emse232

Institute for Crisis, Disaster, and Risk Management

Crisis and Emergency Management

April 2009 Volume 16 - Number 3

Perspective...

How Terrorism has changed our Transportation System and Borders.

By Marc Dumas

After 911 the United States has changed forever. I will look at how a new branch of US Government came about and how it affected our borders, ports, airports, rail and roadways. In 2003 a new part of the federal government was formed, Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Several federal agencies were placed under DHS to better leverage resources, coordinate information, and integrate federal focus on protecting US people and our US borders and territories while trying to reduce duplication of effort.

[1]

[2] How did this come about? In June 2002 President Bush made the following proposal “The President proposes to create a new Department of Homeland Security, the most significant transformation of the U.S. government in over half-century by largely transforming and realigning the current confusing patchwork of government activities into a single department whose primary mission is to protect our homeland. The creation of a Department of Homeland Security is one more key step in the President’s national strategy for homeland security." So with this new agency, DHS, how did it impact US transportation system and borders?

[3]“ On March 18, 2003, United States Secretary of Homeland Security Tom Ridge announced the implementation of Operation Liberty Shield.” What is Operation Liberty Shield? It is [4] “a specific set of measures designed to deter attack and protect Americans during periods of heightened risk of terrorism. This is a comprehensive national plan designed to increase protections for America's citizens and infrastructure while maintaining the free flow of goods and people across our border with minimal disruption to our economy and way of life.” I will focus what this did to the transportation system and borders.

Maritime Patrols were increased at our major U.S. ports and waterways with more Coast Guard patrols by aircraft, ships and boats. The Coast Guard increased its escorts of ferries and cruise ships. Every high interest vessel arriving or departing from American ports was armed Coast Guard Sea Marshals onboard, closely watching the ship's crew and ensuring that it makes its port call safely. The Coast Guard enforced security zones in and around critical infrastructure sites in key ports.

Border surveillance and monitoring of the borders was increased with more agents and patrol assets. These forces cover areas between major ports of entry. Customs and Border Protection officers increased screenings of vehicles and cargo crossing our land borders. Officers conducted more interviews and detailed screenings as people transit in and out of the U.S.

The Transportation Security Agency (TSA) implemented airport security measures that are proactive, sustainable, and focused, based on intelligence information. One of the most visible changes has been the increase presence of law enforcement officers on patrol and in airport facilities.

State governors were asked to provide additional police or National Guard forces at selected bridges. Railroad companies were asked to increase security at major facilities and key rail hubs. AMTRAK has implemented security measures consistent with private rail companies. At the request of the Department of Transportation, private railroad companies are monitoring shipments of hazardous material and increase surveillance of trains carrying these material. The Department of Transportation has worked closely with hazardous material shippers and carriers and encourages them to follow transportation security checklists and recommendations. DHS has recommended employee identification checks, communications plans, and emphasis on operator awareness. U. S. and Canadian authorities will also coordinate cross-border hazardous material shipments.

Finally, new passport requirements came into effect [5]“23 January 2007 requiring all US citizens traveling to and from Canada, Mexico, Caribbean, and Panama to have a US passport. Prior to this all that was needed was a photo ID or birth certificate.” So with all these changes to our transportation system and borders, are we keeping terrorist in check? I think so. Is it enough? No. We need to keep up with technology and make correct changes as needed. The biggest task of the US government is keeping the US people vigilant. We forget to quickly!

[1] DHS Organizational Chart, Retrieved 24 Mar 09, from http://www.dhs.gov/xabout/structure/editorial_0644.shtm

[2] DHS Proposal to Create DHS, Retrieved 24 Mar 09, from http://www.dhs.gov/xabout/history/publication_0015.shtm

[3] Operation Liberty Shield, Retrieved 24 Mar 09, from http://www.espionageinfo.com/Nt-Pa/Operation-Liberty-Shield.html

[4] Operation Liberty Shield, Source: Department of Homeland Security Fact Sheet, Retrieved 24 Mar 09, from http://www.defenselink.mil/specials/homeland/liberty.html

[5] Passport Requirements for US Citizens by Teresa Plowright, Retrieved 24 March 09, http://travelwithkids.about.com/od/insurancedocuments/a/passports.htm