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Major Security Vulnerabilities Uncovered At Frankfurt Airport

Posted by samzenpus on from the how-many-fluid-ounces-is-that? dept.

jones_supa writes "According to a report published in this Sunday's edition of the mass-circulation Bild am Sonntag newspaper, investigators sent by the European Commission found it surprisingly easy to smuggle banned items past security at Frankfurt Airport. It said undercover investigators posing as passengers were able to smuggle weapons or other dangerous items through security every second time they tried to do so. One of the biggest problems was improperly trained staff, who were often not able to recognize dangerous items when viewing the screens they use to look at x-ray images of baggage. The staff is sourced via a privately owned service provider. Germany's Federal Police said they introduced new measures immediately after learning of the security deficits to ensure that passenger safety was guaranteed. Fraport AG, the company that operates the Germany's biggest airport, also took the findings seriously and begun an operation to retrain a total of 2,500 workers."

4 of 91 comments (clear)

  1. Security at FRA by geogob · · Score: 4, Interesting

    Not only at Frankfurt, but in general in German Airports, I've always been surprised by the use of private security agencies to screen passengers. I have nothing about these private security providers, but just like for anything else, I recognise that their are activities well suited for them; other not so much.

    I have no doubt that private security firm could do that task adequately, but I seriously doubt they could do it well and in a cost effective manner at the same time. There is a lot of pressure to reduce costs at large airports in order to further reduce fares. That's the reason why they have those private firms there at the first place. In turn, these firms offer the service at lower cost... salaries and overtime rules are definitely one reasons for these lower costs, but lower training and selection standards as well.

    1. Re:Security at FRA by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Interesting

      You assume that "lower quality" isn't in fact the intention.
      Companies like airport operators are well aware that it's all useless theater, if it weren't for these annoying checks they'd more than welcome lax security!

  2. OH NO. WE ARE ALL DOOMED! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Interesting

    Someone must now stop the people from carrying toothpaste and knives on board planes because they are bomb making materials.
     
    Hint hint: guns go through the air all day long by accident. You don't hear about these on the news because the people who accidentally got them through don't want to throw themselves in prison.

  3. Was nice while it lasted... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 3, Interesting

    Fuck.

    I fly out of FRA almost weekly & have been really enjoying how quick, easy, & efficient getting through security there is (especially as compared to US or UK). Oh well... bring on the needlessly long lines, taking off shoes, & porno scanners.