Prepare for 'intelligent video, 'TSA tells airports.

• Author: Magnuson, Stew
• Position: SECURITY BEAT: Homeland Defense Briefs

Intelligent video systems promise to reduce the number of hours security officers spend staring at closed circuit television screens as they scan for threats.

Such systems use sophisticated algorithms to automatically track suspicious movements, and send alerts to operators. For example, it can track a passenger at an airport walking through a restricted area.

The Transportation Security Agency recently cautioned those thinking of refurbishing or building a new airport to be flexible when installing new security systems.

Intelligent video technology is maturing, but it currently comes with a hefty price tag, it said.

"Airports need to carefully weigh the benefits and costs, especially with regard to how these features and capabilities are to be implemented and the downstream support requirements," the TSA said in its newly released "Recommended Security Guidelines for Airport Planning, Design and Construction."

The 333-page report comments on everything from perimeter security for new...