What is passive surveillance in airport security?

Passive surveillance in airport security refers to the process of monitoring activities without taking direct action or intervention. This is typically conducted through the use of surveillance cameras and other monitoring technologies. The purpose of passive surveillance is to observe and record behaviors and events as they happen, allowing security personnel to review footage and assess situations without being on the front lines.

This method is crucial for identifying potential threats and suspicious activities over time, enabling a proactive security response based on gathered intelligence rather than immediate reaction to events. It also helps maintain a visible security presence in an unobtrusive manner, which can deter criminal activity.

While active intervention and patrols are important components of overall airport security, they are not considered passive surveillance, as those actions involve direct engagement with individuals. Similarly, focusing on high-risk areas alone does not encapsulate the full scope of passive surveillance, which applies to a broader monitoring strategy across various sections of the airport.