$5 million TSA grant will revamp and expand existing closed-circuit TV system

01/06/10 – Mayor Gavin Newsom announced today that San Francisco International Airport will upgrade and expand the use of its closed-circuit television (CCTV) system as part of a $5 million Transportation Security Administration (TSA) grant received by the Airport.

The grant will enable SFO to deploy new high definition megapixel cameras. These new higher quality views will help us enhance the security checkpoint and perimeter CCTV coverage. The cameras will provide far greater detail than the existing cameras and will enable the airport to add an improved human graphical interface capability.

“San Francisco International, under the leadership of Airport Director John L. Martin, has continually ‘raised the bar’ in all aspects of airport safety and security,” said Mayor Newsom. “The events of the past few weeks are a sobering reminder that airport security must remain a top priority. Bay Area travelers should also be reassured that SFO is focused on the safety and security of everyone who travels through its gates.”

Mayor Newsom also noted that SFO is one of only 19 airports nationwide selected in 2008 by the Transportation Security Administration to test a “whole body imager” screening system.

For years, the SFO CCTV system has been recognized as one of the best among U.S. airports in its extensive coverage, technology and use of video. The Airport’s system has grown from 150 cameras ten years ago, with coverage of certain key security areas, to a complex system of more than 1,000 cameras covering the roadways, perimeter, baggage systems, terminal areas, passenger security checkpoints and other important areas throughout the airport. In a unique feature, the system is monitored by both TSA and Airport aviation security personnel with the help of video analytic software. Congress members, leaders within the TSA and other security agencies have all visited SFO to see for themselves how an airport can take the initiative to utilize CCTV as a fundamental layer of security.

“Airport security is also a partnership,” said Airport Director Martin. “SFO has been fortunate to have an outstanding working relationship with the TSA, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and the San Francisco Police Department’s Airport Bureau. Each one of these agencies, along with every employee at SFO, is a vital and integral facet of the Airport’s security program.”

Some of the security programs initiated at San Francisco International Airport include:

· In 1992, the installation of the nation’s first biometric access control system. Following the events of 9/11, airports from around the world have visited SFO for a first-hand look at this system.

· In 1996, SFO purchased an installed its first explosive detection device (CTX) baggage scanner in the old International Terminal. At the time this was new, cutting edge technology, now it is the industry standard.

· In January 2000, San Francisco International Airport instituted its “Quality Standards Program.” This program established recruitment, training, compensation and performance standards for all employers with workers in security areas or performing security functions at SFO. These standards exceeded existing federal regulations at the time and many were later implemented nation-wide with the creation of the TSA.

· In December 2000, with the opening the International Terminal, SFO had constructed the most technologically advance security system of any airport in the nation. Within days following the 9/11 attacks, airport management was drawing up plans to further upgrade the terminal by ensuring all existing X-ray scanners would be replaced with CTX machines. Just ten months later, SFO’s International Terminal became the world’s first terminal to have 100% in-line explosive detection systems (EDS).

· In 2002, despite a dramatic downturn in traffic and revenue, SFO continued to invest in security systems with the creation and development of the security screening room where all information from the Airport’s 45 CTX is fed to a single location where trained screeners may analyze the contents of a passenger’s bag.

· In 2003, the Airport’s Security Operations Center (SOC) began to take shape with installation of more than 1,000 high-resolution digital cameras throughout the Airport. These cameras are linked to the SOC and the Airport’s Communication Center.

· Also in 2003, the opening of a new state-of-the-art Emergency Operations Center (EOC) with unparalleled audio, video and computer technology to manage any type of significant incident at SFO.

· In 2004, the opening of a one-of-a-kind Security Control Center (SCC) for use by the TSA in its management of all Airport security checkpoints.