Divestment procedures are the security screening steps visitors follow when triggering metal detectors. Proper protocols reduce intrusive wanding and create better visitor experiences.
When someone triggers a weapons detection system, security personnel follow divestment procedures to clear the person efficiently. Our approach prioritizes re-scanning before wanding, reducing discomfort while maintaining security effectiveness.
When visitors trigger metal detectors, security personnel must follow consistent procedures to clear them safely. Poor divestment protocols create negative visitor experiences, slow throughput, and increase potential for confrontation. Wanding every person who triggers an alarm is unnecessarily intrusive.
Effective divestment procedures prioritize re-scanning after visitors remove items. This less invasive approach resolves most alarms without physical wanding. Security personnel maintain safety while treating visitors respectfully. The process keeps screening lines moving efficiently even during peak traffic.
Athena’s weapons detection system transforms federal guidelines into automated features. Our platform monitors screening processes, documents compliance activities, and ensures security technology operates according to Homeland Security standards. The solution integrates artificial intelligence with walk through metal detectors to create comprehensive security measures.
When security personnel conduct screenings, the weapons detection technology automatically logs essential data. Equipment testing occurs on schedule with results documented automatically. Secondary screening procedures trigger monitoring to verify proper execution. Access control systems integrate with credentialing to manage who enters your premises.
This digital framework addresses six critical DHS guidelines: prohibited items logging (DHS 14.2.2), testing and documentation (DHS 8.2), illegal items notification (DHS 14.2.1), secondary screening procedures (DHS 8.5), U-shaped screening technique (DHS 9.2.6), and implementing credentialing (DHS 15.4.5). Each guideline becomes an operational component of your security system rather than a compliance burden.
Key Compliance Components:
This describes one approach to secondary screening observed in various settings. Organizations should establish protocols tailored to their specific security needs and risk assessment. You are ultimately responsible for safety and security procedures at your premises.
When a person triggers the metal detector, security personnel direct them to a designated divestment area. This space should include a surface where visitors can place belongings like backpacks, purses, and pocket contents. The area should be positioned to maintain screening flow without blocking other visitors.
Send the person back through the metal detector before using a handheld wand. This re-scanning approach is less intrusive and helps visitors feel more comfortable. Most alarms resolve after visitors remove forgotten items. Re-scanning maintains positive security interactions.
If the metal detector triggers a third time, security personnel may use a handheld wand to locate the item. Wanding is a more intrusive measure that should be the last resort. Exercise discretion as certain items like underwire bras, medical devices, or metal in clothing can cause false alarms.
Instruct the visitor to empty pockets and remove metal objects including keys, phones, wallets, jewelry, and belt buckles. Belongings should be placed in provided bins or on the designated surface. Security personnel should clearly communicate what items commonly trigger alarms.
If the alarm sounds again, ask if the visitor removed all metal objects. Many people forget items in jacket pockets, coin pouches, or hidden compartments. Give them opportunity to identify and remove additional items. Re-scan without wanding if they find something.
Once the person passes through without triggering the alarm, they are cleared. Security personnel can then inspect bags and belongings if necessary. This step-by-step approach prioritizes the least intrusive methods first.
After clearing the person, check their bags if screening protocols require it. Some facilities use rulers or clear plastic sticks to examine bag contents without direct hand contact. If bags trigger alarms when scanned separately, remove suspect items and re-scan.
Athena’s platform monitors secondary screening to ensure security personnel follow proper divestment procedures. The AI-powered system tracks whether officers complete re-scanning before resorting to wanding.
When security personnel skip steps or fail to follow protocols, the system sends immediate alerts to supervisors. This oversight ensures consistent application of divestment procedures even during busy periods. The technology helps organizations maintain less intrusive screening while meeting security requirements.
The platform documents every secondary screening for compliance and training purposes. Organizations can review procedures, identify areas where personnel need additional training, and demonstrate protocol adherence during audits.
