Aircraft Enthusiasts Turn Security Operatives Date: Friday, July 23, 2010 Source: www.securityoracle.com

A group of aircraft enthusiasts have been helping to provide an extra layer of security around Stansted Airport after forging a new relationship with the police. They have signed up with the Essex Force’s PlaneWatch initiative, under which they will be responsible for swiftly reporting any suspicious activity. All members of the 150-strong group have been thoroughly vetted and issued with ID cards so they can be recognised by the police who patrol the airport. Essex Police spokesman Insp Ian Colman said that the enthusiasts’ familiarity with the airport made them the perfect candidates to recognise anything out of the ordinary. The officer said: “These enthusiasts know all the best vantage points and they know each other – some of them have been coming to Stansted for years. “They also tend to keep in touch with each other and know by various means when new or interesting aircraft are coming in. And they turn out in large numbers when VIPs such as US President Barack Obama are flying in.” Insp Colman said the knowledge and experience of the enthusiasts would provide valuable assistance to both the police and the British Airports Authority. He added: “When they are in and around the airport they will be able to immediately recognise what is normal and what is not and report any suspicious activity.” Courtesy of SecurityOracle.com - The Secury Industry's Portal