The DHS Science and Technology Directorate (S&T), a Multiple Award Finalist in the 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Program, demonstrated a new advanced algorithm over the summer, to better detect non-explosive weapons like guns, knives, and other items that are prohibited on commercial aircraft in a real-world setting at Las Vegas’ McCarran International Airport.
The Automatic Prohibited Item Detection (APID) machine learning algorithm, which was funded by S&T’s Screening at Speed Program, is designed to complement existing Transportation Security Officer (TSO) procedures to enhance and accelerate detection of non-explosive prohibited items.
Once operational, it could lead to less direct TSO intervention and fewer secondary screenings, improving efficiency and passenger throughput.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Office of Requirements and Capability Analysis began in late August, in a study at McCarran’s Innovation Checkpoint, which provides a flexible evaluation environment for emerging security technologies at an active airport security checkpoint.
At McCarran, the nation’s seventh busiest airport by passenger volume, TSA, also a 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Award Finalist, partners with facility officials to control the flow of travelers to Innovation Checkpoint lanes without disrupting the flow of operations and while maintaining transparency to travelers.
(See the McCarran ‘Innovation Checkpoint’ a major upgrade to your security experience, which launched in June of 2021. Courtesy of 8 News NOW Las Vegas and YouTube. Posted on Jun 8, 2021.)
Following a competitive proposal-and-selection process, S&T’s Screening at Speed Program selected Reston, Virginia-based Leidos Corporation to develop the algorithm to meet TSA’s technology priorities as outlined in the agency’s capability maturation roadmap.
Multiple cycles of development and refinement were conducted by Leidos and S&T in close coordination with TSA to maximize opportunities for the technology’s transition at the project’s completion.
“Consistent coordination and collaboration with our TSA partners significantly increase S&T’s ability to produce transition-ready technologies that address the agency’s priorities and seamlessly fit into their checkpoint concept of operations,” explained Sharene Young, S&T’s TSA Portfolio Manager.
“The APID algorithm was developed with TSA’s priorities in mind, and we’re excited to see the results of the demonstration at the Innovation Lanes.”
Leidos developed and matured the algorithm through traditional methods, including training with thousands of labeled images to teach the algorithm the difference between prohibited and non-prohibited items, and a review of the algorithm’s maturation this summer revealed encouraging preliminary results.
TSA opted to study the algorithm in an operational environment to gain feedback from TSOs and evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed concept of operations.
The study ran for two weeks and feedback will inform future requirements, including user interface improvements and additional algorithm maturation.
Current operations require TSOs to manually review each computed tomography (CT) X-ray image of carry-on bags and personal belongings at the checkpoint.
During the study, the algorithm flagged CT scans that might contain potential threats, providing the TSO a second set of “eyes” during the manual review.
Once certified and qualified as capable of meeting detection and operational standards by TSA, the APID algorithm is designed to integrate with CT X-ray scanners already in operation at airports across the country as well as with certified explosives detection algorithms.
APID will provide TSOs an all-in-one, high-resolution view of carry-on bags and will flag potential threats, and once operational, should significantly reduce the need for manual reviews, improve overall TSO effectiveness, and speed up passenger throughput at security checkpoints.
“The long-term goal for the APID algorithm is to better identify which passenger carry-on bags are cleared and which have potential threats, to significantly reduce the amount of time required to review images of each bag and bin of personal items, reduce the number of secondary screenings, and increase traveler throughput at checkpoints,” said S&T Screening at Speed Program Manager Dr. John Fortune.
“Using machine learning algorithms to create rapid inspection processes at the nation’s airport checkpoints will not only improve overall security, but boost TSO screening efficiency and cognitive load and enhance traveler satisfaction with the airport security-screening experience.”
The Screening at Speed Program pursues transformative research and development to increase aviation security effectiveness from curb to gate while dramatically reducing wait times and improving the passenger experience.
To enable this vision, the program invests in and manages the development of solutions to transform the aviation screening concept of operations, in line with TSA requirements and priorities.
Developing automated detection algorithms promises to move operations closer to next-generation operations where passengers move more quickly through airports, screening continues to meet and exceed TSA’s high standards, detection is impacted less by human capabilities, and TSOs manage screenings with fewer direct interventions.