Security personnel who immediately use wands after the first alarm create unnecessary intrusion. Most alarms resolve through simple re-scanning after visitors remove forgotten items. Wanding should be the last resort, not the first response.
When different security officers follow different divestment procedures, visitors receive mixed messages about expectations. Inconsistency creates confusion and slows screening lines. Organizations need documented protocols that all personnel follow.
Failing to clearly explain divestment procedures frustrates visitors. Security personnel should communicate what items commonly trigger alarms and guide visitors through the process patiently. Clear instructions reduce anxiety and improve cooperation.
Screening areas without designated spaces for placing belongings force visitors to juggle items awkwardly. Proper divestment areas include surfaces for bags and bins for pocket contents. Physical layout affects procedure effectiveness.
Organizations operating facilities across different environments need consistent security technology and procedures. Athena’s platform applies the same DHS best practices whether you operate one building or hundreds. Centralized management ensures compliance across all premises while accommodating site-specific parameters.
Establish clear divestment zones separate from the main screening flow. Provide adequate surfaces for visitors to place belongings safely. Use signage explaining common items that trigger alarms like keys, phones, and belt buckles.
Train security personnel on respectful communication during divestment procedures. Staff should explain each step clearly and answer visitor questions patiently. Professional demeanor during secondary screening maintains positive facility reputation.
Document standard divestment procedures and train all security personnel consistently. Regular refresher training ensures staff follow protocols properly. Supervisory oversight confirms procedures are applied uniformly.
Divestment procedures are the steps visitors follow when they trigger weapons detection systems. The process involves directing the person to remove metal items from pockets and belongings, then re-scanning them through the metal detector. Proper procedures prioritize re-scanning before using intrusive handheld wands. Security personnel follow documented protocols to clear visitors efficiently while maintaining respectful interactions. Effective divestment reduces screening delays and creates positive visitor experiences.
Re-scanning after visitors remove items is less intrusive than immediately using handheld wands. Most metal detector alarms resolve through simple re-scanning once people remove forgotten keys, phones, or other metal objects. Wanding involves closer physical proximity and can make visitors uncomfortable. Using wands as a last resort rather than first response maintains better security-visitor relationships while still ensuring thorough screening. This approach balances security effectiveness with visitor comfort.
Common items triggering metal detectors include keys, cell phones, wallets with metal clips, belt buckles, jewelry, coins, and eyeglass frames. Some visitors forget items in jacket pockets, coin pouches, or bag compartments. Underwire bras, medical devices like pacemakers or implants, and metal buttons or zippers can also cause alarms. Security personnel should communicate these common triggers so visitors know what to remove during divestment. Clear communication reduces repeated alarms.
The recommended approach is to re-scan visitors after they remove items, then give them opportunity to remove additional forgotten items if the alarm triggers again. If the metal detector alarms a third time after two re-scans and item removals, security personnel may use handheld wands to locate the source. This graduated approach uses the least intrusive methods first while still maintaining security thoroughness. Organizations should document their specific protocols based on risk assessment.
Some items like underwire bras, medical devices, or metal in clothing cause legitimate alarms that cannot be removed. Security personnel should exercise discretion and judgment in these situations. Clear communication with the visitor helps identify medical devices or necessary items. Organizations should establish protocols for handling these scenarios that balance security needs with visitor dignity. Training security staff on professional handling of sensitive situations is essential.
Athena’s AI-powered platform monitors secondary screening to verify security personnel follow proper divestment procedures. The system tracks whether officers complete re-scanning before using wands. When personnel skip protocol steps, supervisors receive immediate alerts. This oversight ensures consistent application of procedures even during busy periods. The technology documents every secondary screening for compliance review and training purposes. Organizations can demonstrate protocol adherence and identify areas needing improvement.
Effective divestment areas include designated spaces separate from main screening flow to avoid bottlenecks. Provide adequate surfaces where visitors can place bags and bins for pocket contents. Clear signage should explain common items triggering alarms. The area should allow privacy while maintaining security visibility. Adequate lighting helps visitors see small items when emptying pockets. Physical layout directly affects divestment procedure efficiency and visitor comfort during secondary screening.
