iwatch newsletter Spring 2014 In this issue:- 1. iwatch news 2. Security news 3. Security vigilance and awareness 4. RCMP HSIA Unit 1.

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1 iwatch newsletter Spring 2014 In this issue:- 1. iwatch news 2. Security news 3. Security vigilance and awareness 4. RCMP HSIA Unit 1. iwatch news This edition of iwatch news needs to start with a big thank you to everyone who contacted iwatch to report a security incident during Every year since its inception in 2006, iwatch reports have continually exceeded the preceding year. The statistics for 2013 show an incredible 62% increase on The airport community s role in helping to keep our airport safe cannot be overstated it is essential. While Halifax International Airport Authority (HIAA) Security and the RCMP Halifax Stanfield International Airport (HSIA) Unit can put in place measures to help protect our airport, the contribution that every employee can make will always count in some meaningful way. The types of iwatch reports received are varied and include such things as: unattended baggage, unattended or suspicious vehicles, suspicious persons or behaviour, issues relating to the perimeter fence, vandalism, theft and Restricted Area Identification Card (RAIC) infractions. As outlined in the last iwatch newsletter, every airport employee who contributes to the iwatch program by making a report receives a thank you from HIAA Security (currently a $5 Tim s card). In addition, at the end of each month, a draw takes place involving all those from the airport community who made an iwatch report during that particular month. The person whose name is drawn is then presented with a $100 Visa card! Here are some of the lucky winners so far in 2014:- Page 1 of 7

2 January: Shelley Smith, Chorus Aviation February: Corey Foster, Securitas March: Therese James, Nova Scotia Tourism Page 2 of 7

3 2. Security news Much of what HIAA Security does at this airport is driven by regulations imposed through legislation. Transport Canada (TC) - who has on-site inspectors at HSIA - provides oversight to ensure that HIAA Security is compliant with the vast range of security regulations. This oversight by TC also extends to other organizations, such as the airlines. Fortunately, many of the regulations allow HIAA Security to apply them in a manner that is appropriate for circumstances at HSIA. As outlined in our security statement, HIAA Security will strive to exceed the expectation of all relevant legislation and regulations. So, for those airport employees who may have experience at other airports within Canada and who feel that the level of security measures at HSIA may be more stringent or robust than elsewhere then please know that this is done to further enhance the safety and security of everyone that works at or comes to our airport. From a security standpoint, there are times where there is a challenge in relation to managing the convenience of an existing airport operation versus the requirements imposed by a new security regulation or measure. Ultimately, the safety and security of all has to come first. However, HIAA Security actively looks to take a partnership approach to consult on new measures to see where there may be some middle ground to enable the new security measure to retain its effectiveness, while allowing latitude for the airport operation in question to function as seamlessly as is possible. For those readers of this newsletter who are not RAIC holders, you may be unaware of the fact that RAIC holders and temporary pass holders are subject to being searched prior to entering the restricted areas of the air terminal building. This is called non-passenger screening (NPS). This security measure falls under the mandate of the Canadian Air Transport Security Page 3 of 7

4 Authority (CATSA). In our region, Securitas is the service provider contracted by CATSA. The purpose of NPS is to ensure that nothing is brought in to the restricted area that could pose a threat to passengers or the aircraft they travel on. For those of you who are RAIC holders, there should already be an appreciation as to how important NPS is to aviation security. When you are selected for screening, please realize that the screeners are performing a regulatory requirement that has to be completed in a prescribed manner. Your patience and cooperation is needed. The four responsibilities currently assigned to CATSA in accordance with the CATSA Act are as follows:- 1. Pre-Board Screening (PBS) of passengers and their belongings. 2. The acquisition, deployment, operation, and maintenance of explosives detection systems (EDS) for hold baggage screening (HBS). 3. The implementing of a non-passenger screening (NPS) program for persons accessing restricted areas of airports. 4. The implementation of a Restricted Area Identity Card (RAIC). For more background information on CATSA, checkout the following link: 3. Security vigilance and awareness It is just over a year since the explosions at the Boston Marathon killed three people and injured an estimated 264 others. Can you imagine the impact of such an event on a busy day in our terminal? The devastating events of Boston serve as a reminder as to why we have to maintain such a high level of security awareness regarding such things as unattended baggage and vehicles. Aviation transportation remains an attractive target for terrorists. At HSIA we have to be as vigilant as any other international airport as to the potential for us to become a target there is no such thing as it can t happen here. Page 4 of 7

