Airport security guards play a vital role in airport security. The primary function of an airport security guard is to safeguard the passengers against all kinds of criminal activity such as theft and terrorism. Airport security guards are usually in charge of checking passengers’ bags before entering the airport premises. They are also in charge of collecting money and other belongings from passengers and removing them from the airport. In some cases they also assist passengers who need help with their luggage.
An Overview
As per regulations, airport security guards have a certain set of duties. The most important duty of these guards is to keep the airport premises safe from unlawful activities. In other words, their duties directly relate to the security of the airfield. Other than that, they are responsible for maintaining order at the airfield. In this regard, some of their duties include maintaining communication among the aviation management, other airfield personnel and law enforcement authorities.
Generally, the duty of an airport security guard includes inspecting the identification and luggage of the passenger. They are also responsible for inspecting the contents of the passenger’s carry-on bags and determining whether those items may be harmful or not. In addition, they are required to screen passengers who are about to board the airplanes. They are also responsible for performing the task of retrieving lost or stolen bags from passengers. Lastly, they are supposed to call the concerned authority if there is a problem regarding any passenger. These duties clearly indicate that airports offer highly trained professionals who have undergone rigorous training for this specific job.
Airport Security Guard Training Facts
Along with performing all the aforementioned mentioned duties, an airport security guard can also perform certain additional duties. In some states, they are allowed to perform screening and bag retrieval duties during the inspection tour of a flight. In addition to that, they can also assist in providing assistance to passengers who need help boarding the airplane. Lastly, they can also assist in securing the runway. However, this last duty does not come into play during normal screening.
Generally, when a passenger screening is performed by a security guard, he will check whether or not the individual is a prohibited person from traveling on the aircraft. Specifically, he will ask a series of questions which will include the reason why the individual is being denied access into the plane. Based on the answers provided by the individual, the airport security guard will determine whether the person is a possible security risk. If so, he will further proceed with the passenger screening.
The process of passenger screening begins when the security screening officer sees that there are several passengers in the area. The officer will then request that those passengers move toward the X-Ray machines. The X-Ray machines will show images of the person’s body if they are carrying any dangerous materials. After the images have been displayed, the individual’s name will then be called and the person will be asked if they have anything that they would like to say.
In The End
There are three types of screenings that are performed by airport security guards. The first type of screening is a visual screening. This type of security guard screening works by watching the person closely. Specifically, the person will be asked to remove their shoes, belts and other items from their body. Security guards will monitor the person’s body movements in order to make sure that they are not trying to run away from the airport.
The second type of airport security guard screening involves using x-ray machines to determine whether or not a person is a potential security risk. An x-ray machine will display an image of what a person’s outline looks like based on where the x-ray has been pointed. An airport security officer will then determine if the person is a possible security risk based on the information the x-ray reveals.