Security Identification Display Area (SIDA) Study Guide

Study flashcards covering airport security regulations, badge rules, SIDA access, and credentialing procedures for the Port Authority of NY & NJ.

Why was the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) formed following the events of September 11, 2001?

To improve airport security procedures and consolidate air travel security under one federal agency.

What two mandatory background investigations must all personnel undergo prior to being issued an Airport Security ID Card?

A fingerprint-based criminal history records check (CHRC) and a Security Threat Assessment (STA).

What is the primary role of the Port Authority Police Department (PAPD) at Port Authority airports?

They are the first responder at the airports and the first contact for all on-airport police, fire, and emergency situations.

What are the primary responsibilities of the Airport Security Manager?

Serving as the airport's primary contact for security-related activities, communications, training, and compliance with TSA regulations.

How does the study guide define a Public Area at the airport?

Areas normally accessible to the general public, including areas before the TSA Passenger Screening Checkpoint within the terminal, cargo and hangar buildings, parking lots, and roadways.

What is the Sterile Area of an airport?

An area providing access for boarding onto and off aircraft (the gate area), extending from the TSA screening checkpoint through the terminal down to gate doors with jet bridge access restrictions.

What color Airport Security ID Card is required for employees to access the Sterile Area?

BLUE

What color Airport Security ID Card is required for entry into the Secured Area, SIDA, and Airfield?

RED

In some cargo buildings, how is the beginning boundary of the Security Identification Display Area (SIDA) indicated?

By a yellow line marked on the floor.

What airport areas are included in the Air Operations Area (AOA)?

Aircraft movement areas, runways, aircraft parking areas, loading ramps, aircraft safety areas, vehicle service roads, adjacent areas (such as general aviation areas), and ramp areas outside terminals and parts of cargo buildings.

What are the official three-letter airport codes for the five Port Authority regional airports?

EWR (Newark Liberty International), JFK (John F. Kennedy International), LGA (LaGuardia), SWF (Stewart International), and TEB (Teterboro).

Which airport security area is represented by this image?

Public Area / Landside

How does an Airport Security ID Card identify Port Authority employees authorized for access at LGA, JFK, and EWR?

It displays all three airport codes (LGA, JFK, EWR) on a red background.

How frequently must an Airport Security ID Card be renewed?

Annually prior to the expiration date.

What does a GREEN Airport Security ID Card designate, and where is it authorized?

"Snow" access at JFK and LGA only.

What personal descriptive information is printed on the front versus the back of an Airport Security ID Card?

The cardholder's name appears on the front; gender, height, and eye color appear on the back.

What badge identifier must be present on an Airport Security ID Card for an employee requiring access to US Customs and Border Protection areas?

The Customs seal identifier.

What is the difference between an EP and an EV escort privilege designation on an Airport Security ID Card?

EP authorizes an employee to escort up to $5$ individuals (people only). EV (combined with DR1, DR2, or DR3) authorizes escorting up to $2$ vehicles as well as people.

What are the mandatory rules for displaying an Airport Security ID Card in a SIDA or Sterile Area?

It must be displayed at all times above the waist on the outermost garment, using a clear plastic holder or pouch without being obscured in any way.

What specific improper uses of an Airport Security ID Card or PIN are unlawful under federal regulations?

To misuse, loan, duplicate, alter, or share on social media.

What rules must a badged airport employee follow when traveling as a commercial passenger?

Access the Sterile Area only through a TSA passenger screening checkpoint with any accessible property to be carried on board, and remain in the Sterile Area after entering.

What must an employee do immediately if their Airport Security ID Card is lost or stolen?

Report the situation immediately to their company Authorized Signatory and the Security Credentialing Office.

What is the rule if a badged employee recovers an Airport Security ID Card that was previously reported lost or stolen?

DO NOT USE IT; immediately return it to the company Authorized Signatory or bring it back to the airport credentialing office.

Under what physical or status conditions is an Airport Security ID Card considered invalid?

When it has been mutilated, damaged, faded, peeled off, expired, or altered.

How is Sensitive Security Information (SSI) defined under 49 C.F.R. part 1520?

Information that, if publicly released, would be detrimental to transportation security.

With whom may an employee share Sensitive Security Information (SSI)?

Only those authorized individuals who have a need to know.

What is a "challenge" in the context of SIDA responsibilities?

A request to see a valid Airport Security ID Card or other approved credentials permitting a person to be in a restricted airport area.

What should an employee do if an individual in a restricted area refuses to cooperate with a challenge?

Contact the local Port Authority Police, Operations, or their supervisor immediately.

What is "piggybacking" at an airport security door, and why is it prohibited?

Allowing another individual to enter a restricted area behind you using your card swipe; each individual must swipe their own card for access.

What procedure must be followed if an access door alarm is triggered?

Never leave the door unattended; stay at the access door until an authorized security representative or PAPD arrives to investigate.

Can an individual who has been denied an Airport Security ID Card be escorted into restricted areas?

No; an individual who has been denied an Airport Security ID Card is not eligible for escort.

What proximity requirements must an escort maintain with escorted individuals and vehicles?

Escorted persons and vehicles must remain within the escort's line of sight and close enough to verbally communicate at all times.

What is the maximum civil penalty per infraction that may accompany federal enforcement action for TSA security violations?

Up to $\$14,950$ per infraction.

How long is an individual listed in the TSA's Centralized Revocation Database following badge revocation?

$5$ years from the date the violation occurred.

What are the penalties under the Port Authority's "three-strike policy" for Breaches of Rules (BORs) within 24 months?

1st BOR: Retake SIDA training and possible fee; 2nd BOR: Retake SIDA training with supervisor and possible fee; 3rd BOR: Revocation/suspension of ID card privileges for up to $2$ years.

What is the Port Authority Police Tips Line phone number for all Port Authority airports?

1-800-828-PAPD(7273)