On 26-29 October 2010 Aranjuez in Spain was the destination for the CEPOL course entitled “Airport Security”. The aim of the course was to study EU regulations on airport security, analyse the most important threats to airport security and evaluate the implementation of security measures and methods in airports. Twenty-four participants from 15 Member States and representatives from Frontex took part.
During the course's opening, the Head of the Guardia Civil Fiscal and Borders Department, Santiago Macarrón, addressed the participants underlining the importance of strengthening the cooperation of police forces and civil aviation agencies in Europe in order to be make airport security more effective.
The first day of the course was dedicated to several airport security issues. Arnaldo Teles, European Commission, talked about the European Community Aviation Security Regulatory Framework and was followed by a presentation on “Security Audits in Spain”, given by Ernesto Martín, Agencia Estatal de Seguridad Aerea (AESA).
Other lectures delivered during the day included “Management of Airport Security” by Ignacio Alcázar, Guardia Civil Airport Security Department; “Border Control in Airports” by Jesús Montero, National Police Force; “The Terrorist Threat to Civil Aviation” by Manuel Navarrete, Guardia Civil and “Training in Airport Security” by Pablo Jiménez, I ngeniería de Sistemas para la Defensa de España (ISDEFE).
On day two, the participants had the opportunity to visit Madrid Barajas airport. Lieutenant Colonel Francisco Espadas, Head of the Guardia Civil Unit in Barajas, illustrated different key elements of airport security, such as the CGA (Airport Management Centre), luggage control and screening check points, SATE (screening of hold baggage) and Border control check points.
On day three the course supporters Mickael Terosier and Antonio Lima, from France and Portugal respectively, shared their country’s perspective on airport security. “Tests in the Implementation of Security Measures” was presented by Mickael Terosier whilst Antonio Lima introduced “Crisis Management in airports”.
In addition to give a different perspective, two representatives from the Israeli airline “El Al” talked about the concept of “Unpredictability”. Other lectures delivered were “Special Units for Tackling Air Kidnapping” by Iván Marín, Guardia Civil and “New Technologies Applied to Airport Security” by Manuel Templado (AENA).
Last but not least, the final course activity was a workshop for all participants entitled “The Framework of Airport Security”. The course was officially closed by Colonel Ángel Arancón, Director of the Spanish Guardia Civil Officers Academy.
