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* Home > Case Studies > Security > Travelling in Safety *
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Case Studies - Security

Travelling in Safety

Where we came in
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Passenger screening at airports is one of the most effective ways of preventing weapons and explosives getting on to aircraft, but the task is extremely difficult.

Security systems are only as good as the operators who use them and the need for the highest standards in aviation is a pressing issue. Security screening staff have to work in a time-pressured, high-workload environment where they are continually expected to make critical decisions about passengers' baggage.

QinetiQ has been working with the Department for Transport, airport authorities and manufacturers of screening equipment to improve the effectiveness of screening staff.
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A gun can be clearly seen in this bag but baggage handlers need to stay alert over long periods. A gun can be clearly seen in this bag but baggage handlers need to stay alert over long periods.
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What we did
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We have been investigating ways of improving:

  • the selection process for baggage screening staff
  • the initial and refresher training they receive
  • ways of monitoring and improving their on-the-job performance.


On behalf of the Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions (DTLR), we conducted the first trial of Threat Image Protection technology to help improve screeners' performance. This system imposes realistic images of fictitious threats on to X-ray images of genuine passengers' bags.

In separate studies, we have also investigated how to better develop screeners' image interpretation skills.

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QinetiQ has improved the alertness of baggage handlers. QinetiQ has improved the alertness of baggage handlers.
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The results and benefits
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Our studies on Threat Image Protection technology suggest that it helps to improve screening staff's motivation, vigilance and performance.

The other studies on image interpretation skills have identified technological innovations that improve a screeners' ability to recognise threats. These include:

  • an 'intelligent' system for presenting the clearest on-screen image
  • a 3D training tool for enhancing image interpretation skills
  • new algorithms for processing X-ray images.
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Anything is possible - just ask
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This is a prime example of how we are working in co-operation with both private- and public-sector bodies to find solutions to problems.

We could do the same for you. Whatever your requirements or problems, we have the ideas, know how and solutions.
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