput,” said Charles Chambers, ACI-NA’s senior vice president, security and facilitation. “In some cases, striking a balance between the two can be a challenge.” A “IF you calm down the process so it’s less noisy and confused, those who would do harm will be more obvious.” Flexible, Low-Key The layered security elements on display at BWI at B Checkpoint in Southwest Airlines’ terminal are modular and flexible so they can be used individually at different airports or as part of an integrated package, according to TSA. Checkpoint Evolution’s layout and look are different. Passengers approach the B checkpoint and find it separated within the terminal in part by low-level, light-panel screens running the width of the area. This “mural wall” displays a variety of x-ray images, some of them a security officer might see when looking at carry-on baggage on the belt, and they don’t come into focus until you’re right in front of them. What do you see? There’s a crab—”very Maryland, a TSA employee 50 CENTERLINES | SEPTEMBER 2008
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