Perimeter Intrusion
Detection: no longer at
the outskirts of
testing
New checkpoint and baggage screening technologies installed at airports tend
to attract the most attention, making it seem as though passengers and luggage
are the focus of security efforts. However, effective security incorporates all areas
of the airport, from the terminal to the farthest reaches of the property perimeter.
Susceptibilities in any one area compromise the entire security effort. With this in
mind, in 2004, the US Transportation Security Administration agreed to support
an initiative for an operational testing facility designed for the exclusive purpose of
evaluating perimeter detection devices in an airport environment. The testing was to
be effected by the National Safe Skies Alliance. With the facility now a reality
Anna Hamilton explains the objectives and methodologies of testing perimeter
intrusion detection technologies.
T
he dynamic force of terrorism continues. Research and develop-
continues to evolve, keeping the ment are high priorities for the U.S.
aviation security industry in a Transportation Security Administration
constant state of vigilance. It mines, (TSA), who devotes significant attention
manipulates, and manoeuvres its way to equipment testing in order to stay
into the systems we once relied on for abreast of its cunning foe.
safety and efficiency. As unnerving as The fact that perimeter security doesn’t
this seems, consolation comes in the directly affect the common traveller does
form of fervent efforts put forth by the not diminish its pertinence in the overall
government’s transportation security security strategy, and certainly doesn’t trivi-
sector, as proven through the changes alise its priority on the TSA’s agenda. This is
apparent in our travelling processes. borne out by their decision, in 2004, to com-
More security officers and enhanced mence the evaluation of perimeter detection
detection equipment have already devices in an airport environment. In the
appeared in airports, but the challenge testing and evaluation industry, perimeter

www�asi-mag�com April 2006 Aviationsecurityinternational
0407 asi v12n2 v1.indd 8 6/4/06 9:11:28 pm
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