SubscribeAs the threat from global terrorism has constantly increased since Sept 11, so did safety regulations and measures to meet the challenge.
As the threat from global terrorism has constantly increased since Sept 11, so did safety regulations and measures to meet the challenge. Sophisticated electronic detection equipment, data libraries, monitoring systems, etc. have been developed and implemented at checkpoints internationally, inclusive of a range of new generation x-ray screening machines using multi energy technology with computers in aiding screeners to analyse images and accurately identify threat objects.
The degree of success derived from this effort in preventing threat objects passing through checkpoints, varied. Major security lapses and detection failures inclusive of guns and improvised explosive devices passing through checkpoints into the sterile area at prominent international airports were exposed during several audits by security inspectors, amongst others, from the ECAC & IDT (European Civil Aviation Council & Irish Department of Transport) in 2005.
It is clear that new generation and sophisticated cutting edge screening equipment is only as good as the operator. Thus the biggest failure is not the lack or use of able technology, but to a great extent the lack of adequate training of checkpoint personnel with little means to measure their efficiency.
Smart Solution: Computer Based Training (CBT)
Effective security is about intelligent training. The Smart Approach comprehensive training programme addresses all aspects of checkpoint security screening, to include subjects such as x-ray screening, threat identification, screening of people, metal detection, physical searches, threat handling, etc.
Since most operators in years of performing screener duties, may never see a real threat such as explosives or improvised explosive devices, intensive training is essential, with continuous follow-up training at regular intervals.
CBT is ideal for training security personnel using x-ray screening equipment. Trainees need to become familiar with the vast range of items they will encounter, some of them threat items. They need to recognise how the particular model of x-ray machine they use will display these objects and how to effectively use the image enhancement features.
The Smart Approach CBT package can do all this and deliver 100% consistent training, and threat items such as explosives, IED’s, firearms and hazardous materials can be studied without the risk and danger associated with their physical presence.
How Smart System X-ray Simulator Works
The Smart Screen X-ray simulator uses an image library with thousands of real X-ray images derived from typical passenger bags and containers, carefully built and packed with a wide range of objects, inclusive of threat items, to produce a range of harmless and threat bags. Some bags are packed using every effort to disguise the threat items they contain.
Threat items used are from a wide selection of latest actual threat items,such as firearms (some disassembled), explosives and improvised explosive devices (IED’s), prohibited and dangerous goods, and many other hazardous items.
These bags were then x-rayed from different angles by the different makes/models of x-ray machines corresponding to that which is to be simulated. These images, together with corresponding photographs of the open bags, are then stored in the library. This means that the image seen on the screen by an operator is unique to a particular model of x-ray machine.
Smart Difference: Real image versus composite image
Smart Approach uses only real x-ray images from real packed bags, generated by using the different x-ray manufacturers (such as Rapiscan, Heiman, Linescan etc.) own algorithms.
Other manufacturers use composite images, where bags, threat items and general contents are x-rayed separately and images stored. By overlaying these separate images, a composite image is then created. This performs well with simulated training, but will not improve trainee’s skill with the real x-ray machine!
Smart CBT Advantages
- Enhances performance: Performance assessment integrated with a complimentary training scheme enhances personnel’s ability to learn, broaden experience, build confidence and sharpen skills.
- Measurable: provides reliable audit trail of personnel’s training history.
- Trainer regulate course programme and curriculum with accurate monitoring every stage of a student’s progress.
- Comprehensive record keeping and report production. Allows trainers to build and deliver specific courses and training sessions from extensive media library.
- Stand-alone, or classroom configuration where multiple trainees lock in with individual ID’s, each on own workstation, guided by a trainer and control PC.
- Identifies areas of weakness and suggest areas for improvement through extensive testing and feedback.
- Cost-effective.
- Offer simulated training not available by any other medium.
Smart Recognition
Smart Approach is a global leader in CBT solutions for security sensitive industries.
It is the only computer based training system to have FAA approval,and is the chosen provider of checkpoint CBT to amongst other, TSA, Australia, BAA Heathrow, Hong Kong Int. Airport, United Nations, UK Prison Services, Dubai Int. Airport, etc.
Smart Facility
The first Smart Approach training facility in South Africa was opened by HAB International in Midrand, from where it also services the industry in Southern and Central Africa. Apart from the Midrand facility, training can also be conducted at the customer’s premises, if required.
