It’s time for a check of your security screening protocols – let’s start by answering these questions:

• Is your facility conducting random screening?
• What are your random screening protocols?
• What is the screening rate at MARSEC 1, 2, and 3?
• How is random screening obtained?
• How is random screening conducted?
• What is the purpose of random screening?
• What is random screening seeking to prevent?

Screening and searching or inspecting are two distinctly different security methods. PSDs conduct screening. Law Enforcement conduct searches or inspections. The key is that PSDs DON’T TOUCH anything they are screening. PSDs can and should touch one thing, an individual’s TWIC in order to properly credential that person.

Random means just that – random. For example, selecting every ‘pick a number’ vehicle is NOT a random method. There are simple, low-cost Best Practices available, such as the “Marble Method,” that can be easily adopted to ensure compliance.

When screening personnel, remember that you are looking for a person to be “biologically correct.” Are there bulges on the person being screened that do not appear normal? Your security personnel should NEVER ask a person to lift their shirt to look for prohibited items. When inspecting a person’s bag, backpack, or purse, you should have the person open it and take items out so you can clearly see what is inside.

When screening a vehicle, ask the driver to open the trunk and all occupants to step out and stand clear of the vehicle. Once clear, the security personnel should look inside the vehicle and the trunk for suspicious items.

If you haven’t attended a Seebald & Associate FSO Course or it’s been three years since you last attended, we highly recommend you attend an upcoming course. We are continually updating the course and thoroughly cover access control and screening methods, along with the other 33 CFR 105 required FSO elements PLUS bonus modules – give ED a call to secure the date and place that best suits your schedule. Brian, John, Rich, Tom, and/or Ed look forward to seeing you soon!