Airport Security Personnel: Job Description, Education, Skills and Duties, Earnings and Outlook
Submitted by: paula
Job Overview In 1960, guards had been visible on airplanes because of numerous hijackings of U.S. planes. Low occurrence of airplane hijacking decreased the employment opportunities of airport security personnel. During this time, airports hire guards from private firms. After the 2001 World Trade Center terrorist attack, airport security changed. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) had been formulated to oversee the security of airport. Airport security is now being handled by the government, which improved the hiring process and training programs of security personnel.
Education, Knowledge and Trainings Required
Those who have experience in the field of security can apply as airport security personnel. They should at least have a high school diploma and should have a wide interest in Government and History. This will help the individual be familiar with political threats and previous events which involved national security such as terrorist operations and hijacking. Computers are widely used in security nowadays so Computer class is beneficial. Math class will enhance analyzing and observing skills. Training is very important in this field and security screeners are required to be trained for 40 hours before they can start working. An additional of 60 hours is used for training also while on the job. Their performance in this training will be evaluated and if needed, the individual will go through extended training. For air marshals, they are rigorously trained and usually have previous jobs in civilian police force or in the military.
Skills and Abilities
It is very important for airport security personnel to be calm especially when confronted with a difficult security situation. They should remain focused and alert at all times. Being courteous to people is necessary since they will be interacting with different types of people everyday. They should know how to manage crowds.Excellent eyesight is needed to detect smallest material on the computer screen which could be a threat.
Duties
Airport security personnel are responsible in screening the passengers and their belongings.
They use handheld scanners, computers and X-ray machines to screen bags and passengers. It is their responsibility to protect passengers from bomb threats, hijackers, terrorists and other weapons. They are dressed like an average passenger but along the voyage, they monitor and watch for suspicious people and behavior inside the plane. It is their duty to identify threats and be attentive to what is happening around them.
Earnings and Job Outlook
Private firm employees who are providing airport security before were paid a minimum wage. To motivate and retain qualified security personnel, TSA raised their income. For screeners, they can earn $30,000 to $35,000 annually. They are paid higher if they have more responsibility and experience. Security will always be important in the aviation industry. Employment opportunities for airport security personnel will continue to increase because of continuous terrorist attacks.
Paula Hiz is a researcher and a human resource specialist who helps newly graduates, job applicants and post graduate professionals be aware of their job opportunities and available trainings for skills and practice upgrading.
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Word Count: 523 Date: Wed, 10 Nov 2010 Time: 11:53 AM
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