Security Briefs - Oct. 2 - Oct. 8
b>The Latest Headlines:
- University of Arkansas to Study Terrorism Patterns
- DHS Awards Two Security Contracts
- Government Considers New Air Cargo Regulations
- Bush Signs Homeland Security Spending Bill
- ABF’s McFarlin Named Safety Director of the Year
- DHS Awards Two Security Contracts
University of Arkansas to Study Terrorism Patterns
Researchers at the University of Arkansas plan to study patterns in criminal behavior that terrorists show before striking, the Associated Press reported.The university's Terrorism Research Center will take information from the court records of more than 500 known terrorists to track patterns that precede terrorist attacks, AP said. The National Institute of Justice is sponsoring the research with a $343,885 grant.
The goal is to discover how early terrorists begin preparing for an attack, and if certain type of crimes could tip off authorities that planning is underway, AP said.
DHS Awards Two Security Contracts
The Department of Homeland Security awarded two contracts this week involving the development and expansion of biometric security systems.Anteon International Inc. said Tuesday it would provide 1,000 biometric verification card readers to DHS to be used to check foreigners' identities at ports of entry. Similar technology could one day be used for transportation workers at ports and borders.
In addition, International Biometric Group said in a release it was given a three-year deal to research the impact of identity systems and processes on homeland security, border management and international travel.
Anteon's card-reading machines will become part of the U.S. Visit program, a government project that would track every foreign visa holder entering or leaving the country.
Meanwhile, IBG said it would research and explore emerging biometric technologies and processes that can enhance homeland security, while maintaining the personal privacy and travel convenience. Transport Topics
Government Considers New Air Cargo Regulations
The government is considering new regulations to improve air cargo security, beginning from when a package is accepted for shipment and ending with delivery, the Associated Press reported.Trucks often transfer air cargo to and from airports. Changes in air cargo security rules would likely also affect these trucks.
Advisory groups created by the government recommended Oct. 1 that the “known shipper program” should be expanded. In addition, it suggested tightening perimeter security at all cargo airports, which could mean installing fences and lighting.
The Transportation Security Administration is expected to propose regulations for air cargo based on these recommendations by the end of the year.
The Associated Press also noted that cargo security got an additional boost Oct. 1 when President Bush signed legislation that includes money to pay for 100 new cargo inspectors. Transport Topics
Bush Signs Homeland Security Spending Bill
President Bush signed a $30 billion spending bill for the Department of Homeland Security on Oct. 1, a bill he said would help America protect its soil from terrorist threats, the Associated Press reported.The bill that Congress sent to Bush was about $1 billion above what the president requested. It includes $4.2 billion for first-responder programs, $9 billion for border protection and $5.2 billion for the Transportation Security Agency and the Federal Air Marshal Program.
The House passed the bill 417-8, while it passed in the Senate, 93-1. Transport Topics
ABF’s McFarlin Named Safety Director of the Year
American Trucking Associations said Oct. 1 it named James McFarlin, director of safety for ABF Freight Systems Inc., as the 2003 ATA Safety Director of the Year.McFarlin was honored at the ATA Safety and Loss Prevention Management Council's National Conference and Exhibition in Jacksonville, Fla.
"The trucking industry is extremely proud of professionals like Jim and the example they set for the trucking industry in making the business of trucking and highway travel safe for everyone," said Bill Graves, ATA president. Transport Topics
(Click here for ATA’s full press release.)
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