Security & Safety Briefs - Aug. 12 - Aug. 18
The Latest Headlines:
- Consultant Says Freight Security Low
- Commission Urges Deadlines for Closing Security Loopholes
- Chase Involving Stolen Truck Ends at NSA Headquarters
- Oklahoma Creating Radio Alert System
- Commission Urges Deadlines for Closing Security Loopholes
Consultant Says Freight Security Low
Business consultant Deloitte & Touche USA LLP said that while most transportation companies had implemented a homeland security strategy, few executives gave the industry high marks in any area of supply-chain security.Deloitte said in its Aug. 10 report that of the 103 executives surveyed, no more than 14% rated the freight industry as “excellent” in areas such as background checks, physical security and cargo inspection.
The air cargo and maritime transportation sectors were rated the most vulnerable to attack, the report said. Transport Topics
Commission Urges Deadlines for Closing Security Loopholes
Members of the Sept. 11 commission on Monday asked Congress to impose strict deadlines on the Department of Homeland Security to close loopholes in the nation's transportation system, the Washington Post reported.Speaking to the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, Chairman Thomas Kean and Vice Chairman Lee Hamilton said the administration has not developed plans to protect the rail system and ports.
In addition, they said it would cost at least $1 billion annually for the next five years to close remaining gaps in airline security, the Post said.
However, Asa Hutchinson, Homeland's undersecretary for border and transportation security, said the department is developing a broad plan and individual strategies for each transportation mode that is expected to be completed by the end of the year. Transport Topics
Chase Involving Stolen Truck Ends at NSA Headquarters
A man stole a truck near Baltimore on Aug. 5 and then led police on a 20-minute chase that ended near the entrance to the National Security Administration headquarters, the Associated Press reported.During the chase, the driver rammed a car, another tractor-trailer and a police cruiser before stopping just short of a fence and barricade outside the NSA. Despite where the chase ended, officials said there was no apparent connection to terrorism, according to AP.
Police spokesman Sgt. Thornnie Rouse said officers were ready to take "any possible action" to stop the truck if they determined it was stolen by a terrorist. Transport Topics
Oklahoma Creating Radio Alert System
Oklahoma Gov. Brad Henry said federal homeland security money was expected to pay for the first phase of a radio system for first responders that would allow officials to share information in the event of a terrorist attack, the Associated Press reported.The radio system is designed to connect cities and towns along Interstate 44. Funding would come from more than $32 million in federal terrorist prevention grants to the state, AP said.
The program would supplement a smaller radio network that currently serves Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Muskogee and other local cities. Transport Topics
