Detroit Metro Airport Enhances Security with K9s

Detroit Metro Airport Enhances Security with K9s

K9s will be used at the Detroit airport to add an additional layer of security in the airport's busiest season.

  • By Sydny Shepard
  • May 31, 2019

The busiest travel season is upon us and the Transportation Security Administration in Detroit is looking for ways to cut down on passenger wait times at security checkpoints while also enhancing the layers of security at Detroit Metropolitan County Airport.

Airport officials, TSA and Customs and Border Patrol plan to boost security with 10 K9s that search the airport for prohibited food, narcotics, explosives and suspicious items, according to The Detroit News. 

Last year, about 5.6 million passengers were screened at the Detroit Metro Airport between Memorial Day and Labor Day. The airport is expecting the screen more than 6 million in the same timeframe this year, said TSA spokesperson Mark Howell. 

"This last Friday was the busiest travel day we've had on record, screening nearly 2.8 million people, and it is going to stay that busy through the summer, so you will see these dogs on hand and some others throughout the airport working to keep things secure," Howell said. "On average, we screen about 2.2 million a day, but we protect this to be the busiest summer ever."

TSA officials use the K9 units as additional security, screening passengers as they wind through the lines before reaching the checkpoint. 

"They are sniffing things out while people stand in lines that could potentially be dangerous like explosives and components to make them," Howell said. "These dogs are out mobile detection capability that alerts us in a quick second if a passenger is a potential threat."

About the Author

Sydny Shepard is the Executive Editor of Campus Security & Life Safety.

Featured

  • Security Today Announces 2025 CyberSecured Award Winners

    Security Today is pleased to announce the 2025 CyberSecured Awards winners. Sixteen companies are being recognized this year for their network products and other cybersecurity initiatives that secure our world today. Read Now

  • Empowering and Securing a Mobile Workforce

    What happens when technology lets you work anywhere – but exposes you to security threats everywhere? This is the reality of modern work. No longer tethered to desks, work happens everywhere – in the office, from home, on the road, and in countless locations in between. Read Now

  • TSA Introduces New $45 Fee Option for Travelers Without REAL ID Starting February 1

    The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced today that it will refer all passengers who do not present an acceptable form of ID and still want to fly an option to pay a $45 fee to use a modernized alternative identity verification system, TSA Confirm.ID, to establish identity at security checkpoints beginning on February 1, 2026. Read Now

  • The Evolution of IP Camera Intelligence

    As the 30th anniversary of the IP camera approaches in 2026, it is worth reflecting on how far we have come. The first network camera, launched in 1996, delivered one frame every 17 seconds—not impressive by today’s standards, but groundbreaking at the time. It did something that no analog system could: transmit video over a standard IP network. Read Now

  • 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

Most   Popular

New Products

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.