Security personnel should explain each step clearly and maintain professional, respectful demeanor throughout divestment procedures. Staff should tell visitors why the alarm triggered and what items commonly cause alarms. Patient guidance through the re-scanning process reduces visitor anxiety and improves cooperation. Personnel should answer questions and provide reassurance, especially for visitors unfamiliar with security screening. Clear communication creates positive interactions even during necessary secondary screening procedures.
Divestment procedures are the steps visitors follow when they trigger weapons detection systems. The process involves directing the person to remove metal items from pockets and belongings, then re-scanning them through the metal detector. Proper procedures prioritize re-scanning before using intrusive handheld wands. Security personnel follow documented protocols to clear visitors efficiently while maintaining respectful interactions. Effective divestment reduces screening delays and creates positive visitor experiences.
Re-scanning after visitors remove items is less intrusive than immediately using handheld wands. Most metal detector alarms resolve through simple re-scanning once people remove forgotten keys, phones, or other metal objects. Wanding involves closer physical proximity and can make visitors uncomfortable. Using wands as a last resort rather than first response maintains better security-visitor relationships while still ensuring thorough screening. This approach balances security effectiveness with visitor comfort.
Common items triggering metal detectors include keys, cell phones, wallets with metal clips, belt buckles, jewelry, coins, and eyeglass frames. Some visitors forget items in jacket pockets, coin pouches, or bag compartments. Underwire bras, medical devices like pacemakers or implants, and metal buttons or zippers can also cause alarms. Security personnel should communicate these common triggers so visitors know what to remove during divestment. Clear communication reduces repeated alarms.
The recommended approach is to re-scan visitors after they remove items, then give them opportunity to remove additional forgotten items if the alarm triggers again. If the metal detector alarms a third time after two re-scans and item removals, security personnel may use handheld wands to locate the source. This graduated approach uses the least intrusive methods first while still maintaining security thoroughness. Organizations should document their specific protocols based on risk assessment.
Some items like underwire bras, medical devices, or metal in clothing cause legitimate alarms that cannot be removed. Security personnel should exercise discretion and judgment in these situations. Clear communication with the visitor helps identify medical devices or necessary items. Organizations should establish protocols for handling these scenarios that balance security needs with visitor dignity. Training security staff on professional handling of sensitive situations is essential.
Athena’s AI-powered platform monitors secondary screening to verify security personnel follow proper divestment procedures. The system tracks whether officers complete re-scanning before using wands. When personnel skip protocol steps, supervisors receive immediate alerts. This oversight ensures consistent application of procedures even during busy periods. The technology documents every secondary screening for compliance review and training purposes. Organizations can demonstrate protocol adherence and identify areas needing improvement.
Effective divestment areas include designated spaces separate from main screening flow to avoid bottlenecks. Provide adequate surfaces where visitors can place bags and bins for pocket contents. Clear signage should explain common items triggering alarms. The area should allow privacy while maintaining security visibility. Adequate lighting helps visitors see small items when emptying pockets. Physical layout directly affects divestment procedure efficiency and visitor comfort during secondary screening.
Security personnel should explain each step clearly and maintain professional, respectful demeanor throughout divestment procedures. Staff should tell visitors why the alarm triggered and what items commonly cause alarms. Patient guidance through the re-scanning process reduces visitor anxiety and improves cooperation. Personnel should answer questions and provide reassurance, especially for visitors unfamiliar with security screening. Clear communication creates positive interactions even during necessary secondary screening procedures.
Proper divestment procedures balance security effectiveness with visitor comfort. Our AI-powered secondary screening platform ensures security personnel follow protocols consistently, prioritizing re-scanning before intrusive wanding.
Duke Health, Memorial Hermann, and Lamar Consolidated ISD use Athena’s technology to maintain professional secondary screening across 500+ facilities. Contact us to learn how AI monitoring improves divestment procedure compliance.
