Expert says terrorists are helped by what he says is ‘predictable’ security.

Airport news for Flights,Travel on 29/11/2010.

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A security expert has said that terrorists are being helped by what he calls ‘predictable’ airport security. Ian Hutcheson, who runs security at BAA, made the remarks while speaking to the Guardian. He is urging a major revamp of passenger screening.

Mr Hutcheson criticized the nearly identical security methods in place at the world’s many airports. He made his comments as the Transport Secretary Philip Hammond is calling for airport security to be made more flexible.

Speaking in the run up to a security conference being held in Geneva, Switzerland, by the UN’s International Civil Aviation Organisation, Mr Hutcheson criticized the ease with which terrorists are able to predict what they are facing at airport security. He pointed out that most attacks are preceded by significant reconnaissance and planning.

He is calling for greater uncertainty to be introduced into security procedures. At the moment, says Mr Hutcheson, it is simply too easy for terrorists to fine-tune their approach to exploit known weaknesses. He is calling for increased use of sophisticated security techniques.

These would include ‘behavioural detection’. This approach has been tested by BAA at all of its UK airports. Key members of staff are trained to spot unusual behaviour amongst travellers waiting for their flights. Mr Hutcheson also wants more freedom given to airports to develop their own security practices.

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