More Than 800 Guns Found at Security Checkpoints in 2011, Research Finds

  • Jun 14, 2012
More than 800 guns were detected at airport security checkpoints in 2011. New analysis from Frost & Sullivan found that during 2011, the Transportation Security Agency (TSA) distributed about $437.1 million in contract obligations toward airport screening technologies.

According to Frost & Sullivan, airport screening processes mainly use exposive detection systems. In the future, however, there will be more demand for smaller, more versatile systems that can enhance throughput speed.

"Significant revenue growth in airport screening technology will depend on innovations in systems for the mass screening of personnel," said Frost & Sullivan Industry Analyst John Hernandez. "A technology that can screen large groups subtly to categorize and separate them based on risk will revive interest and open up the market."

The company also said private security companies soon could be handling passenger screening at U.S. airports and that as terrorism becomes more adaptive, there will be an urgent need to replace and repair the existing security systems.

Their research also found that Backscatter X-ray systems have also come under scrutiny. Specifically, the European Union has banned these devices due to scientific evidence showing that low doses of ionizing radiation, which is beamed directly at the body by these X-ray scanners, increase the risk of cancer.

"The TSA has repeatedly defined the scanners as 'safe,' but there is still uncertainty surrounding the technology," said Hernandez. "This may compel market participants to make public their own scientific research relating to these risks and use this opportunity to attract new customers."


 

Featured

  • From Surveillance to Intelligence

    Years ago, it would have been significantly more expensive to run an analytic like that — requiring a custom-built solution with burdensome infrastructure demands — but modern edge devices have made it accessible to everyone. It also saves time, which is a critical factor if a missing child is involved. Video compression technology has played a critical role as well. Over the years, significant advancements have been made in video coding standards — including H.263, MPEG formats, and H.264—alongside compression optimization technologies developed by IP video manufacturers to improve efficiency without sacrificing quality. The open-source AV1 codec developed by the Alliance for Open Media—a consortium including Google, Netflix, Microsoft, Amazon and others — is already the preferred decoder for cloud-based applications, and is quickly becoming the standard for video compression of all types. Read Now

  • Cost: Reactive vs. Proactive Security

    Security breaches often happen despite the availability of tools to prevent them. To combat this problem, the industry is shifting from reactive correction to proactive protection. This article will examine why so many security leaders have realized they must “lead before the breach” – not after. Read Now

  • Achieving Clear Audio

    In today’s ever-changing world of security and risk management, effective communication via an intercom and door entry communication system is a critical communication tool to keep a facility’s staff, visitors and vendors safe. Read Now

  • Beyond Apps: Access Control for Today’s Residents

    The modern resident lives in an app-saturated world. From banking to grocery delivery, fitness tracking to ridesharing, nearly every service demands another download. But when it comes to accessing the place you live, most people do not want to clutter their phone with yet another app, especially if its only purpose is to open a door. Read Now

  • Survey: 48 Percent of Worshippers Feel Less Safe Attending In-Person Services

    Almost half (48%) of those who attend religious services say they feel less safe attending in-person due to rising acts of violence at places of worship. In fact, 39% report these safety concerns have led them to change how often they attend in-person services, according to new research from Verkada conducted online by The Harris Poll among 1,123 U.S. adults who attend a religious service or event at least once a month. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • AC Nio

    AC Nio

    Aiphone, a leading international manufacturer of intercom, access control, and emergency communication products, has introduced the AC Nio, its access control management software, an important addition to its new line of access control solutions.

  • A8V MIND

    A8V MIND

    Hexagon’s Geosystems presents a portable version of its Accur8vision detection system. A rugged all-in-one solution, the A8V MIND (Mobile Intrusion Detection) is designed to provide flexible protection of critical outdoor infrastructure and objects. Hexagon’s Accur8vision is a volumetric detection system that employs LiDAR technology to safeguard entire areas. Whenever it detects movement in a specified zone, it automatically differentiates a threat from a nonthreat, and immediately notifies security staff if necessary. Person detection is carried out within a radius of 80 meters from this device. Connected remotely via a portable computer device, it enables remote surveillance and does not depend on security staff patrolling the area.

  • Compact IP Video Intercom

    Viking’s X-205 Series of intercoms provide HD IP video and two-way voice communication - all wrapped up in an attractive compact chassis.