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Airport Security Assessments: Introba Selected to Develop PARAS 0016 on Threat, Risk, and Vulnerabilities

Airport Security Assessments: Introba Selected to Develop PARAS 0016 on Threat, Risk, and Vulnerabilities

Insights & Perspectives
Security
Airport Security

In Part 1 of our PARAS series, we examined the Guidance for Airport Perimeter Security report with our Aviation team’s unique approach to perimeter security based on our clients’ unique profiles and operations.

For Part 2, we’re taking a closer look at PARAS 0016: Airport Security Vulnerability Assessments and how we use this research to support the first-ever, airport-specific risk assessment methodologies.

As an additional outcome of this research, we provided insight on assessing risks presented by natural hazards and evaluated long-range climate change issues in the aviation sector and other critical infrastructures.

Practical Research and Tools for Airports of All Sizes

The risk assessment methodology developed under PARAS 0016 consists of customized tools for small, medium, and large airports to allow airport managers to assess risk effectively, regardless of airport size and resources. Using these customized tools, this report provides step-by-step instructions for airport management to:

  • Identify operationally critical asset-threat combinations

  • Assess consequences of threats, probability of threat occurrence, and asset vulnerability

  • Determine an overall risk rating to prioritize risk mitigation

The research also provided guidance on potential strategies to reduce risk, conduct benefit-cost analysis, and perform planning, technology, and infrastructure upgrades accordingly.

While PARAS 0016 was designed as a guidance document giving airport management the right tools to assess risks, completing regular site-wide risk assessments is a daunting task. As this prepared research was built on years of experience, our team can expedite risk assessments while identifying proven mitigation measures to reduce risk across a broad spectrum of hazards and threats.

We understand the regulatory environment within the aviation sector and collaborate with government stakeholders in identifying procedural measures to reduce risk while maintaining compliance with TSA and FAA regulations.

In addition to risk assessment, our consulting services support the three primary mitigation measures including:

  • Physical infrastructure upgrades

  • Technology upgrades

  • Process/procedure modifications

Our engineering team uses assessment results to design physical security and technology measures to reduce risk while supporting procurement and project management during installation or construction. Similarly, our security and emergency planning professionals develop hazard-, threat-, and function-specific plans while providing training and emergency exercises to build competencies among airport personnel assigned to implement new procedures.

For example, Senior Resiliency Consultant, Michael Steinle wrote the After-Action Report and Improvement Plan (AAR/IP) on behalf of the Broward County Aviation Department following the active shooter incident at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport in 2017. This report outlines the event responses to constructively assess strategic and tactical operations while identifying issues and challenges specific to this incident.

Experience and Specialized Planning Makes the Difference

PARAS 0016 represents the first airport-specific comprehensive risk assessment methodology and embodies the collective experience of people who are invested in the success of aviation worldwide. 

Introba (formerly Ross & Baruzzini) offers a wealth of experience in conducting risk assessments and mitigation services across a broad spectrum of critical infrastructures. This experience allowed us to apply a practical, airport-realistic approach to the PARAS 0016 methodology and adjust the process to support airport-specific analysis.  

Beyond the assessment phase, our team provides specialized planning and mitigation services, customized for each airport. We are actively involved with clients in assessing active shooter incidents, insider threats, infectious disease response, and many other risks in the airport environment and use this knowledge to customize a solution for each airport.  

We don’t treat our projects as commodities because they aren’t. Every airport is unique, and every project requires its own specialized attention and consideration.  

Let’s discuss your project’s security, schedule your consultation with our team

Stay tuned for the next article in our PARAS series: Guidance for Access Control System Transitions.

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