By Rikki Ellul, Service Delivery Coordinator

“Ozan Kaya is one of our many great Respite Supervisors who was recently recognized by the Toronto Police Services for his excellent and professional assistance in making an arrest at one of our Respite locations. Ozan has been working respites with ASP since August 2020 and his great efforts do not go unnoticed. He is a hard worker who is constantly looking for growth and provides excellent support to his team and ASP. Ozan was awarded an ASP Certificate of Appreciation for his constant hard work and ability to lead his team with confidence and success.

We look forward to continuing watching Ozan’s journey with us!”

1. If you could give new employees any advice, what would it be?

A: My biggest recommendation for new employees would be to utilize your surroundings, whether that be the ASP management team, your onsite supervisor or your coworkers, someone will always know something you didn’t and use that knowledge you gain from them to your advantage.

2. Why is teamwork important to you and how do you ensure your team always works together?

A: Teamwork gives you the confidence in knowing that not only will the job you do be more enjoyable but also more efficient. On my team when we have free time, we rarely spend it on our phones but instead tell each other stories of who we are, what we have done and the things we have seen. Building comradery is essential when you are with someone for 12 hours every day, and want to build friendships.


By Vasilis Androutsos, Manager, Operations RES/CIC

Since we all spend so much time within our scope of work, one of the initiatives we have identified to increase employee engagement, morale and encourage good working relationships amongst our colleagues was to create a social committee within our
Toronto office.

Having a dedicated committee that primarily focuses on fun, lighthearted, team building opportunities and allows us to incorporate a fun-filled calendar into our workplace, will allow us to achieve a good work-life balance for our health and wellbeing. Having organised social events will give all of us something fun to look forward to and help us all relieve workplace stress.

Some of the benefits that our team members will see is increased employee engagement, opportunities for networking and career growth, lower employee turnover, minimizing conflict in the workplace and opportunities for diversity and inclusion. Our goal is to focus on Diversity and Inclusion workplace wellness and set up events that we all can participate and have a great time.

Stephanie Power was appointed as the chair of the social committee, and I was able to pose a few questions to get some insight on how she sees the impact of the social committee having on our team members.

Why do you think having a work social committee is so important and beneficial?

I believe it is important and beneficial because it’s where colleagues get to come together, brainstorm and put together events, or ideas on how to have employee engagement and employee recognition in the workplace.

Having a social committee stimulates a real collaborative process where it allows team members to get to know one another while contributing to the workplace in a new and exciting way.

Our first event was the Summer Bash, which was a great success! We had everyone in the office participating, laughing, smiles on their faces and getting to know each other on a different but professional level.

What are you looking forward to the most as the chair of the Social Committee?

I am looking forward to working with the team on more events or ideas on how we can continue to build team moral in the workplace.

The best feeling is watching everything come together and seeing everyone participating and enjoying themselves. Also, when the employees come to us and say thank you, they had so much fun, and appreciate our hard work we put into the event is very rewarding.

RES/CIC will be hosting another session in the coming weeks for our Human Resources team.


By Dave Ramlagan, Training Coordinator, Aviation Security

We are adding some healthy competition to your iSpring online learning experience by adding a leaderboard.

The next time you log in to the iSpring app, select your initials in

the top-right hand corner to open your profile. You will see a leaderboard with assigned points. These points are assigned when you complete a course on iSpring.

The leaderboard will show your points and the points of your closest competitors. We will start this program by first assigning points to the Basic Training course and will then expand from there.

Making it to the top of the leaderboard will give you the bragging rights to be called an iSpring champion! For Toronto Pearson Security staff, please visit me when you are either in 1st place or tied for 1st place to receive a token of appreciation. We will expand the reward program for top learners at other sites in the near future. Happy learning!


By Angus Wilson, Director of Aviation Services

ASP is supported by ICTS initiatives for the post-COVID-19 era in the aviation sector. The COVID-19 crisis is dramatically impacting the aviation industry.

ICTS Europe – the aviation security specialists, the Company with Aviation DNA flowing in its veins, has set an objective for the organization: To help the industry bring airplanes back to the air as soon as possible.

We are addressing COVID-19 risks with solutions that will boost global confidence that “Flying is Safe”.

Our approach is modular and intended to benefit as much of the Aviation eco-system as possible. From airports, airlines, regulators through to competitors, our objective is a simple one – to address COVID-19 risks through pragmatic solutions and increase global confidence in air travel.

