A better way to limit airport disruptions due to unattended baggage

In the last workshop, we shared how airports are automating boarding and deplaning procedures using the Boarding Route Management module. This is just one of the many capabilities offered in our new Security Center for airports solution, which is designed to help enhance terminal security and operations.  

In this module, we'll explore in more detail a common challenge airport face with unattended baggage.

Area closures of up to an hour for unattended baggage

Unattended baggage incidents happen daily in airports. This recurring problem is a key issue for airport security across the world. Although most of the time it’s unintentional and not a true security threat, the impact of this negligence is both operational and economical, as it results in passenger delays, flight cancellations, and even terminal evacuations and lockdowns. 

The main concern for airport security personnel is having the ability to determine if the unattended baggage is merely misplaced or unattended, or if it’s a real threat. As high-traffic environments like airports run a high risk of facing security threats, potential issues need to be dealt with immediately.

Upon discovering unattended baggage, security personnel would have to follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). This often involves monitoring the baggage until the owner is found. If unsuccessful, security experts are called to the scene to safely dispose of the unattended bag, which requires a terminal lockdown of up to one hour for each baggage incident. 

This disruption of airport operations can be very costly. Thus, airports are searching for more effective ways to resolve incidents like these, to help minimize its impact on airport operations. 

A better way: system unification and automation 

Apart from physical security guards and reports of unattended baggage made by passengers, airports rely on video surveillance systems to detect unattended baggage in real-time.

However, as the number of cameras and CCTV monitors increases alongside the growth of passenger traffic over time, it has become overwhelmingly difficult for operators to effectively monitor all of their video feeds at the same time. 

There's a strong need for an advanced video management system that can automatically detect unattended baggage and help us understand the situation better. It's crucial for airport security and operations staff to have a system that actively supports them in resolving incidents. 

Limiting disruptions from unattended baggage with Omnicast and Mission Control 

Our video management system, Security Center Omnicast, provides advanced video surveillance capabilities that can quickly resolve incidents such as unattended baggage events. 

Our system allows users to better understand situations through a rapid data search exploration tool within Security Center. Once unattended baggage is identified, the operator can verify who left it there by going through hours of video footage in just a few seconds. They’re then able to retrace the baggage owner’s steps through the suspect tracking tool, that’s available in Security Center.

The suspect tracking tool creates visual tracking markers that link to the next camera in the walking direction of the baggage owner, making it simple and easy for the operator to monitor the situation. 

Our unified security solution is also able to assist operators in their problem resolution process within the same platform, through our collaborative decision management system – Mission Control. Mission Control goes beyond simple alarm management, as it safely guides operator responses by following specific organizational processes and compliance requirements. 

By having an advanced video management system that facilitates investigations and the resolution process, airports can greatly reduce incident response time. This helps to enhance overall security while avoiding terminal closures and disruptions to airport operations.  

 

Up next: Looking at restricted security area surveillance

In the next module of this workshop, we’ll look at how airports can protect their perimeter line in 3D while differentiating between authorized and unauthorized vehicles in the airport movement area. I look forward to our session together.

See you at the next session!