NASS has developed a comprehensive, five-step security analysis concept, as follows, to meet new terrorist threats:
Organization – Authority and responsibility are inseparable. Whoever bears the responsibility for security at the airport or facility must have the authority to introduce, implement, and supervise the security measures necessary to prevent terrorist attacks. The NASS team studies the security roles, jurisdiction and liability of each stakeholder and recommends a comprehensive structure of authority, responsibility and coordination for routine, preparedness and crisis management.
Security Control – A centralized, modern, integrated security control system that supervises and monitors the daily operation of the security effort and initiates security procedures according to pre-determined rules and protocols. The C4I center becomes critical in crisis situations (non-security as well as security-related), as it is a management tool that helps to identify and prioritize the critical information and need for decision making. It is based on pre-determined security protocols for all forecasted security events, state of the art technological solutions, security systems integration, and trained manpower that implements them.
A multi-layer comprehensive security program – This term describes a theoretical multiple circumference system that surrounds an airport, seaport or facility, and provides increasing levels of protection of life and property. Its principle is to implement, cumulatively and progressively, more rigorous security efforts, starting from intelligence gathering, perimeter of the outermost circle, and reaching the innermost circle where the highest level of protection is achieved. Each consecutive circle addresses changing threats, and operational limitations that need to be approached. Layers of protection utilize resources in the most efficient and effective manner, to answer any terrorist threat. Its utmost advantage is that it addresses the security needs on a comprehensive basis and leaves no loopholes between the various systems and players.
Training and preparedness – To ensure the effectiveness of security measures, security and non security personnel should be trained at the highest possible level to carry out security activity. All facility personnel, including police officers, security agents, and other employees, should be trained effectively to perform their respective security-related duties. Training for each role should be customized for relevant threats and duties. Long-term re-certification and update programs will prevent long-term deterioration of the security effort. NASS identifies the training needs starting from the individual level through team and organization all the way to comprehensive, system training exercises. Training management platforms may be developed to a full preparedness program incorporating a wide spectrum of factors that dictate the final preparedness status.
Auditing – Ongoing auditing ensures that the airport, seaport or facility is ready to address terrorist threats if they occur. Pre-determined standards should be used to decipher whether the organization operates effectively and efficiently, or whether some improvements are called for. Auditing monitors implementation, validates the effectiveness of existing and new security protocols, and critically assesses their adequacy for relevant threats. Auditing prevents stagnation of the security effort and ensures performance according to the highest possible professional and operational standards. Additionally, auditing allows management to assess the cost-effectiveness of each component of the security effort.
