Airport Security, Intelligence, and Information-Sharing

“Could airport security officials properly use intelligence if they could receive it. ”
                                                                                                 __ Robert T. Raffel

I would like to focus my analysis on airport security and on how intelligence and information-sharing can enable airport operators and security managers to become proactive in deterring crimes and terrorism threats. In my opinion, the Federal government through the Department of Homeland Security have been quite successful in deterring terrorism threats following the Sept. 11, 2001 tragic terrorist attacks. Even though our government is doing a fine job in protecting us and the nation's aviation operations and infrastructure; we citizens of this great nation have an obligation to be vigilant and proactive as well. We must work together as one body, one community, and one nation regardless of our religious, ethnic and cultural differences.

Also, I would like to share the following article, Intelligence and Airport Security: Intelligence in Homeland Security, written by Robert T. Raffel, Director of Public Safety for the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority. Mr. Raffel brings up a significant point in this article regarding finding ways that enable the community to be more effective in sharing what it knows with public and private entities with security concerns. Currently, airport security relies on several means for intelligence and information-gathering from various governmental and organizational sources. The article stated at least three main methods or products of information-sharing (e.g. open-source information, local intelligence, trend analysis, etc.). Click on the above link If you like to familiarize yourself with these information-sharing products or if you like to read the full article.

One important aspect with respect to airport security is intelligence and information sharing on an international level. Often intelligence and information is gained from international sources regarding possible terrorism threats, but how often is it analyzed and shared from one country to another or from one agency to other agencies. I think that our success against terrorism depends largely on the reliability of the information and intelligence that we obtain, and also how we analyze it. Therefore, we need "quality, not quantity" security and terrorism experts to enable us to accomplish this mission.

Regarding the security approach of Mr. Isaac Yeffet, the former head of security for El Al, I think it will work in terms of enhancing security to a certain degree, but it will create lots of problems and events that will lead us into racial profiling. If we follow his approach and start to interview every passenger, then the process will become very costly. If we only choose a random number of passengers, then I guarantee you that the process will lead the majority of security officers into racial profiling practices and lawsuits. This is simply my opinion, and I welcome your comments and constructive feedback.