Airport security is a critical aspect of airport management, but it can also pose challenges for creating an inclusive and respectful environment for staff and passengers. How do you balance the need for safety and security with the need for diversity and inclusion? Here are some tips to help you create an inclusive security environment.
The first step to creating an inclusive security environment is to define your values and goals as an airport manager. What are the principles and standards that guide your security policies and practices? How do they align with your airport's mission and vision? How do they reflect the needs and expectations of your staff and passengers? By clarifying your values and goals, you can communicate them effectively to your security team and stakeholders, and ensure that they are consistent and transparent.
I found it critical to explain the need for security and safety. Further to explain the impact that the absence or lack thereof would have in respect of goodwill and perception. The importance of integrity, awareness, communication, values supported by effective security policies geared towards safeguarging the interest of all stakeholders and the company in line with all necessary legal priscripts. Clear standard working procedures which are continuously reinforced the appreciation of the moment of truth and that service has no inventory. Planning, organising, execution and foward looking strategy developed and execution enchored on balanced transactional and transformational leadership that is adaptable.
Actually I disagree with relagating the issues of safety and security to the airport manager. It is critical to include as mainstream safety and security in the business model of the airport. In the abovementioned way, safety and security are not seen as a certification issue, but part of business activities of the airport as guided in the strategy and implemented through applicable policies, processes and procedures. In turn, the entire airport value chain is capacited to ensure service delivery to the clients of the airport get value for money with the brand professionalism from the entire airport staff inclusive in the area of safety and security.
The second step to creating an inclusive security environment is to train your security team on the best practices and protocols for security screening, communication, and interaction. Your security team should be aware of the legal and ethical implications of their actions, as well as the cultural and personal sensitivities of your staff and passengers. They should also be equipped with the skills and tools to handle different situations and scenarios, such as dealing with suspicious behavior, responding to complaints, or accommodating special needs. By training your security team, you can enhance their professionalism and confidence, and reduce the risk of errors or conflicts.
Training is a crital and a necessary tool. It should and must be geared towards both technical aspects and soft issues that would enable seamless job fit in line with respective security and safety positions. Training should be enabler not only in the fulfillment of the job function but must allow to improve other social quadtrants ie emotional and adverserial. It should equip others in dealing with stakeholders and improve acumen. Instil an appreaciation of actions and consequences. Instil an appreciation of risk and resolution thereof with a conflict resolution outlook and professionalism
One thing that will be helpful is to associate the product that the airline is offering in the form of a ticket, the product that airport is offering being facilitation for the airline and passenger, has aspects of it that are safety and security (just as it has become natural to have seat belts in the car and to strap them). For the airline, airport and passenger, it must be clear that for the enjoyment of the product offered, part of the enablers of the successful completion and to meet the expectations of all, safety and security must be achieved within safety and regulatory compliance obligations applicable to all parties in the equation. In that way, safety and security, will not be viewed or taken, as an inconvinience
Conflict resolution is a critical capacitation aspect for teams working and interacting with the public in the safety and security space. Also there is need to then have various levels of dealing ptsd within safety and security
The third step to creating an inclusive security environment is to engage with your staff and passengers on a regular basis. You can use various channels and methods to solicit feedback, address concerns, and share information about your security measures and procedures. You can also create opportunities for dialogue and collaboration, such as organizing forums, workshops, or surveys, to involve your staff and passengers in the design and evaluation of your security policies and practices. By engaging with your staff and passengers, you can build trust and rapport, and foster a sense of ownership and participation.
An example I have seen is use of AI as an added means of engagement with passengers. The AI took into account the sentisitive safety and security aspects. The bottomline is, engagements of passengers must be aimed at meeting expectations of passengers whilst achieving the required safety and security performance indeces.
The fourth step to creating an inclusive security environment is to monitor and evaluate your performance on a regular basis. You can use various indicators and metrics to measure the effectiveness and efficiency of your security operations, as well as the satisfaction and well-being of your staff and passengers. You can also use various tools and techniques to collect and analyze data, such as reports, audits, or interviews, to identify the strengths and weaknesses of your security policies and practices. By monitoring and evaluating your performance, you can identify the areas for improvement and innovation, and implement the necessary changes and adjustments.
One thing I have found useful is that data collection points, and clarity on data to be collected adds value to quality and feedback loop. As much as possible ergonomics are critical in efficiency and ensuring passenger satisfaction.
The fifth step to creating an inclusive security environment is to celebrate your achievements and challenges as an airport manager. You can use various platforms and events to recognize and reward your security team and stakeholders for their contributions and efforts, such as certificates, awards, or newsletters. You can also use various formats and media to showcase and share your best practices and lessons learned, such as case studies, videos, or blogs. By celebrating your achievements and challenges, you can motivate and inspire your security team and stakeholders, and demonstrate your commitment and leadership.
To address the importance of creating an inclusive security environment in airport management, it's vital to celebrate your achievements and challenges as an airport manager. This can be achieved through various means, including recognizing and rewarding your security team and stakeholders for their valuable contributions. Certificates, awards, and newsletters are practical tools for showcasing appreciation. Additionally, sharing best practices and lessons learned through case studies, videos, or blogs can inspire and motivate your team and stakeholders. Celebrating these milestones acknowledges their hard work and reinforces your commitment and leadership in fostering an inclusive security culture.
The sixth and final step to creating an inclusive security environment is to learn from others and network with your peers and experts in the field of airport security. You can use various sources and resources to access and exchange knowledge and experience, such as journals, books, or webinars. You can also use various opportunities and venues to connect and collaborate with other airport managers and security professionals, such as conferences, seminars, or associations. By learning from others and networking, you can broaden your perspective and insight, and discover new ideas and solutions.
Turning our attention to the final step in creating an inclusive security environment in airport management, learning from others and networking plays a crucial role. In the dynamic field of airport security, staying connected with peers and experts is invaluable. It allows for the exchange of best practices, emerging trends, and innovative solutions. Engaging in knowledge-sharing platforms like webinars, conferences, and industry associations facilitates continuous improvement. By learning from others and building a network of professionals, airport managers can adapt to evolving security challenges and provide a safe and inclusive environment for all travelers and staff.
Training modules that are futuristic and current in nature. Job opportunities in this area. Collated data of players in this field.