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Proactive Disclosure
CATSA Newsletter
September 2002
INSIDE THIS EDITION
CATSA's Web Site is Up!
Transition Roll Out
EDS Update
New Board Members & the Search for a CEO
More Questions and Answers - Screener Training
Spotlight on a Screener
A Focus on CATSA Regional Managers
Feedback
| CATSA's Web Site is Up and Running! Check it out at www.catsa-acsta.gc.ca
and don't forget to send us your feedback. We invite you to bookmark
the site and visit regularly! |
Transition Roll Out
CATSA is in a "transition" phase. While the Authority has assumed most of its responsibilities for key aviation security services, the transition to assuming full operational responsibility for pre-board screening at airports is just underway.
Over the coming months, as screeners are provided with additional training, CATSA will work with the airlines, airports and security companies to ensure a smooth transition to take over pre-board screening. CATSA is expected to take over screening at the 89 designated airports by the end of December 2002.
CATSA officials have met with most of the airlines, many airports, all the security guard companies, and a number of screening officers. A special thank you goes out to all the aviation industry partners for participating in CATSA consultations-your contribution has been invaluable. It is only by working together that we can succeed in maintaining a first-class air transport security system for which Canada is known worldwide.
EDS Update
Part of CATSA's mandate includes responsibility for security equipment at airports, including the purchase, deployment, operation and maintenance of explosives detection systems (EDS). As many of you know, these machines can be quite large, and as a result, proper installation and fit within existing airport infrastructure can be a challenge. That is why CATSA is working with a firm, Marshall Macklin Monaghan, to provide project management, planning, logistics and engineering services to facilitate this. The firm is working with airports, airlines and other stakeholders in developing guidance material and operation protocols.
The deployment of the equipment is going well and we are on schedule to meet our deadlines set by the Minister of Transport. For reasons of security, the specific details of the EDS deployment are not being released. It is not our policy to provide information that could be used to reveal specific security capabilities of the transportation system. We ask for everyone's cooperation in this regard. While the media may press officials to provide information about the placement of this equipment, we ask that you not release these details. Feel free to contact CATSA's manager of communications, Jacqueline Roy at (613) 998-4527 if you have any questions about this. It is imperative that we take a unified approach in speaking about EDS-less is more!
More Questions and Answers - Training for Screening Officers
CATSA has legislated responsibility for pre-board screening,
including the training and certification of screening officers. As noted
in the previous edition of CATSA NEWS, the Authority is rolling out additional
training for all screening officers in the hopes of enhancing the training,
and investing in screeners' careers.
Q1. Are all screening officers required to take additional training?
A1. Yes. Over the next few months, all certified screening officers will be required to take an upgrade course.
Q2. Which company was chosen to develop the training for screening officers?
A2. Galaxy Canada has been selected to develop and roll out the training for all current and new screening officers.
Q3. Why was this company chosen?
A3. This company was chosen through an open, competitive tendering process. In this process, a list of criteria and a point system were developed to evaluate each company's proposal. Galaxy Canada scored the highest points in meeting these criteria.
Galaxy Canada brings with it extensive experience and background in developing training modules. It is the company which is currently working with the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in developing training for U.S. pre-board screeners.
Q4. How will the new training be different from the current training provided by Transport Canada?
A4. The new training will focus on three streams of study: technology, security, and new "people skills" such as conflict resolution and customer service. The last one is a new area of study.
In addition, there are certification and training levels for two supervisory levels. Currently, there is no training targeted specifically to supervisors.
Q5. What is the timetable for training sessions?
A5. The training for screening officers will begin shortly. Check with your security guard company to find out when your training will be start. Galaxy Canada has been in contact with all the service providers and has developed a training schedule in conjunction with each company.
A6. For the most part, screeners will not be required to travel; however, in some instances, at smaller airports, personnel may be required to travel to a training centre in another city. Again, please check with your security company for all the details.
A7. As noted earlier, CATSA has been mandated the responsibility for training and certification of screeners. While current screening officers are well-trained and certified, there is a need to standardize services across the country, and room to introduce new training subject areas.
The new training and certification also focuses on developing screening officers for a career. Where there was no special training for supervisors in the past, now there is. It also involves a new approach to training of new individuals-Levels 1 and 2 for new recruits.
Q8. What will the new training for screening officers involve?
A8. All current screening officers will be required to take a two-day Level 3 upgrade course. The course will focus on three main areas of study: security, people skills, and technology. While many of you will already be accomplished in some of these areas, a refresher course is always valuable, and necessary for ensuring consistency across Canada.
The security section includes policies and procedures, checkpoint roles and protocol, threat identification and special screening situations. The customer service element will introduce discussions on professionalism, teamwork, communication skills, conflict resolution skills, and search skills. Finally, the technology update includes study on the physical search of passengers and baggage, and specific equipment procedures.
Q9. What if I don't pass the Level 3 upgrade on the first try?
A9. If you don't succeed the first time you take the Level 3 upgrade course, you will have a second opportunity to complete the program.
Q10. What are the new training levels for screening officers?
A10. All current certified screeners must take the Level 3 upgrade course, and they will become certified by CATSA. The Level 1 and 2 training are for new screening officers only.
(For new recruits only) Level 1 screening officers (in-training) will receive introductory training to pre-boarding practices. They will be trained to examine boarding passes and tickets, to inspect electronic equipment, to handle crowd flow and control, and will be provided with public relations training. They will receive on-the-job training.
