The iWatch program is designed to increase awareness of security threats and encourage members of the airport community to act on their suspicions by reporting the activity or incident to security personnel. Results for the first year showed a four-fold increase in reports to security from employees throughout the airport community – everyone from cleaners to contractors, retailers to ramp workers.

“We all have a vested interest in airport security,” says Dan Tanner, HIAA’s security manager. “As an organization focused on continuous improvement, customer service and corporate responsibility, HIAA is committed to keeping the terminal, the runways and airport community safe. The ultimate goal of iWatch is to create a security culture that reaches deep into the airport community and helps employees identify suspicious activity that may be of concern, thus reducing security infractions and potential breaches.”

The program identifies suspicious activity as, among other things, unattended baggage, proper identification not displayed, suspicious or unusual behaviour, out of place actions, or a car parked in an inappropriate location for an extended period of time.

“We believe a community-focused program like iWatch can help make airport security more far-reaching and effective. When you have security agencies working together with businesses and individuals in the area, you create a powerful network of allies,” Tanner says. “This is the first and most comprehensive airport security awareness program of its kind in Canada and we are extremely proud of our first-year results.”