In today’s world, security is paramount. Every facility, from schools and hospitals to government buildings and businesses, strives to create a safe environment for its occupants. But achieving top-tier security is a complex puzzle, and relying on a single solution often leaves gaps.
While technologies like metal detectors and weapons detection systems are mostly employed to detect and deter patrons from proceeding into the facility with guns and knives, the amount of property coming through the screening lane can slow down secondary searches on property. That’s where X-ray scanning should be considered.
The Balancing Act: Speed vs. Security
The challenge for any organization is finding the sweet spot between efficient throughput, officer training, staffing model, technology selection, and robust enough security given the threat environment. Organizations want people to move quickly through checkpoints, but not at the expense of thorough screening.
Traditional security measures have their limitations:
- Metal detectors: Excellent for detecting firearms, but have a high alarm rate and miss non-metallic threats like ceramic knives or explosives.
- Weapons detection systems: Can identify concealed weapons, but may struggle with differentiating harmless objects from potential threats when multiple metallic signatures are close together, and miss non metallic threat items.
X-ray: Adding the Missing Layer
X-ray scanning provides a critical visual layer that complements existing security measures. It allows security personnel to see inside bags and packages, identifying potentially dangerous items that other screening systems might miss. This includes:
- Concealed weapons: Guns, knives, and other weapons hidden within bags.
- Explosives: Improvised explosive devices (IEDs) or components used to create them.
- Other threats: Sharp objects, tools, or any item that could be used to inflict harm.
The Cost Conundrum
While the benefits of X-ray scanning are undeniable, the traditional model presents a challenge: staffing. Many organizations are hesitant to invest in X-ray systems due to the perceived need for an additional security officer dedicated solely to monitoring the scans.
An X-ray screening with AI-powered system, integrated directly into your weapons detection system would be a comprehensive security platform. An AI X-ray system that allows a single operator to efficiently monitor both weapons detection systems and X-ray scans simultaneously is where the market is going.
This innovative approach offers several key advantages:
- Reduced staffing costs: Eliminate the need for an additional security officer. Reduce training time for officers.
- Increased efficiency: Streamline security operations with a single point of control.
- Enhanced threat detection: Combine the power of AI with human oversight for superior accuracy.
The Bottom Line
In an increasingly unpredictable world, a multi-layered approach to security is essential. X-ray scanning, particularly when integrated with intelligent AI technology, provides a crucial visual component to screening property that enhances threat detection and helps create safer environments.