Security & Safety Briefs - March 24 - March 30
The Latest Headlines:
- DHS Secure Flight Program Reportedly Behind Schedule
- Gabriel Technologies Buys Risk-Consulting Firm
- Bush to Re-nominate Conners as NTSB Chairwoman
- Bill Would Increase Security of Some Hazmat Shipments
- Gabriel Technologies Buys Risk-Consulting Firm
DHS Secure Flight Program Reportedly Behind Schedule
A Department of Homeland Security plan to screen airline passengers is behind schedule, the Wall Street Journal reported Tuesday.DHS is behind on everything from setting up privacy protections to deciding what information airlines can use, the paper said.
The electronic pre-screening system, called Secure Flight, is aimed at matching passenger lists with potential terrorist suspects and is supposed to be checked 72 hours prior to takeoff.
Gabriel Technologies Buys Risk-Consulting Firm
Gabriel Technologies Corp., maker of the War-Lok transportation security product line, said it purchased majority interest in Transportation Solutions, Risk Management & Safety Consultants Ltd.Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Gabriel said that with the acquisition it would seek to provide logistic, risk-elimination and injury-reduction products within the transportation industry.
“The partnership will assist cargo transportation to increase net profits by protecting itself from security challenges due to inadequate measures,” said Bob Bonnett, President of TRSC Ltd. Transport Topics
Bush to Re-nominate Conners as NTSB Chairwoman
President Bush said Thursday he intended to renominate Ellen Engleman Conners to a second term as chairwoman of the National Transportation Safety Board.The NTSB investigates accidents and makes safety recommendations, but does not have the authority to issue rulemakings. Last year, NTSB said the government should require data recorders in all passenger vehicles that record speed, seat belt use and braking.
Conners' first two-year term expired on Sunday and the safety board's rules require that the Vice Chairman Mark Rosenker to serve as acting chairman until the Senate confirms Conners again, the Associated Press reported.
Bush also said he planned to renominate Rosenker as vice chairman. Transport Topics
Bill Would Increase Security of Some Hazmat Shipments
Rep. Edward Markey (D-Mass.), a member of the Select Committee on Homeland Security, said he re-introduced legislation that would require the Department of Homeland Security to issue regulations imposing additional security requirements for shipments of extremely hazardous materials.Markey said the bill would require DHS to re-route shipments containing materials considered toxic, extremely flammable or highly explosive around densely populated areas if a safer route was available.
In addition, the bill would require increased physical security measures surrounding these shipments, pre-notification of law enforcement and additional training for employees who work with shipments.
Markey said that Sen. Jon Corzine (D-N.J.) would introduce a similar bill in the Senate. Transport Topics
