Methods and Technologies Used for Transportation Security

Transportation- Not going the same way today as it was twenty years ago! Transportation has undergone significant changes with advanced technology and requirements, whether it’s passengers or cargo. It constantly evolves from airline policies to automated transportation, alternative fuels, and keyless fleet management. But one thing that is constant throughout all the changes in the importance of security. However, it’s essential for people as well.

In this blog, we will look at methods and technologies used for transportation security.

What is Transportation Security?

Transport security is a system of measures used to protect transport infrastructure, vehicles, and facilities from the direct and indirect threats of illegal interference. It is essential to keep people secure and safe as they move from one place to another

Here are some of the methods and technologies used for transportation security:

Passenger Screening

Passenger screening is becoming an essential method for people’s safety to avoid threats and violence and prevent people from threatening activities. 

The reason behind passenger screening is to make sure security and safety. It may vary depending on the transportation mode, but they generally include physical inspections, technological screening methods, and document checks.

It refers to checking a particular person traveling from one place to another. It is performed by a trained person such as a TSA agent or a Gardaworld screening officer, airport security personnel, or border control agents and may involve various screenings, such as physical identification, baggage inspections, or document verifications.

Airport security uses imaging technology to detect explosives and weapons. For baggage inspection an advanced technology x-ray is used to screen for restricted items. CT technology allows people to restrict any electronic items and liquids like aerosols, gels and liquids. Bottle liquid scanners are used to differentiate liquid explosives and the liquids for medical purposes larger than 3.4 ounces.

Biometric Technology

Airport security uses biometric technology to improve and enhance the security and passenger efficiency with respect to protecting the privacy of passengers.

Biometric technology refers to the technology used to verify the identity of travelers at boarding gates, checkpoints and other areas. It can be done for various methods, for example facial recognition or fingerprint scanning. This technology is also used in tracking and monitoring of baggage. At border control points it helps in identifying and preventing unauthorized entry or exit. It may be used in identifying the employee who works at the airport and to prevent unauthorized access which helps in improving security.

With the increasing use of digital identity documents airport security is upgrading CAT machines with digital identity, and self-service capabilities. 

X-ray Screening 

X-ray screening is commonly used to scan luggage, cargo and any restricted or hazardous elements. The machine generates electromagnetic radiation, which creates an image of the detector, and then a trained person analyzes the image. It has some limitations, which include not detecting weapons, drugs and explosives.

Passenger Profiling

Passenger profiling uses data analysis and algorithms to recognise possible security threats based on factors including patterns, behavior, travel and others.

Advanced Imaging Technology

Advanced imaging technology also known as AIT used to screen passengers for potential security threats.

Explosive Trace Detection

Explosive trace detection, or ETD, is a process of detecting using a specialized tool. It detects the element which may be present on surfaces, clothing, or luggage. Many methods are used for ETD, including swabbing, vapour detection, and bulk detection. Swabbing means wiping a surface with a special swab. Vapour detection means drawing air samples from an area and analyzing them for explosive particles. Bulk detection includes analyzing larger objects like cargo or luggage if any explosive is present.

The Bottom Line

To conclude, transportation security measures are designed to detect and prevent potential threats and ensure the safety and security of passengers, crew, and cargo. The specific methods and technologies used may vary depending on the mode of transportation, the level of security required, and the regulations of the country or region.