Tyco Integrated Security unveils automated security system at Houston airport

Tyco Integrated Security recently unveiled a high-tech security system at Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport to help prevent costly exit lane security breaches and increase operational efficiency.

“Airports will be able to save costs overall by using technology over manpower,” Frank Pervola, Tyco’s business development manager of transportation, told Homeland Preparedness News in a recent interview.

The numerous security breaches that occur annually are costly for airports and create frustrating delays for passengers.

The new automated security system in the exit lanes will use analytics technology and door control integration to monitor restricted areas. Video cameras capture any activity moving in the wrong direction in a contained area of the airport. In the event of a violation, an alarm sounds, lights flash and security from the local airport or Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) is alerted.

Tyco, a commercial security systems integrator based in Boca Raton, Fla., has worked with the Houston airport since 2013 to develop this security solution. The airport will likely realize a return on its investment in two to three years, Pervola said.

The technology “is something that is controllable and can be modified to work in different ways depending on the environment,” Pervola added.

Traditionally, monitoring of airport exit lanes has required staff with multiple guards from either the TSA or the local airport. Through the adoption of sensor-based technology like exit lane breach control and containment, officials at the airport may be able to redeploy or eliminate guards.

“If the manpower is there, they can use that manpower in a different situation. Instead of someone sitting there watching people go by, then can actually have that personnel walking the airport and working with passengers, making them feel more secure,” Pervola said.

Tyco’s video-enabled exit lane breach control containment system is installed in 86 airports throughout the United States, Pervola said. Tyco also has security solutions integrated into more than 300 international airports.