The Aviation Security Service (Avsec) is the official service provider of Aviation Security Services in New Zealand and has a joint responsibility with the New Zealand Police.
The Service was established in 1974, however did not become fully operational until 1977. Avsec came under the direct control of the Ministry of Transport. Avsec’s main responsibilities at that time included the screening of passengers and their cabin baggage, patrolling of security areas and dealing with suspected or actual breaches of aviation security. Avsec staff had to be warranted Aviation Security Officers (ASOs) and suitably trained for deployment at international airports.
In 1989 aviation security operations were organizationally separated from the regulatory function.
In 1993, and with the devolution of the associated services (i.e. the Traffic Safety Service, Civil Aviation Division) within the Ministry of Transport (MoT), Avsec remained as an Entity within the MoT. The General Manager, Aviation Security Service was established as part of the MoT restructure. In later years Avsec became an Entity within the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
Avsec presently employs approximately 800 staff across 6 international airports and a National Office in Wellington. Avsec is responsible for all pre-board screening of passengers and baggage at major international airports throughout New Zealand. The Services activities also duties, functions and responsibilities include screening of cabin and checked baggage, screening of Airport workers, Airport access controls, random foot and mobile patrols, aircraft searches, static guards, security and managing the national Airport Identity Card system for restricted areas reviewing of its technologies and keeping abreast of national and international aviation security trends. Aviation Security Officers have various statutory powers including powers of arrest, authorized persons and the ability to issue infringement notices.
Avsec relies on a number of technologies and tools to assist with protecting New Zealand’s Aviation Security systems, however the human element is seen as the best tool to combat threats against aviation security.
Aviation Security Service (Avesc) dogs
Avesc's explosive detector dogs (EDD) have different jobs than the customs and MPI pups, tasked with sniffing out explosives rather than drugs or food.
Each EDD has a human partner, or handler, and they work together to ensure no dangerous materials are present in our airports or on aircraft. They're based in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown.
The job requirements for an EDD are to be happy, confident, sociable, non-aggressive and love playing with toys. Avesc doesn't discriminate by breed.
Dog teams undergo 10 weeks of training before graduating from the Police Dog Training Centre as operational.
The dogs' presence in airports can deter potential explosive-layers and they also conduct random searches around the airport, such as at check-in counters, screening points and gate lounges.
They also back up police and customs and corrections teams when there are bomb threats.
Mobile and quick, the dog teams are considered the most reliable and cost-effective way of detecting explosives
Avesc's explosive detector dogs (EDD) have different jobs than the customs and MPI pups, tasked with sniffing out explosives rather than drugs or food.
Each EDD has a human partner, or handler, and they work together to ensure no dangerous materials are present in our airports or on aircraft. They're based in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown.
The job requirements for an EDD are to be happy, confident, sociable, non-aggressive and love playing with toys. Avesc doesn't discriminate by breed.
Dog teams undergo 10 weeks of training before graduating from the Police Dog Training Centre as operational.
The dogs' presence in airports can deter potential explosive-layers and they also conduct random searches around the airport, such as at check-in counters, screening points and gate lounges.
They also back up police and customs and corrections teams when there are bomb threats.
Mobile and quick, the dog teams are considered the most reliable and cost-effective way of detecting explosives