Spotters and airport security issues - Combined thread.

[Avman]

And, if you’re still interested, below are some extracts from initial Calgary Airport Watch meetings. Although it is available on a public domain, I have removed names and edited non-pertinent contents.

UPDATE: November 7, 2006
Calgary Airport Watch Meeting
October 28, 2006
Executive Boardroom – Calgary International Airport
13:30
Meeting attended by:
xxxxxxx – Calgary Airport Watch Committee Chairman
xxxxxxx – Calgary Airport Watch Committee Vice-chair
xxxxxxx – Calgary Airport Authority Security Manager
xxxxxxx – Investigator, NSIS – RCMP
xxxxxxx – NCO IC NSIS – RCMP
xxxxxxx – Acting Sergeant, Calgary Police Service
Approximately 27 members of the CAW
Meeting called to order at 13:40 xxxxxxxxx – CAW Committee Chairman
Presentations:
xxxxxxx –
Explained about the upcoming notebook which will contain The Standard Operating Procedures, logbook etc. This will be distributed to CAW members when it becomes available.
Explained rules and limitations for the newly issued passes.
Explained that the soon to be issued jackets , t-shirts and passes are and will remain the property of the Calgary Airport Watch Program.
Gave a brief background about the program for the benefit of the new members.
xxxxxxx –
Explained about the increase in size and volume of business that takes place at YYC, some of the future plans for the airport and how the CAW program can help maintain this growth safely.
Emphasized the importance of not getting actively involved if one sees suspicious activity, but to report it the appropriate authorities.
xxxxxxx –
Explained the importance of building the integrity of the program, especially when wearing the CAW jackets or shirts, when spotting around the outer perimeter of the airport.
The behaviour and attitude of CAW members reflect on the program as a whole and is important so businesses in the area see how CAW can benefit their companies and come on board with the program.
xxxxxxx –
Welcomed CAW to the family and explained that CAW members should not get involved if they see anything suspicious and how they should observe, make notes if possible and contact the proper authorities.
xxxxxxx –
Explained more about the notebook and the importance that all CAW members keep a monthly log of their hours spent spotting at YYC.
An effort will be made to enable members to report their hours through the website using the number assigned on their passes.
This information is important to the National AW program and the CAA.
A form was passed around for members to fill requesting their jacket and shirt sizes so the committee can get an idea of what needs to be ordered. Design and colour has yet to be determined.
New members attending were given Security check applications to fill out and these will be processed by the RCMP before passes are issued.
Calgary Airport Watch Meeting
June 24, 2006
xxxxxxx – Explained the role of different security organizations at Calgary International Airport and the importance of vigiliance. Also outlined how the CAW Program will fit in to the existing structure.
xxxxxxx – Explained the National AW program and how programs in Ottawa and Toronto are operated, what they look out for, what some of the benefits of the program are for both AW groups, and local airport authorities. Talked about how the program is gradually expanding nationally and internationally as well.
Passes:
Information will be made available to members shortly for getting their picture taken for their pass that will be provided free of charge by the CAA. The final design is still pending. More information will be distributed as it becomes available.
Volunteer hours:
Importance was stressed to the CAW for tracking the hours that we’re out spotting and doing photography. They are VOLUNTEER hours that both the National AW program and the CAA are interested in tracking. Please forward your hours monthly to the CAW email.
For those who are unfamiliar with the Airport Watch program, it is currently operating in Toronto and Ottawa. It was started by the RCMP in Ottawa who felt that they could utilize aviation enthusiasts as an extra set of eyes on the airport perimeter. Spotters know the layout of airfields and what is suspicious, or outside of the usual activities. The program has proved so successful in Ottawa, that it has been adapted to Toronto. Similar programs have been started in England at various airports.
Each spotter will have a background check performed on them and issued a unique Airport Watch ID card. The idea is to be easily identified when spotting at various locations around the airport. This will hopefully mean a better understanding of what spotters are doing and ultimately less hassle.
As a benefit to spotters for their vigilance, the Calgary Airport Authority has suggested ramp tours when unique visitors are in town or other aviation related benefits. These privileges could happen as often as every two months, at the airport authority’s discretion. Although no solid commitments have been made, the Calgary Airport Authority is very excited about the Airport Watch program and our contribution to it and is looking for ways to thank us.
This program is a lot of work, particularly the initial startup and the organizational side. What I am looking for is the names of everyone interested and their mailing address. This will be passed onto the RCMP at a point later in time when we are closer to startup. The RCMP will use the address to distribute the form required to perform the background check.
The hope is to have operations beginning either in late April or early May. The Ottawa RCMP officer who began the program will provide us a presentation. At the first meeting we will elect our executive structure for a predetermined term.
I should also mention that the Ottawa and Toronto Airport Watch programs charge a minimal fee to participate in the program. I can assure you that the program is not designed to generate profits; it is merely there to cover operating fees. The Airport Watch program is run like a small business. I can understand the apprehension of some to pay a fee, but I am hoping the benefits will outweigh the cost. In Ottawa the cost is $30 per year, while Toronto is a one time $20 entrance cost. I would like to assure you that the cost in Calgary will be as small as possible and the bare minimum to cover expenses. With proper planning and having an understanding of the other Airport Watch programs we hope to better understand financial needs.