What gets scanned?

Everything that a person carries into a secured area should be screened. No exceptions. Security officers must carefully check all items that could potentially hide weapons, contraband, or other prohibited materials.

Items to Screen

• All handheld carried items – Purses, backpacks, briefcases, grocery bags, and tote bags.
• Inner and outer garments – Coats, jackets, hoodies, and large clothing that could conceal dangerous objects.
• Cell phones and electronic devices – Some devices can be modified to contain hidden weapons or illegal materials.
• Attaché cases and laptop bags – These items should always be scanned or opened for inspection.
• Boxes and containers – Any package being carried into a facility must be checked, regardless of size.
• Garment bags and luggage – Large bags often provide easy places to hide weapons or contraband.
• Anything capable of hiding a weapon or contraband – If it has pockets, compartments, or hidden spaces, it must be screened.

How to Screen Items

Most security sites will have magnetometers (walk-through metal detectors), handheld wands, or X-ray machines to assist with screening. If these tools are available, security officers must use them properly to check each person and their belongings.

Step-by-Step Screening Process

1. Observe the Person and Their Items – Pay attention to body language, bulky clothing, or unusual behavior that may indicate an attempt to conceal something.
2. Use a Metal Detector or Wand – Each person should be required to walk through a magnetometer. If it alarms, a handheld wand can be used to locate the specific area of concern.
3. Inspect Bags and Hand-Carried Items – All bags should be opened and visually inspected, or passed through an X-ray machine if available. Look for anything unusual or hidden compartments.
4. Check Large Items Carefully – If someone is bringing in a large box or container, verify its contents. It should match the reason they are entering the area.
5. Ask Questions if Needed – If an item seems suspicious, politely ask the person what it is for. If they refuse to answer or act nervously, follow post instructions on how to handle the situation.
6. Follow Post Instructions – Each site will have specific rules for handling suspicious items. If something is prohibited, follow procedures for denying entry or escalating the issue.

Why is Screening Everything Important?

Even if a person seems trustworthy, they could still be carrying something that should not be allowed inside. Weapons, explosives, and illegal substances can easily be hidden inside common items like purses, backpacks, or clothing. If security officers fail to properly screen items, dangerous objects could enter the facility, putting everyone at risk.

Common Excuses People May Use to Avoid Screening

• “This is just a small bag, there’s nothing inside.”
• “I’ve already been checked before.”
• “I’m in a hurry, can I skip this?”
• “Do I really have to take off my coat?”
• “I work here every day, you don’t need to check my stuff.”

No matter what excuse is given, everything must be screened. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

Security officers must be thorough and consistent when screening people and their belongings. Every single item brought into a secured area should be checked properly. This helps protect people, property, and ensures that nothing dangerous enters the facility. Always follow screening procedures, stay alert, and never assume something is safe just because it looks harmless.