5 As the primary airport in Atlantic Canada and a major economic generator valued at $1.26 billion towards the provincial economy, HSIA is an important asset to this region. In addition to these facts; we are an internationally recognized airport (see the banners proudly displayed above the food court) and we have over 3.6 million people who travel through here annually. When you add to this the numbers of people who come to HSIA to see meet, greet or say farewell to those travelling, we probably have close to twice the amount people coming to this airport annually than actually live in Atlantic Canada which is approximately 2.4 million residents. So, as can be seen, including all the national and international reasons why we protect an airport, locally we have significant reasons to want to do our best. In the last edition of the iwatch newsletter we focused on awareness relating to suspicious activity and the associated indicators. In this edition, we are going to look at bomb threats and what to do if you receive one. There can be many reasons why a bomb threat is made: It can be an actual act of BOSTON APRIL 2013 terrorism, a disgruntled passenger or employee, the act of a person who may perceive this as fun thing to do or it may be done by a person wishing to delay a flight. One thing a bomb threat will always be is a criminal act. If you are someone who receives a bomb threat or any malicious call threatening the safety of the airport here is what to do:- Keep calm - listen carefully - be polite and show interest. Take down notes try to get exact wording of threat. Keep talking - if person stops talking use all means to prolong call. Do not interrupt the caller. Signal to a co-worker to call the police or airport security. Note the call display on your phone name and/or phone number. Page 5 of 7

6 Note if the caller is a male or female and if there is a voice accent. Does the voice sound familiar, if so, who? If you get the opportunity, ask: When/where is bomb due to go off? What does the bomb look like? What type of bomb is it? What will cause the bomb to explode? Why have they placed a bomb? If you know how, activate call trace procedures. After the call - if it has not already been done - immediately call the police or airport security. Notify a supervisor after the call and avoid getting distracted from recollecting the call. Make notes of all you remember about the call and provide them to the police when they arrive. The above guide will assist the police in their investigation of such a crime. It will also provide the airport authority and relevant stakeholders with information that will contribute towards an assessment of the threat. 4. RCMP HSIA Unit Here is a message from their unit commander Sgt. Scott Hirtle:- The Halifax Stanfield International Airport RCMP Unit welcomes you to these longer, brighter and warmer days. Spring has jumped out of the snow banks, and it is the time of year to change from snow tires and ensure your vehicle has made it through the long, dark, cold days of winter. This entails making sure your electrical system is working properly after being abused by salt Page 6 of 7

7 during the winter, your vehicle alignment is tracking straight after dodging pot holes, and all other issues are resolved for the summer. You will notice again soon, our radar speed board on the airport roads, encouraging drivers to stay within the speed limits. This visual board assists our unit in planning check points and radar enforcement at the Halifax Aerodrome, and helps us determine when the numbers warrant enforcement. We realize 30 kilometres an hour may seem slow for some drivers, but when traffic and pedestrian volume is taken into account, coupled with the fact that many people are unfamiliar with the airport; it really is the safest approach. We will also be meeting with aviation hobbyists who enjoy watching air traffic from various locations near the aerodrome, to determine if they re interested in participating in Halifax Stanfield s iwatch program. We feel that these folks could help us maintain our high level of vigilance and by extension, aerodrome security. I would like to introduce our newest members to the airport community: Cst. Dave Forsyth has been a regular member of the RCMP for 26 years. He has been stationed in British Columbia and in 1999 transferred to Nova Scotia, Enfield Detachment, and later the National Security Enforcement Section and Federal Policing. Dave began working at Halifax Stanfield Airport Unit in April of this year. Cst. Chris Boyd has been a regular member of the RCMP for nine years and was posted to Northern Manitoba and Nunavut following training in Regina. Following a transfer to Nova Scotia where his postings included Yarmouth and Lower Sackville, and most recently the Halifax Stanfield International Airport Unit. [In the photo above: HIAA President & CEO Joyce Carter joins Chief Supt. Roland Wells and members of the RCMP HSIA Unit during Police Week ]. Page 7 of 7