Shifting Paradigms in Airport Security: A Qualitative Exploration of Multidimensional Recruitment Criteria

Introduction: French airport security recruitment protocols are scrutinized to address national security and internal threat concerns. This study questions the reliance on traditional methods like criminal background checks and standard assessments, calling for an expanded competency review. The aim is to assess whether current practices sufficiently address the industry’s multifaced demands and comply with strict regulatory standards. Methods : Employing a multi-case methodology (Yin, 2018), interviews were conducted between 2019 and 2021. A sample of 24 experienced professionals, including recruiters, airport security agents, and heads of criminal investigations, offered a comprehensive view of the recruitment landscape. Over 250 pages of transcripts were analyzed using ATLAS.ti software. Thematic content analysis, phenomenological examination, conceptual category analysis, and process modeling surfaced critical themes related to recruitment challenges and improvements. Seventy-eight codes were extracted, encapsulating the complexities of airport security recruitment. Methodological triangulation ensured the study’s analytical robustness and validity. Results : Findings reveal a predominant focus on regulatory compliance and procedural knowledge at the expense of critical intrapersonal and cognitive skills in current recruitment protocols. Despite strict requirements for regulatory adherence, there is a noticeable shortfall in assessing traits such as stress management, integrity, and loyalty. Additionally, skills crucial for operational success, such as stress management, conflict resolution, and analytical thinking, should be adequately prioritized in the selection process. Discussion-Conclusion : While acknowledging the constraints of a limited sample size and the qualitative nature of the study, these findings provide an initial framework for a more comprehensive recruitment model. The implications drawn from the French context suggest broader applicability, yet further validation is necessary across diverse operational environments. Future research should explore the integration of autonomous motivation, as informed by Self-Determination Theory (SDT), alongside implicit attitude measures and integrity assessments. Ultimately, this study lays the groundwork for revising recruitment criteria to better align with airport security’s complex psychological and operational demands, emphasizing the need for a balanced assessment of cognitive, interpersonal, and ethical competencies.