MODULE 6

RESPONSES TO SECURITY INCIDENT SECURITY

EMERGENCIES
 OBJECTIVE
 List different types of incidents, crises, or major
emergencies
 Describe the principles of crisis management
 Explain the need for command and control
 Understand the function of crisis management centers
and teams
 Describe the typical responses to bomb threats
NEED FOR AN EFFECTIVE RESPONSE TO AN EMERGENCY OR INCIDENT

 Emergencies and incidents will arise

regardless of the security measures
incorporated into the airport or airline
security procedures.
NEED FOR AN EFFECTIVE RESPONSE TO AN EMERGENCY OR INCIDENT

 Since emergencies are bound to arise, they must be

planned for, although it is not known when, where,
how, or what will occur.

 Since any portion of the airline or airport facilities

may be subject to an emergency occurrence,
it is essential that the airline and airport staff and
authorities be prepared for an effective response
PRINCIPLES OF CRISIS MANAGEMENT

Command
Control
Communicate
 PRINCIPLES OF CRISIS MANAGEMENT

N a t io n a l
com m and
c o n tro l
IN C ID E N T c e n tr e

In n e r c o r d o n
FCP

O u te r c o rd o n In c id e n t
c o n tr o l c e n tr e
RV
S ta g in g a r e a p o in t EO C
HANDLING INCIDENTS OF UNLAWFUL SEIZURE
 The safety of passengers, crew, ground personnel,
and the general public are primary concerns.
 The detention and prosecution of the
perpetrators and the protection of property are of
secondary importance.
 It is essential to get the aircraft down on the
ground, and keep it there as long as it doesn’t put
lives in jeopardy!
HANDLING INCIDENTS OF UNLAWFUL SEIZURE
 It is necessary to negotiate until it becomes
evident that further negotiations will not
result in the saving of lives.
 The use of force is the last resort.
 Finally, it is essential to have one person,
identified as the ultimate decision-maker in
the resolution of the incident.
 CRISIS MANAGEMENT TEAMS

 National policy level

 Incident Operational level
 Airline Crisis Management level
 BOMB THREATS
 Real bombers, trying to give a legitimate
warning
 Potential extortionists who want a device
to be discovered
 Nuisance callers who want to disrupt
operations
 Late passengers
 Mentally disturbed persons
 BOMB THREATS
 In writing (letter/electronically)
 In person
 Verbally, usually by telephone (most
common)
 BOMB THREATS - HISTORY
 95% of bomb threats are false
 Less than 2% of bomb explosions have been
preceded by a threat/warning
 Culture of country affects type of bombers:
 capability to manufacture
 availability of materials
 efficiency of law enforcement response
 intent
 BOMB THREATS - ASSESSMENTS

Positive Target Identification (PTI)

Elements of the procedure
 BOMB THREATS - ASSESSMENTS
• Recent history of warnings and incidents for
the airport and the main aircraft operators
• The possible influence of current events
• Industrial disputes
• Disputes with neighboring communities or
environmental protest groups
• Similar incidents recently reported in the
media (copycat hoax call)
 BOMB THREATS - ASSESSMENTS
• High profile persons at airport or on flight
• Recent incidents concerning the processing
of flight:
• passengers refused boarding
• disputes at check-in
• unique air cargo on flight
 BOMB THREATS - ASSESSMENTS

• What additional security measures have

been implemented
• Local police or security authority’s
opinion of warning
 BOMB THREATS – AIRCRAFT ON GROUND
 Disembark all passengers and crew with all
cabin baggage
 Move the aircraft to a remote location
 Isolate and re-screen all passengers and their
cabin baggage
 Hold them in a separate area until following
actions completed
 BOMB THREATS – AIRCRAFT ON GROUND
 Unload all hold baggage reconcile with
passengers screen and search
 Unload all cargo screen and search
 Unload and check the integrity of catering
supplies
 Search the aircraft
 BOMB THREATS – AIRCRAFT IN FLIGHT
• Notify pilot-in-command
• PIC notify destination or
diversion airport
• Seat belt sign on advise pax
of a “threat” not bomb
 BOMB THREATS – AIRCRAFT IN FLIGHT
• Descend to 10,000 ft. &
depressurise aircraft.

• Lower landing gear.

• Divert to nearest suitable airport.

 BOMB THREATS – AIRCRAFT IN FLIGHT
THE NIGHTMARE SCENARIO

Detonation of an explosive device more likely to be

catastrophic at cruise altitude
BOMB THREATS – ACTIONS AFTER LANDING
 Disembark all passengers and crew with all
cabin baggage by steps or jetties
 Escape slides should only be used in extreme
emergencies
 Avoid directing passengers through the area
near the device when disembarking
 BOMB THREATS – POST EVENT
• Interviews by airport authorities, police,
EOD specialists, state officials and
company officials
 Do not talk about incident or threat with
public and media
 Incident reports mandatory
 BOMB THREATS – POST EVENT
 All these aspects should be contained in an
approved Airline and Airport Security
Programme.
 The State is required to conduct regular Crisis
Management Training and verify ICAO will audit
effectiveness.