Peace and Security Review, Vol.1 No. 2 - International Centre for ...

112 Peace and Security Review Vol.1, No.2, Second Quarter, 2008
when looked at through a threat and risk assessment. Just as important any
security policy must include in puts from the individual where are going to
have to implement them. They are the ones who will have to be able to
understand the operational environment and the best most efficient way to
implement a new policy, and deal with the daily consequences of each new
initiative.
The above recommendations all rest on the ability for the stakeholders to
have access to high quality information and intelligence. While the cooperation
between the government and industry is improving there is still room for
progress. One way to work around chock points with in the system is to access
information directly. 95-99% of all information in the counter-terrorism field
is available in the open source domain. This includes both analysis and raw
information that can help create the picture the industry needs to evaluate its
risk. The aviation industry does not need to invest in its own analytical
capabilities, it can tap into existing systems such as World-Check who provide
both access to raw intelligence as well as some analytical capabilities. Academic
centers such as the International Center for Political Violence and Terrorism
Research can also provide information and analysis, so there are a wide
range of providers to support this critical industry.
The threat and risk facing international civil aviation is constantly evolving.
It is now common for groups to have an evolutionary live cycle of around six
months making response very difficult. The most effective security strategy
is to develop a comprehensive layered security structure. The critical components
in maintaining a robust and flexible response are: staff, training,
intelligence and most critically will.
Terrorism and crime are human activities and thus can be reduced and
perhaps prevented by human activity. Thus the move to greater reliance on
technology in all aspects of aviation and security may have a negative impact
on security. Humans, with all of our limitations, are some of the best early
warning detectors currently available. While the focus is identifying the correct
personality type to work in security, one needs to understand that there needs
to be an all of staff approach to make sure everyone understands and is
empowered to act in a potential security related situation. This is not confined to
the security and other ground staff. Ticked agents, sky caps and anyone else
in the industry needs to have the investment in the notion that security is an
all points effort. The only way to protect civil aviation is to calibrate our
response to the threat and risk posed by a given threat, and allow humans to
remain engaged in attempting to reduce the threat.
Vol.1, No.2 2008 pp.95-114