Security Briefs - June 5 - June 11
The Latest Headlines:
- Chemical Detector Dogs Deployed at Borders, Ports
- U.S.: 'High' Chance of Another Terrorist Attack
- Thailand Questions New U.S. Port Security Measures
- Mayors Seek Federal Security Aid
- Ridge Wants Terror Alert System Refined
- TSA Creates Site to Clarify Hazmat CDL Questions
- TSA May Allow Stun Guns in Airplanes
- U.S.: 'High' Chance of Another Terrorist Attack
Chemical Detector Dogs Deployed at Borders, Ports
Dogs that can detect chemicals were deployed at U.S. borders and ports last week in an attempt prevent smuggling of deadly chemical weapons, such as sarin and cyanide.The Customs and Border Protection Bureau and the Department of Homeland Security said in a June 6 release it is the first time chemical dogs have been used at U.S. borders.
The dogs are trained to sniff out specific odors, non-lethal components of a chemical. When they detect the odor they alert the handler, trace the odor back to the source and respond by sitting, the release said. Transport Topics
U.S.: 'High' Chance of Another Terrorist Attack
A government report found that there is a "high probability" that al-Qaida will attempt an attack with a weapon of mass destruction in the next two years, news services reported Tuesday.However, the report did not say where such an attack might be launched.
It was submitted to the United Nations in April, but final release was delayed because it had to be translated into six languages, CNN reported.
The report said FBI investigations since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks "have revealed an extensive and widespread militant Islamic presence in the United States." Transport Topics
Thailand Questions New U.S. Port Security Measures
The Port Authority of Thailand (PAT) has questioned the practicality of a new U.S. proposed joint security strategy, the Bangkok Post reported Wednesday.Although Thailand had agreed to improve maritime security after the 9/11 terrorist attacks through the U.S. Container Security Initiative, PAT raised doubts over new measures involving overhauling the stuffing, sealing and loading of containers through electronic means in a bid to detect potential terrorist threats.
The plan is to have Seattle-bound cargo containers stuffed and sealed electronically at an inland container facility. The containers' security status would updated at port before heading to Seattle, where it would be electronically checked again before moving to a distribution center.
The port is concerned about the cost of the electronic system and if that cost could result in a loss of business, the article said. Transport Topics
Mayors Seek Federal Security Aid
A coalition of the nation's mayors asked the federal government to bypass state governments and give them the money they need directly to improve security, the Washington Post reported Monday.However, Undersecretary of Homeland Security Michael Brown said the Department of Homeland Security has ordered 80% of funding for security projects go directly to municipal and county governments and 20% to state governments, the Post said.
Still, Jerry Abramson, mayor of Louisville, Ky., said that in the first round of homeland security funding Kentucky received $9 million, of which only $200,000 went to Louisville.
Mayors also said that states were skimming federal money for prevention, while they need it to equip and train police and firefighters who treat casualties, according to the Post. Transport Topics
Ridge Wants Terror Alert System Refined
Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge said the color-coded terror alert system provides vital information to law enforcement, but needs to be altered to include targeted information so individual communities or sectors can take action, the Associated Press reported Friday.Three times in the past four months the government raised the alert level to orange or high, from yellow or elevated, causing states and cities to shell out millions in overtime to police and emergency personnel.
In addition, truckers faced longer waits at the borders and more random inspections when the alert was raised.
Ridge acknowledged the frequent changes in the terror color have produced complaints and raised questions about the credibility of the system, AP reported. But he said the information that led officials to raise the alert level was too general to provide targeted warnings. Transport Topics
TSA Creates Site to Clarify Hazmat CDL Questions
The Transportation Security Administration has created a Web site to help the public better understand the new background check requirements for commercial drivers who haul hazardous materials.TSA said that under the new rules, a drug offense would only disqualify a driver from obtaining a hazmat license if the driver was convicted or found not guilty by reason of insanity within the last seven years, was released from prison within the last five years or is wanted for felony possession, distribution or importation.
Misdemeanor drug offenses would disqualify a driver.
TSA also planned to provide guidance to states regarding the establishment of programs to take drivers' fingerprints.
The Web site is located at http://www.tsa.gov/public/display?theme=40&content=528. Transport Topics
TSA May Allow Stun Guns in Airplanes
The Transportation Security Administration may allow non-lethal stun guns on airplanes as another layer of security, the Associated Press reported Monday.In a report to Congress, TSA said electronic shock devices could be an effective deterrent against hijackers but it deferred a decision on whether to approve requests to let pilots carry the weapons.
Since trucks transfer freight to and from airports, any changes in airline security could have some impact on the way trucking conducts business.
United Airlines and Mesa Air Group are the only airlines so far that have asked the TSA for permission to arm pilots with stun guns. Transport Topics