We would like to share with you the current initiatives we have taken in ICTS Europe and jointly with specialized partners.

Our team is ready to explore with you how these concept and products could be adapted to match your vision, objectives, plans and preferences. If you would like to explore any of these products further, please do not hesitate in contacting Angus Wilson – awilson@security-asp.com

Flight Reservations for Passengers/Airline

TravelDoc:

  • Checks passenger’s documentation against travel restrictions imposed by the authorities in the transit or destination country.
  • An online Travel Document Rule Library (APP or Web) that displays each country’s immigration, health and safety and customs rules is also available.

Document Verification and Security Processes at the Airport

  • CoviDoc + Security
  • Regulated Questionnaire Covid
  • Face recognition SDK in APP
  • RBHF (remote breathing, heart rate, fever)
  • Contactless doc validation (TravelDoc, CoviDoc)
  • Ongoing observation for COVID-19 signs detection
  • Clearance and documentation security + CoviDoc
  • APIS, Contactless ID bagtag printer (ICTS mobile unit)

Social Distancing: Enforcing Guidance at Airports

  • Unique software and live streaming capabilities
  • AI-based detection capabilities can identify and monitor multiple areas
  • Can be implemented using existing infrastructure
  • Combination of software and services
  • Remote monitoring capabilities
  • Quickly identify and address areas where guidelines are not being followed.

Sanitation of Baggage, Equipment and Surfaces

  • Closed space virus and virus disinfection system is based on UV radiation.
  • The system is UV-based
  • The autoclave operates at 360 degrees
  • Can be mounted on a towing wagon
  • Can be developed its robotic-autonomous version and move to serial production
  • Advantage, as opposed to chemical purification, is that you can use the room immediately afterwards.

Sanitation of Baggage, Equipment and Surfaces

  • Measure the distance of the tested pulse, body heat, positioning and breathing rate.
  • Fusion all the indices from the various sensors
  • Discover the symptoms of a remote corona patient without human contact.
  • The test data is displayed on a remote monitor
  • Only Pax touch’s bag procedures
  • Bag search with necessary H&S equipment.

By Elizabeth Warwick, Operations Manager

Calgarians are no strangers to extreme and rapidly changing weather conditions. On June 13, 2020, however, the city experienced a particularly severe thunderstorm with heavy rain, strong winds, and tennis ball-sized hail.

In some areas. the wind gusts were up to 100 km/h, with multiple reports of tornadoes near the city. Although the storm only lasted approximately two hours, it resulted in significant property damage throughout areas of the city, including smashed-out car windshields, damaged home exteriors, major flooding, and electrical issues. The estimated total costs for the damages are near $1 billion.

As you can imagine, a severe storm such as this has significant impact on airport operations, and our ASP security team reacted quickly to assist airport operations personnel. A special thank you to the SOC Operators, Airside Patrollers and Supervisors who were given additional duties during the storm and in the recovery period which followed. They all went above and beyond to assist while equipment was repaired, and operations returned to normal.


By Mary Christidis, Customer Service Operations Manager

 A heartfelt thank you to the entire OSR team for always reflecting the true spirit of Customer Service through teamwork, dedication and resilience.

Success is a Reflection of Our Attitude

From Jim Catney, Vice President, Aviation and Transportation

Some of you may know that I made the decision to retire earlier this year, prior to the change in the world that we are currently experiencing.  And some may think that it’s an even easier decision to retire now as we deal with the complexities of our changing environment day to day.  I have to honestly say that this is not the case.

For the last 2 months, I have been leading the ASP Incident Command team and I have witnessed how a crisis can really bring people together.  I have been so impressed with the ASP team, from the front-line OSRs and security personnel, to our staff behind the scenes in departments like Human Resources, Resource Planning and Finance.  There have been some extremely difficult decisions made and we know that they are impacting people’s lives, and yet at every corner I see examples of resilience, grace and loyalty amongst our team of employees.  

When I started with ASP 9 years ago as an Operations Manager, I can remember being apprehensive; I was used to working in larger organizations and I wasn’t sure if ASP was going to be interesting or challenging enough.  I could never have imagined then how life-changing this opportunity would be.  Besides being a part of making this company a national presence and bringing in new types of jobs and contracts (and dogs!), I have met people who have changed the way I think and lead and made life-long friends.  

