Speaker Biograghy: Stephanie works as an Applied Scientist in the Staff Division of Zurich Airport Police. After her study of work and organisational psychology she spent one year at ETH Zurich as a Scientific Assistant as well as a Psychological Counsellor in an integrative job agency. With her psychological background she now aims to support processes in the tension area between security and efficiency by scientifically funded methods. During three years at Zurich Airport Police she conducted several field studies with the aim of optimising the security checkpoint at Zurich Airport. Her current research interest is the psychological aspects of team processes in high-risk situations.


Day 1 - 20 March
Session: Aviation Security, Border Control & Facilitation

16:15 - 16:45 - Supporting teamwork in high-risk areas: a psychological perspective
Synopsis: Security teams such as security checkpoint crews are challenged by a monotonous work routine in normal situations. Nevertheless, they need to adapt very quickly and continuously readjust their procedures according to the situation, because high-risk situations often emerge very suddenly and without any warnings. Good cooperation and coordination of all team members are necessary for a good team performance. The presentation will give insights into research findings, plus practical hints on how to support effective teamwork at airport security checkpoints.

Audience will learn:

• Role of psychology at security checkpoint: what is effective teamwork and why is it important, especially in security areas?
• Humans are not machines: pros and cons of the ad-hoc model that is often implemented in security teams
• When everything runs like clockwork: effective coordination as a success factor in emergency situations
• What possibilities exist to support teamwork at the security checkpoint?