Now that the demonstration has concluded, the effort will move on to certification and qualification of the algorithm through testing and maturation, where once complete, this automatic detection algorithm will be a critical piece in the Screening at Speed vision for a seamless travel experience.
The vision entails most passengers being able to breeze through a checkpoint, TSOs act primarily in a customer service role, and inspections only necessary when the system identifies an anomaly.
Positive improvements of this nature will increase air traveler satisfaction and overall security.
(Learn More. In August 2021, the DHS S&T hosted the LRBAA (Long Range Broad Agency Announcement) Today: Screening at Speed webinar series which is an opportunity for the innovation community to learn more about the Department’s research challenge areas, specific to S&T’s Long Range Broad Agency Announcement (LRBAA) topics, and how to use the LRBAA program to work with S&T. During this LRBAA Today webinar, you’ll learn more about the LRBAA Screening at Speed topic and how DHS S&T is seeking to mature transformative technologies that increase aviation security effectiveness from curb-to-gate while dramatically reducing wait times and improving passenger experiences. Courtesy of DHS Science and Technology Directorate and YouTube. Posted on Sep 8, 2021.)
DHS S&T Directorate Selected as a Multiple- Award Finalist in 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Awards
Special Early Luncheon Registration Discount Ends November 1
American Security Today’s ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards program is today in its Sixth Year and continues to recognize the Outstanding Innovations of top firms and agencies in the Homeland Security and Public Safety fields.
The Annual ‘ASTORS’ Awards is the preeminent U.S. Homeland Security Awards Program highlighting the most cutting-edge and forward-thinking security solutions coming onto the market today, to ensure our readers have the information they need to stay ahead of the competition, and keep our Nation safe – one facility, street, and city at a time.
American Security Today is pleased to announce TSA Administrator David Pekoske, will join the organization as a featured speaker at the 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Presentation Luncheon, on November 17, 2021 at ISC East in New York City.
“On the heels of an unprecedented global pandemic, continued unrest in our cities and potentially catastrophic cyberattacks on our nations critical infrastructure, the focus of the 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Luncheon will be on the latest, state-of-the-art innovations that are driving investments in new public security and safety technologies and systems,” said AST Editorial and Managing Director Tammy Waitt.
“As a recognized expert in crisis management, strategic planning, innovation and aviation, surface transportation and maritime security, David Pekoske’s message highlighting his top priorities and challenges for the TSA based on his years of wide-ranging experience will be critical to our attendees internalizing the critical nature of these escalating challenges, and realizing innovative new approaches to meet them.”
The 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program is Proudly Sponsored by AMAROK, Fortior Solutions and SIMS Software, along with Returning Premier Sponsors ATI Systems, Attivo Networks, Automatic Systems, and Reed Exhibitions.
Additionally, the First 100 Registered Attendees to receive autographed copies of the Latest Book by Legendary Police Commissioner, Bill Bratton, who will be Live at the 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Luncheon.
‘The Profession: A Memoir of Community, Race, and the Arc of Policing in America’
The epic, transformative career of Bill Bratton, legendary police commissioner and police reformer, in Boston, Los Angeles, and New York When Bill Bratton became a Boston street cop after returning from serving in Vietnam, he was dismayed by the corrupt old guard, and it is fair to say the old guard was dismayed by him too.
The Profession presents not only a fascinating and colorful life at the heights of law enforcement leadership, but the vision for the future of American policing that we sorely need.
At ISC East 2021 you with the opportunity to interact with a broad array of security industry professionals.
ISC East works closely with other businesses in the security and public safety space to help bring together the Northeast’s largest security trade show each year.
In collaboration with premier sponsor SIA (Security Industry Association) and in partnership with ASIS NYC, ISC East is proud to work with and be supported by various associations, trade publications, charities, and more.
Therefore, the ISC audience of security dealers, installers, integrators, consultants, corporate, government and law enforcement/first responder practitioners will be joined by the ASIS NYC audience of major corporate managerial-through-director-level national and global security executives.
The combination of one-on-one conversations with the industry’s top innovators, integrators and security executives, special events, high-quality education and training, and strong support from industry associations, will allow attendees to learn and evaluate solutions from leading security exhibitors and brands.
With the integration of the Natural Disaster and Emergency Management (NDEM) Expo, the show is moving even further into our reader’s wheelhouse!
