INDIA , Airports Pre Commonwealth Games 2010:

July 20, 2010

Airport security: On two recent assignments in India I was able to view firsthand the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) at two international and two domestic airports. The CISF first came on the scene in 1969 however since then has grown and now has become a multi-skilled security agency, mandated to provide security to major critical infrastructure installations of the country in diverse areas. CISF is currently providing security cover to nuclear installations, space establishments, airports, seaports, power plants, sensitive Government buildings and ever heritage monuments. The first thing you notice approaching all the airports is the vehicle Check Points (VCP’s) usually with movable barriers slowing vehicles down along with what appeared to me as a fortified bunker directly facing towards traffic which provides a perfect fire lane for the armed officers .

Upon arriving at the entrance to the departure lounges you are greeted politely by armed CISF officers and are required to provide your passport and either tickets or itinerary. I observed a number of people that had been turned away due to not having the correct documentation. On one occasion, I was sent to an external service counter due to an incorrect date on one of my connecting flights that was printed on the document as the day before the flight.Scanning of carryon luggage and personal items is the same standard procedures as most major airports worldwide; however, once you have gone through the metal detector, you are thoroughly checked with a hand held unit and pat down, regardless if you set it off or not. At one stage I thought due to the officers prolonged pat down of my groin area, I was going to get asked for my number. Each carry on item is tagged and stamped before you can proceed. When you finally get to board not only is your ticket checked by boarding staff, but also by a CISF officer along with your carryon luggage and the stamped tags on each item. Once again, I observed several travelers turned away at the gate, due to either purchasing baggage or packaging that was not tagged and stamped. All parties involved were sent back to security to have their items scanned.

I am unable to comment on their response procedures or time to actual threats or incidents due to the fact that at no time during my last two visits did I observe anything that required more than a smile and “No very sorry sir”. However, incorrect bookings, pushy travelers and vegetable curry’s aside, my personal experiences with India’s Mumbai, New Delhi and Bangalore Airports from a security stand point was one of attention to detail and great professionalism making my job that much more enjoyable.

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Tags: Executive Protection, India, Travel