Video security is as much a part of airports as planes and runways. It is unthinkable for an airport - any airport - not to have video security. In fact, in the wake of the events of 9/11, the video security of airports have undergone remarkable transformations.

Innovations in Airport Video Security
If there is anything that the tragic events of 9/11 revealed, it is this: airport security, no matter how sophisticated, is not infallible. Anyone determined to beat the system may do so, provided that he has the gadget and technology needed. With this in mind, experts are now rethinking their approach to airport video security. Instead of collecting data after an incident, the focus is now on anticipating events and addressing problems even before they take place. Additionally, they have introduced two technological breakthroughs to airport surveillance and video security, namely, intelligent video and face recognition.

Intelligent Video Security?
Intelligent video is the latest offspring of the marriage between established video security and newly plumbed video technologies. How does it work? A software is made to work with existing airport CCTV systems. This software revolutionizes the detection process. Traditional video security requires that personnel keep close watch of the images captured. This system is flawed because no matter how many personnel an airport employs, it still is possible to overlook an area, for example. After all, how can one lock into a threatening situation quickly and reliably when one has hundreds, if not thousands, of CCTV cameras to watch?

With intelligent video security, cameras do not only monitor movement, they report aberrant or suspicious behavior. Cameras classify behavior as suspicious if they deviate from the patterns of normal activity coded into the video security system. Once anomalous behavior from a passenger is noted, a video clip is sent to a responder, via pager, laptop, cell phone, or the control center. Should the first responder fail to act, the video clip is sent to another responder.

Face Recognition in Video Security
Another upgrade to airport video security is face recognition. It is already in use in some airports, although application is limited to airport personnel for the time being. Face recognition is highly useful in verifying identity. It is used in two ways in airports. The first is in watch list screening. Live images of passengers are compared to a database of known criminals. The second is in regulating access to restricted areas or airport controls. Badges and uniforms can be stolen easily and quickly; it will require plenty of work to steal a face.

Experts believe that integration of face recognition in the video security of all airports is a cost-effective solution not only to security concerns, but also to lags in paper processing. With face recognition, it will become easier to identify people and match the face to existing records.

It is unanimously accepted that video security helps improve travel safety. Having the best video technology in the world, however, is not what's important. It's what you do with it that counts.