Airport watch takes off

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) have launched a new Airport Watch security awareness program to enhance the reporting, detection and resolution of suspicious or criminal activity at all of Australia’s major airports.

   Developed by the Department of Infrastructure and Transport in partnership with the AFP, the Airport Watch program is to be rolled out across Australia over the next five weeks.
   According to Acting Commissioner of the AFP, Peter Drennan, the initiative is part of a preventative security regime and is based on the well-known community program Neighbourhood Watch.

AFP program to boost security

   Acting Commissioner Drennan said it would allow people working at, or travelling through airports to report suspicious behaviour to authorities more easily.
   He said vigilance was the key to staying safe whether at home or travelling.
   "With the help of our aviation partners, including the Office of Transport Security, Department of Infrastructure and Transport, airport corporations and airlines, the Airport Watch program will reduce the likelihood of serious crimes happening in our airports," Acting Commissioner Drennan said.
   "In the event an incident does occur, it will enhance the AFP's ability to quickly assess, respond to and resolve it."
   He said that under the new program the AFP would coordinate the reporting, response and resolution of suspicious behaviour in airports.
   "Everyone working or conducting business at our major airports will be encouraged to keep their eyes and ears open and work with us to identify and report suspicious activity or behaviour," he said.
   "Airport Watch complements the AFP's existing capabilities, which include community policing and counter-terrorist first response capability, air security officers, joint intelligence teams and joint investigation teams, bomb appraisal officers and firearms and explosive detection canines."
   Acting Commissioner Drennan said the Airport Watch call to action was 'See it, Hear it, Report it'.

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