(For new recruits only) Level 2 screening officers (in-training) will receive basic screener training for wanding, walk through, and hand-search. The screening officers will be supervised by the point leader and monitored and evaluated according to specific criteria. They will receive on-the-job training.
(For all currently certified screening officers) Level 3 screening officers will be trained on all Level 1 and 2 functions, and will receive additional training on X-Ray and Trace. This is the Level 3 upgrade course for all fully certified screeners.
Level 4 screening officer training includes advanced courses
on specialized technology
(e.g., VDS, CTX), specialized security, and specialized human factors.
Point Leaders will be required to be trained on: coaching and mentoring; work balance at screening points; advanced public relations; technology reporting; and emergency responses.
Supervisors will be required to be trained on: performance management issues; scheduling; technology; reporting; and components on regulatory compliance.
Finally, the training component for Instructors will focus on the training required by all levels of screening officers, all the technology and human aspects of the screening profession, presentation skills, facilitation, and communications skills.
Q11. Will there be opportunities to become trainers or will trainers from Galaxy Canada be the only ones providing the training?
A11. Galaxy Canada is "training the trainers" in two ways. First, they are recruiting people to train as instructors. Second, they have asked each company for the names of current trainers who would be eligible to receive the upgrade instructor training. Indeed, current instructors could become the new trainers. Speak to your security guard company if you are interested in becoming a trainer.
Q12. Who should I talk to if I have any questions about this Level 3 upgrade, or about any training requirements?
A12. At this time, you should be discussing all questions with your security company. If you have questions about the Level 3 upgrade course that they cannot answer, they can get in touch with Galaxy Canada directly to find the answers to your questions.
Spotlight on a Screening Supervisor - Kay Sippola
Passengers traveling through the Calgary International Airport will see a familiar face when passing through a security screening checkpoint-a face that has been there for 15 years! In what seems to be a profession with a high turnover rate, 15 years in a screening officer position is unheard of, but this is a great example of someone who loves her job.
Kay Sippola has worked at the Calgary International Airport since 1987. Originally employed with Canadian Protection Services as a screening officer, Kay is now a Point Leader/Screening Supervisor for Group 4 Falck which currently has the contract for screening services at the Calgary Airport.
Monitoring security screening checkpoints, covering breaks for screening officers, and handling "situations" with unpleasant passengers, are just some of Kay's tasks. As a Point Leader, she is responsible for supervising a number of screening officers-a duty which Kay enjoys immensely: "I love working with my team."
| "I feel happy when I put on my uniform. I'm proud
to represent my company and serve the public." |
Over the years, Kay has had a number of interesting experiences at the screening checkpoints. When asked to recount a peculiar incident at a checkpoint, Kay replies: "I think one of the funniest moments happened when a tour group from Japan passed through security. These folks were very friendly and accommodating, and when asked to check behind a metal belt, one gentleman quickly undid his belt. I'm sure you can imagine what happened next, within seconds, his pants dropped to the floor. I'm sure passengers waiting back in line must have wondered if a new security measure had been introduced. We still have a good laugh about that one."
While Kay confirms she does love her job for the most part, like with anything, there could be improvements. "We need lockers for our coats, and a lunch room would certainly be a welcomed addition." She adds that there is talk of establishing better accommodations at the Calgary airport, something which would be greatly appreciated by the screening officers.
Kay also notes some frustration when having to deal with new changes-be they regulatory or just directives from the security company. "Sometimes they happen so fast, it's hard to communicate them to the screening team and ensure the changes are made in a consistent manner." But Kay realizes that responding to changes is a big part of her job.
Mentoring new screening officers is a favourite part of Kay's job: "I like working with the young people and showing them the ropes." When asked what advice she would give to new recruits, Kay adds: "Being a screening guard is a good job. If you enjoy working with people and making a difference in the lives of Canadians, then this job is for you."
I'm sure we can all feel more secure knowing that people like Kay are there helping to make Canada's skies safer. Thanks, Kay!
A Focus on CATSA Regional Managers
At all the Class 1 airports across Canada, key facilitators currently working on contract with the lead carriers, act as a liaison between CATSA, the airport operators, the airlines, the screening officers, and the screening guard companies. They work very hard in facilitating a number of activities and keeping lines of communications open with the stakeholders.
Here is a list of the current facilitators and the airports for which they are responsible:
Halifax, Moncton, Fredericton, Saint John, St. John's: Twyla
Hartt (902) 873-2222
Montreal (Mirabel): Antonio Andrade (450) 476-3561
Montreal (Dorval) : Jean Pierre Gélinas (514) 422-2266
Ottawa: Bill Thistle (613) 248-2000 ext. 1153
Toronto (T1 & T2, TNew): Gilbert Dekoker (905) 676-4328
Toronto (T3): Jaspal Mankoo (416) 776-5304
Thunder Bay, Winnipeg, Regina, Saskatoon: Dave Dickie (204) 791-5042
Edmonton: Rodney Gore (780) 890-8130
Calgary: Steve Perris (403) 735-7490
Vancouver: Thomas Dyck (604) 231-6654
In addition to the current facilitators assuming responsibility for additional airports, CATSA will introduce new regional managers shortly, who will work with Class 2 and other airports.
These regional managers, who have varied and extensive background experience, will be CATSA's representatives at the airports. The current facilitators will form the basis for the CATSA Regional Management Team.
Do not hesitate to contact them if you require their assistance. They are a great team of people who are committed to promoting a safe and secure traveling environment in Canada's airports.
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