ABSTRACT
The use or exploitation of intelligence information in the context of aviation security has two principal objectives. The fi rst is to inform security personnel and others with a need to know regarding credible threat intelligence. This information can allow security managers to adapt security postures and implement procedures to respond to specifi c threats and alert frontline security personnel to the potential that certain types of threats or attacks may be imminent. The second use of intelligence and counterterrorism information in the context of aviation security is to assess the risk of individuals being granted access to the air transportation system, whether they be pilots, air traffi c controllers, mechanics, airport workers, airline employees, or airline passengers. Vetting the identities of such individuals against available information on known and suspected terrorists, and in some cases against criminal records, provides an essential fi rst layer of defense for identifying those individuals who should not be granted access to aircraft or other components of the air transportation system. It also may serve as a means for identifying those individuals who present an unknown or elevated security risk and therefore should receive additional scrutiny, either through more detailed investigation or through more thorough physical screening procedures before being granted access to portions of the air transportation system.
