Airports are fast-paced, ever-changing environments which rely on advanced security systems to keep passengers, baggage and staff safe. Security solutions help airports maintain busy departure schedules, a constant stream of vehicles picking up and dropping off passengers and thousands of people passing through the airport every day while upholding safety. This may all sound overwhelming but don’t worry! OHEAP are here to make safety solutions simple.
Access control systems, CCTV and ANPR cameras offer invaluable protection to airport security systems. Each is designed to detect, monitor and record information within an airport to boost the protection of passengers and to maintain the security of luggage, vehicles and equipment. This blog will break down each of these technologies, looking at their role as a component within an airport security system and how they provide improved protection measures.
Access Control
Access control systems are a commercial security solution. They are designed to monitor and regulate who can enter or exit specific areas.
Access control systems are a crucial component of airport security, preventing unauthorised access to stop the theft of baggage, corruption of personal data or having unmonitored equipment vandalised or damaged. A good example of access controls being used in an airport is passengers scanning their boarding passes at a speed gate or security turnstile to gain access to the next area within the airport.
Type of Access Controls
There are two primary types of access controls suitable for airports: biometrics and barriers. Both help maintain the security of items and sensitive information. But how do they work?
Biometric access controls can be created through fingerprints, retina scans or even your voice. They are ideal for airports as they assist with passenger identification. This ensures the protection of sensitive information that only authorised individuals may access. Biometric access controls also safeguard restricted zones at airports, such as protecting the airside areas, baggage handling and control towers.
Barriers: This access control system is a barrier that prevents unauthorised access to areas by physically controlling entry points. Examples of this may be fences or walls that are only accessed through a token or keycard.
Barriers deter the unauthorised person from attempting to bypass security and break in. At airports, a barrier also manages the flow of vehicles and passengers. In airports, you may find barrier access controls in customs, immigration control, first-class lounges, boarding gates, parking garages and drop-off zones. Barriers also ensure employee access to restricted areas.
At OHEAP, we offer specially designed access controls that enhance airport security by regulating and managing access. Whether you want to invest in card-based authentication, PIN-based authentication or biometric authentication, our team of experts is here to help. We also offer an in-depth guide on the definition and purposes of door access controls.
CCTV Security Systems
CCTV cameras, or closed-circuit television, are a security system that provides surveillance of sensitive or restricted areas through a system of video cameras and monitors. The visible presence of CCTV also acts as a deterrent to criminal activity such as theft of baggage, vandalism of vehicles or equipment or even terrorism.
With so many people accessing airports every day, it would be impossible to monitor every vehicle or person. CCTV systems remove this stress by continuously monitoring and recording the space. But how exactly does CCTV benefit an airport security system?
Benefits of CCTV in Airport Security Systems
Protects Passenger and Staff Safety: Airports are notoriously busy areas and criminal activity or developing threats may get lost in a crowd. CCTV prevents this by helping track and identify suspicious behaviour. Similarly, criminals are less likely to strike in areas with visible CCTV.
Real-Time Monitoring: CCTV creates proactive security by continuously monitoring areas for developing threats. If suspicious behaviour is detected, staff may be prompted by the CCTV to respond immediately. Staff may also access CCTV to spot any issues or delays in the baggage process.
Reduces Criminal Activity: CCTV security systems provide surveillance in baggage handling areas. This both deters and monitors the movement of luggage while preventing theft or mishandling. CCTV is also crucial to capturing evidence if a criminal incident does occur. Whether it’s a security breach, an accident, or an altercation, CCTV footage will help identify individuals involved and provide proof of liability.
Operational Efficiency: At airports, CCTV can help monitor vehicle flow at check-in areas, parking lots, and drop-off zones. This creates efficient traffic management, to reduce congestion and delays.
Easily Integrated With Other Security Systems: CCTV can be easily integrated with access controls and ANPR cameras. Combining these security systems creates airport security that cannot be bypassed.
At OHEAP, we understand that to be proactive in safeguarding high-traffic areas such as airports, you need your security systems to offer versatility and flexibility.
That’s why our range of CCTV uses high-quality IP cameras and pan-tilt-zoom cameras to allow you to tailor your security. Our CCTVs also offer optional audio features, enhancing security by enabling video and audio.
Once you have selected your CCTV camera, our team of security and safety professionals will help instal CCTV in whichever area you want to monitor and protect. Alongside assisting with installation, we also offer constant, round-the-clock remote monitoring with 24/7 call-out facilities.
ANPR Cameras
ANPR, or Automatic Number Plate Recognition, is a security system that uses cameras and optical character recognition (OCR) technology to detect and identify vehicle license plates.
Airport security starts outside the airport. As passengers enter and exit the airport, security measures must be in place to combat the risk of unauthorised vehicles. ANPR cameras enhance airport security by safeguarding parking areas, and drop-off and pick-up zones. Like CCTV they also monitor areas for developing threats such as an unauthorised vehicle attempting to access a restricted area or getting too close to the plane.
While ANPR cameras offer several benefits, how do these differ from access controls or CCTV? How may these security systems be used together to maximise airport security?
Benefits of ANPR Cameras in Airport Security Systems
Vehicle Access Controls: ANPR cameras are similar to access controls in that they monitor and regulate access to restricted areas. With airports having a constant stream of passengers, staff members, contractors and delivery drivers accessing the airport via vehicle, installing ANPR cameras safeguards these trickier to monitor areas. They also prevent unauthorised vehicles from getting near terminal entrances.
Real-Time Monitoring: Like CCTV, ANPR cameras will continuously monitor an area. Parking lots are less regularly monitored than the airport itself. That’s why it is key to invest in a security system that is specially designed to regulate these low-traffic areas.
Reduces Criminal Activity: Unfortunately, airports can be under threat from smuggling or terrorism. Luckily, ANPR reduces crime by tracking and identifying any vehicles involved. ANPR cameras automatically capture license plate information and will detect any criminal activity already attached to the vehicle’s licence plate (such as a stolen vehicle). The security system will use this information to prohibit access.
Parking Management: Airports are fast-paced environments. This means they require equipment that can streamline the process of entering and exiting the airport. ANPR cameras keep a continuous log of all the licence plates that have entered the area. This information can be used to calculate the duration of a stay and charge the appropriate fee, reducing the need for human attendants and improving efficiency.
Easily Integrated With Other Security Systems: Access controls and ANPR cameras can easily be integrated to thoroughly monitor and regulate access to sensitive areas. The ANPR will work with gates, barriers, or turnstiles to grant or deny access based on vehicle recognition. ANPR can also easily be combined with CCTV cameras to create surveillance that identifies vehicles alongside tracking their movement across the airport.
In Summary
Protecting the security of an airport can be complex and daunting. That’s why OHEAP is here to provide the equipment, knowledge and experience needed to maximise security.
Airports are paarticularly vulnerable locations as they are infrastructure hubs which make them targets for attacks. This makes security systems a crucial component in protecting the safety of airports.
CCTV provides continuous visual monitoring, access control cards protect unauthorised spaces by regulating who may be granted or denied access and ANPR cameras monitor vehicle access. Together these security systems create layered protection to keep passengers, their belongings and the airport safe.
