MICHELLE SMILLIE
Summary
Airport Security Officer with extensive Heathrow experience supporting passenger, staff, and visitor screening in a high-pressure airport setting. Maintains access control, protects restricted areas, and documents incidents clearly while following aviation regulations, site procedures, and customer service standards.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Airport Security Officer
Heathrow Airport Limited
, Middlesex
05.2008 - 09.2026
- Provided security services in a high-profile international airport, ensuring compliance with aviation security regulations and safeguarding passengers, staff, and airport facilities.
- Monitored and enforced security procedures, ensuring strict adherence to aviation security legislation and airport policies, thereby mitigating potential security threats.
- Conduct passenger, staff, and visitor screening using X-ray machines, metal detectors, and other security screening equipment.
- Perform physical searches in accordance with airport security procedures and regulatory requirements.
- Verify identification, boarding passes, and access credentials to prevent unauthorised entry into restricted areas.
- Respond promptly and effectively to security incidents, suspicious activity, and emergency situations.
- Carry out routine patrols of landside and airside areas to maintain a visible security presence and identify potential security risks.
- Support the safe and efficient flow of passengers through security checkpoints during peak operational periods.
- Work collaboratively with colleagues, airlines, police, and emergency services to support airport operations and security objectives.
- Maintain accurate security records and reports, ensuring all incidents are documented in line with company procedures.
- Delivered exceptional customer service while upholding security standards, assisting passengers with enquiries to enhance their travel experience.
- Successfully maintained high standards of security screening and compliance throughout more than 18 years of service at Heathrow Airport.
- Developed extensive expertise in identifying prohibited items and security risks through effective screening procedures.
- Built a reputation for professionalism, reliability, and excellent customer service in a fast-paced aviation environment.
- Demonstrated consistent ability to remain calm and make sound decisions during challenging and high-pressure situations.
- Built a reputation for professionalism, reliability, and excellent customer service in a fast-paced aviation environment.
- Demonstrated consistent ability to remain calm and make sound decisions during challenging and high-pressure situations.
Education
Secondary Education -
Burntwood School
Earlsfield, Wandsworth01-1992
Skills
- Aviation Security Operations
- Passenger and Staff Screening
- X-Ray Screening Systems
- Metal Detector Operation
- Access Control Management
- Identity Verification
- Counter-Terrorism Awareness
- Security Risk Assessment
- Incident Response Procedures
- Security Patrols and Surveillance
- Restricted Area Protection
- Health & Safety Compliance
- Radio Communications
- Customer Service Excellence
- Conflict Management
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Decision-Making Under Pressure
- Report Writing and Record Keeping
INTERESTS
Travelling and exploring new destinations, Learning about different cultures and communities, Spending time with family and friends, Animal welfare, Watching educational and documentary programmes, Personal fitness and wellbeing
Timeline
Airport Security Officer
Heathrow Airport Limited
05.2008 - 09.2026
Secondary Education -
Burntwood School