In the six years since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks the Port of Baltimore and other shipping centers around the nation have worked to tighten security, and security consultants insist they?re now one of the nation?s safest transportation sectors.
Before Sept. 11, “you could walk right down to the docks, and no one would challenge you,” said Robert Tatum, vice president of security for TranSystems, a transportation consultant. “Try to get into a port now.”
Baltimore has received $18.5 million in federal funds for port security since Sept. 11, according to the House Homeland Security Committee. That money produced tougher checkpoints at entrances, stringent clearances for workers and top-line technology.
“It?s not a scenario where Homeland Security will say to the Port of Baltimore, ?Hey we?re going to award you $1.8 million, do with it what you want,? or they just cut you a check,” said Richard Scher, spokesman for the port. “It?s much more specific.”
The latest $1.9 million grant is intended to improve the port?s gate control access system, Scher said. That system controls entry to the port from the land, including gates and other areas of public access.
Since 2002, Scher said the port has used funds to purchase a patrol boat, a remote video surveillance system, enhanced perimeter security, and improved access with biometrics and card readers.
Smaller projects have included side scan sonar, as well as new radios and instruments to use with explosion detection equipment, he said.
Tatumsaid those enhancements have helped make America?s ports more secure than its aviation or mass transit sectors.
Other experts, however, said it?s not easy to determine just how much safer the nation is.
Henry Willis, a policy researcher with the RAND Corporation, said a comprehensive survey of the nation?s security programs hasn?t been done.
Are the ports safer? “It?s difficult to answer that question because it requires answering the question, ?When is the next terrorist attack going to be, what will it be?? ” Willis said. “It?s tough to answer that, let alone, ?How does what we?ve done change that?? ”
Tatum said efforts have now turned to security at foreign ports, with the installation of technology designed to catch potential threats long before they reach American shores. Countries building the systems are more attractive to companies hoping to secure their investment, he said, and U.S. authorities are eager to catch threats before they leave port.
“You don?t want to wait to find out you have a dirty bomb in Baltimore Harbor,” Tatum said. “You want to find it over there, not over here.”
