Industry Focus

Stick ‘Em Up, Partner

The TSA is implementing some pretty amazing technology in order to improve explosives detection. In late August, the agency unveiled a state-of-theart advanced technology computed tomography (CT) checkpoint scanner for screening passengers and their baggage.

“TSA here at Houston Hobby is honored to be among the first airports in the country to test this checkpoint technology,” said Hector Vela, TSA Houston federal security manager. “CT significantly improves our threat detection capabilities, and passengers in the lane where we are testing CT have the added benefit of being able to leave their laptops and larger electronic items in their bags as well.”

This sounds like a step in the right direction, but passengers cannot leave their handguns in carry-on baggage. It is still illegal to carry a gun. Maybe that is why the TSA implemented the technology in Texas in the first place.

Not so fast. In that liberal bastion of the Northeast, TSA confiscated numerous handguns. I thought it worth mentioning because handguns are strictly forbidden on an airplane. August was a busy month for TSA agents searching for weapons.

An Ohio man was stopped by TSA officers at Pittsburgh International Airport Aug. 17 when they detected a loaded handgun in the man’s carry-on bag. The man had a 9mm handgun, with six bullets loaded. This was only one of 21 guns stopped at the checkpoint so far this year. In 2017, TSA officers at the airport caught 32 firearms at the checkpoint. A typical first offense for carrying a handgun into a checkpoint is $3,900.

Officers at Baltimore Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) stopped a man with a handgun at one of the airport’s checkpoints Aug. 19, marking the 19th gun caught at the airport so far this year. Last year TSA officers detected 26 firearms at the airport’s checkpoints. The man was carrying his .38 caliber and a magazine with five bullets in his carry-on bag.

A TSA officer stopped a man from bringing a loaded handgun onto an airplane at Washington Dulles International Airport on Aug. 22. The TSA officer spotted the gun in the man’s carry-on bag at one of the airport checkpoints when it appeared on the X-ray monitor. The .40 caliber handgun was loaded with 10 bullets. Typically, more than 80 percent of handguns caught at checkpoints nationwide are loaded.

For my fellow travelers, who crisscross the country every day, firearms are still forbidden. It might be a good practice to check your baggage before you leave the house and head off to the airport. You are not likely to hear the TSA agent say, “Stick ‘em up,” but you will be detained for a while.

This article originally appeared in the October 2018 issue of Security Today.

About the Author

Ralph C. Jensen is the Publisher of Security Today magazine.

Featured

  • 12 Commercial Crime Sites to Do Your Research

    12 Commercial Crime Sites to Do Your Research

    Understanding crime statistics in your industry and area is crucial for making important decisions about your security budget. With so much information out there, how can you know which statistics to trust? Read Now

  • Boosting Safety and Efficiency

    Boosting Safety and Efficiency

    In alignment with the state of Mississippi’s mission of “Empowering Mississippi citizens to stay connected and engaged with their government,” Salient's CompleteView VMS is being installed throughout more than 150 state boards, commissions and agencies in order to ensure safety for thousands of constituents who access state services daily. Read Now

  • Live From GSX: Post-Show Review

    Live From GSX: Post-Show Review

    This year’s Live From GSX program was a rousing success! Again, we’d like to thank our partners, and IPVideo, for working with us and letting us broadcast their solutions to the industry. You can follow our Live From GSX 2023 page to keep up with post-show developments and announcements. And if you’re interested in working with us in 2024, please don’t hesitate to ask about our Live From programs for ISC West in March or next year’s GSX. Read Now

    • Industry Events
    • GSX
  • People Say the Funniest Things

    People Say the Funniest Things

    By all accounts, GSX version 2023 was completely successful. Apparently, there were plenty of mix-ups with the airlines and getting aircraft from the East Coast into Big D. I am all ears when I am in a gathering of people. You never know when a nugget of information might flip out. Read Now

    • Industry Events
    • GSX

Featured Cybersecurity

Webinars

New Products

  • XS4 Original+

    XS4 Original+

    The SALTO XS4 Original+ design is based on the same proven housing and mechanical mechanisms of the XS4 Original. The XS4 Original+, however, is embedded with SALTO’s BLUEnet real-time functionality and SVN-Flex capability that enables SALTO stand-alone smart XS4 Original+ locks to update user credentials directly at the door. Compatible with the array of SALTO platform solutions including SALTO Space data-on-card, SALTO KS Keys as a Service cloud-based access solution, and SALTO’s JustIn Mobile technology for digital keys. The XS4 Original+ also includes RFID Mifare DESFire, Bluetooth LE and NFC technology functionality. 3

  • HD2055 Modular Barricade

    Delta Scientific’s electric HD2055 modular shallow foundation barricade is tested to ASTM M50/P1 with negative penetration from the vehicle upon impact. With a shallow foundation of only 24 inches, the HD2055 can be installed without worrying about buried power lines and other below grade obstructions. The modular make-up of the barrier also allows you to cover wider roadways by adding additional modules to the system. The HD2055 boasts an Emergency Fast Operation of 1.5 seconds giving the guard ample time to deploy under a high threat situation. 3

  • Mobile Safe Shield

    Mobile Safe Shield

    SafeWood Designs, Inc., a manufacturer of patented bullet resistant products, is excited to announce the launch of the Mobile Safe Shield. The Mobile Safe Shield is a moveable bullet resistant shield that provides protection in the event of an assailant and supplies cover in the event of an active shooter. With a heavy-duty steel frame, quality castor wheels, and bullet resistant core, the Mobile Safe Shield is a perfect addition to any guard station, security desks, courthouses, police stations, schools, office spaces and more. The Mobile Safe Shield is incredibly customizable. Bullet resistant materials are available in UL 752 Levels 1 through 8 and include glass, white board, tack board, veneer, and plastic laminate. Flexibility in bullet resistant materials allows for the Mobile Safe Shield to blend more with current interior décor for a seamless design aesthetic. Optional custom paint colors are also available for the steel frame. 3