Your ‘ASTORS’ Awards Luncheon registration includes complimentary attendee access to ISC East, NDEM and the ASIS NYC Security Conference and Expo!
Thank take advantage of this exclusive luncheon opportunity to take a break from the show – Invite your team, guests, clients and show visitors to a lovely and affordable plated meal event in the heart of New York City, for a fabulous networking opportunity!
Special Early Luncheon Registration Discount Ends November 1
Go to https://americansecuritytoday.com/product/awards-luncheon/ to secure your seat or reserve a table.
***Early Registration Discount Ends November 1. Limited space available so Register Today. There will be no on-site registrations.
Why American Security Today?
The traditional security marketplace has long been covered by a host of publications putting forward the old school basics to what is Today – a fast changing security landscape.
The traditional security marketplace has long been covered by a host of publications putting forward the old school basics to what is Today – a fast changing security landscape.
American Security Today is uniquely focused on the broader Homeland Security & Public Safety marketplace with over 75,000 readers at the Federal, State and local levels of government as well as firms allied to government.
American Security Today brings forward a fresh compelling look and read with our customized digital publications that hold readers eyes throughout the story with cutting edge editorial that provides solutions to their challenges.
Harness the Power of the Web – with our 100% Mobile Friendly Publications
The AST Digital Publications is distributed to over 75,000 qualified government and homeland security professionals in federal, state and local levels.
‘PROTECTING OUR NATION, ONE CITY AT A TIME’
AST Reaches both Private & Public Experts, essential to meeting these new challenges.
Today’s new generation of public safety and security experts need real-time knowledge to deal with domestic and international terrorism, lone wolf attacks, unprecedented urban violence, shifts in society, culture and media bias – making it increasingly difficult for Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, First Responders, Military and Private Security Professionals to implement coordinated security measures to ensure national security and improve public safety.
These experts are from Government at the federal, state and local level as well as from private firms allied to government.
AST provides a full plate of topics in our AST Monthly Magazine Editions, AST Website and AST Daily News Alerts, covering 23 Vital Sectors such as Access Control, Perimeter Protection, Video Surveillance/Analytics, Airport Security, Border Security, CBRNE Detection, Border Security, Ports, Cybersecurity, Networking Security, Encryption, Law Enforcement, First Responders, Campus Security, Security Services, Corporate Facilities, and Emergency Response among others.
AST has Expanded readership into integral Critical Infrastructure audiences such as Protection of Nuclear Facilities, Water Plants & Dams, Bridges & Tunnels, and other potential targets of terrorism.
Other areas of concern include Transportation Hubs, Public Assemblies, Government Facilities, Sporting & Concert Stadiums, our Nation’s Schools & Universities, and Commercial Business Destinations – all enticing targets due to the large number of persons and resources clustered together.
To learn more about the 2020 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Award Winners solutions, Check Out the New 2020 ‘ASTORS’ CHAMPIONS Edition Fully Interactive Magazine – the Best Products of 2020 ‘A Year in Review’.
The Annual CHAMPIONS edition includes a review of the ‘ASTORS’ Award Winning products and programs, highlighting key details on many of the winning firms products and services, includes video interviews and more.
It is your Go-To source throughout the year for ‘The Best of 2020 Products and Services‘ endorsed by American Security Today, and can satisfy your agency’s and organization’s most pressing Homeland Security and Public Safety needs.
From Physical Security (Access Control, Critical Infrastructure, Perimeter Protection and Video Surveillance Cameras and Video Management Systems), to IT Security (Cybersecurity, Encryption, Data Storage, Anti-Malware and Networking Security – Just to name a few), the 2020 ‘ASTORS’ CHAMPIONS EDITION has what you need to Detect, Delay, Respond to, and Mitigate today’s real-time threats in our constantly evolving security landscape.
It also includes featured guest editorial pieces from some of the security industry’s most respected leaders, and recognized firms in the 2020 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program.
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For a complete list of 2020 ‘ASTORS’ Award Winners, click here.
For more information on All Things American Security Today, and the 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program, please contact Michael Madsen, AST Publisher at mmadsen@americansecuritytoday.com.
AST strives to meet a 3 STAR trustworthiness rating, based on the following criteria:
- Provides named sources
- Reported by more than one notable outlet
- Includes supporting video, direct statements, or photos