Farewell and Thank You

It was and continues to be a difficult choice for me to leave this company that I am so proud to be a part of.  Nevertheless, I am looking forward to spending more time with my family and friends, seeing more of the world and exploring new hobbies.  I can do this with confidence because I know I am leaving ASP with a dedicated group who care as much about the business, as I always will.

It has been my pleasure to work with all of you.  Thank you.  I hope to have the opportunity to see many of you before I take my final leave in July. Stay safe and be well.


By David Ramlagan, Training Coordinator, Aviation Security

E-Learning is Coming!

Although e-learning has existed for several years as an alternative to classroom learning, it is quickly becoming the new normal. For ASP, it is uncertain when classroom training will resume while social distancing considerations remain in place.

For large classes, it is likely that recertification programs will take place in a virtual classroom.  Many will welcome this change, due to the convenience of a more comfortable learning environment of your choice.  However, there is a misconception that online courses are an easier way to learn rather than a more convenient one.

You must dedicate your attendance, time, and concentration just as you would for a regular in-class course.  Security professionals are highly self-disciplined, and must be able to carry that quality into any environment they choose to learn in.

For those that are not tech-savvy, we can assist with connecting to an e-learning session or provide alternative learning methods. When learning in a virtual classroom, it is important that you have reliable internet access.  Connection issues during a live session means missing out on important content that you may be tested on.  It is also important to have a dedicated study space that is quiet and distraction-free.  Your attention to the instructor should be given just as much as it would be in the classroom.

We will keep you informed of updates regarding the development of our e-learning plan.  Keep safe and we’ll see you online!


By Noman Butt, Client Support Manager

The GTAA will be starting a construction project on May 4th to replace concrete slabs on Taxiway H. Originally, the project was supposed to start on April 20th, but was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  This project requires 4 D AVOPs, 2 DA AVOPs and one Airside Access Control guard.

ASP will be providing the Access Control guard for this particular project.  As the project unfolds, more guards might be required.  This project is a 24/7 operation; however, the majority of the work will be completed overnight. A vehicle will be provided to the guard if there is no booth available at the construction sites.

The guard will be responsible to provide access to the GTAA’s subcontractors according to post orders. GTAA is looking into prioritizing this project, which will subsequently lead to more Taxiway/Runway work this summer.  The work has been planned in three phases and could last until September.  In order to make this project successful, we would require the help of our Airside Access Control guards and our supervisors.


By Garinder Grewal, Operations Manager- TPIA Security

Start Each Day with Exercise

  • One of the most important things that you can do for your brain and your overall well-being is to start every day with exercise. Simply getting the blood flowing for 20 minutes will sufficiently spark your mind and help you develop stronger focus throughout the day.

Eliminate Pointless Distractions

  • Too much stuff within arms’ reach or on your desk can prove to be really distracting. To stay focused at work, only have the things you need neatly organized on your desk — put the rest away properly. Put your phone on silent mode and keep it out of sight at work.

Get Enough Sleep

  • Nothing will ruin your focus more than consistent sleep deprivation. To be in top form during your working hours, get at least seven hours of sleep every night, but be careful to not overdo it. If you sleep too much, you may start to have trouble falling asleep at night, which can disrupt your healthy sleep cycle. The best way to get enough sleep on a regular basis is to go to bed at the same time every night and wake up at the same time every morning. Once you do this for a while and your body gets into the routine, it will be easy for you to fall asleep and wake up naturally without using an alarm clock because your mind will be used to the regimen.

Stay Hydrated

  • Your concentration tends to dwindle when you’re dehydrated. Increase your daily water intake to stay alert and healthy. Your brain depends on sufficient hydration to function at its best. Your brain cells need to have a delicate balance of water and other elements to work well, and when you don’t have enough water, the balance becomes disrupted and your brain cells lose the ability to work efficiently. Start your day with a big glass of water and continue to drink while you’re working at your post.
focus

Be More Positive in the Workplace

If you make your work more positive, you will be able to give more focus on your tasks. Before you start a task, think about why you are doing it. This will encourage you to think about the output that you want from your work, and it will add value to whatever you’re doing. Find positive ways for your tasks to become fun, such as incorporating some imagination or creativity into the process. If you keep yourself open to fun ideas, you will be bringing a new, positive vibe to your workplace. Games are inherently fun and engaging. Stay on your toes by making work a game.