"Passengers may not know it, but the work done by our teams is an essential component of the seamless travel experience that millions rely on each year."
Behind the gleaming terminals and bustling concourses of George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and William P. Hobby Airport (HOU), a small team diligently ensures the safety and security of millions of travelers. These are the professionals of the Badging and Access Control Office, the critical yet often overlooked guardians of airport security.
"Our team is the bedrock of airport security," said Fletcher Clark, Assistant Director of Security for Houston Airports. We are the final checkpoint before someone enters a restricted zone, and we take this responsibility very seriously."
Each application for an airport badge undergoes a rigorous review, including FBI background checks and Department of Homeland Security threat assessments. Proof of citizenship or work eligibility is also required. Only those who pass muster receive the coveted airport badge.
Airlines workers, vendors, retail and restaurant teams, and airport staff must all be properly badged to work inside the airport or on the airfield.
"Accuracy is paramount in this process," said Mary Gonzalez, Airport Security Coordinator at IAH. "The team meticulously reviews each application, scrutinizing identification documents and verifying all personal data. We understand the critical nature of our role and its profound impact on the airport's overall safety and efficiency."
At Bush Airport, a team of 18 specialists forms the backbone of airport security. Each day, they vet and credential approximately 75 people and renew credentials for approximately 185 people. The IAH Badging Officer manages the renewal of credentials for around 27,500 people annually.
The process is equally meticulous at Hobby Airport, where a smaller trusted team of five supports approximately 9,000 badged airport workers. Each day, the HOU office receives about 62 visitors and issues an average of 21 badges. While the scale differs, the commitment to security remains unwavering.
The office also controls access to card readers throughout the airport, conducts at least three annual audits of all companies and law enforcement departments and reports findings to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).
"In a world where security is paramount, the Badging and Access Control Offices at Houston's airports are the first line of defense to keeping the skies safe," said Roberto Reyes Cotto, Airport Security Coordinator for HOU. "Passengers may not know it, but the work done by our teams is an essential component of the seamless travel experience that millions rely on each year."
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