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LAX to receive $150 million for security upgrade
TSA announced a $150 million funding for improving the baggage security system and speed up lines at LAX terminals; award is part of $670 million security funding for LAX and LA/Ontario International Airport
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The solution for Jamaican ports’ security problems: Change the scanners; consolidate security duties
Security in Jamaica’s ports has suffered as a result of antiquated scanning equipment and the fragmentation of security responsibilities; the director of customs want to make changes on both fronts
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MBTA holds drill to prepare for a chemical or biological attack
Scientists hold week-long drill inside the tunnels and stations of the Boston subway system to test the effectiveness of biological and chemical sensors, the test the speed of spread of chemical and biological toxins, and develop evacuation plans.
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Freight forwarders urge TSA to create security standards
A recent DHS inspector general report highlighted weaknesses in TSA’s inspection of air cargo, and mad six recommendation for improvement; professional forwarders agree, but also say that the inspection process should be made more transparent and that inspectors should communicate with forwarders more openly
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Sagem Sécurité launches SmartGate in New Zealand
Sagem Sécurité installs facial recognition system at Auckland International Airport in New Zealand; Aussie and Kiwi travelers with e-passports will be identified from the photo stored in the chip of the e-Passport
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DHS looks to tamper-proof cargo containers
DHS has been looking into many different technologies to protect U.S. boarders since 9/11. Now, the department is looking to the for ideas to help enhance security where some argue it is needed most — down by the docks.
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GAO finds large gaps in 100 percent container scanning
GAO says that CBP has made but “limited progress” in implementing the 100 percent container scanning mandate; CBP has not been able to achieve 100 percent scanning at any participating port; it has scanned a majority at some low-volume ports but only about 5 percent at the larger ports.
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Rockefeller wants container scanning mandate reconsidered
DHS secretary Janet Napolitano: “The costs of 100 percent scanning are very steep, especially in a down economy…. DHS equipment costs alone will be about $8 million for every one of the more than 2,100 shipping lanes at the more than 700 ports that ship to the United States.”
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DHS IG says U.S. air cargo vulnerable to tampering
DHS IG on the state of air cargo handling: “Without regular vigilance, practice, and enforcement of access controls, TSA and the regulated entities provide opportunities for individuals to introduce explosives, incendiaries, and other destructive items into air cargo, potentially creating risks for the traveling public”
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Growing demand for H-1B visas signals improving outlook for skilled pros
Economic confidence spurs U.S. companies to hire more college graduates and apply for more work visas for non-U.S. skilled workers; if this demand for visas continues, the H-1B cap for the 2010 fiscal year may be met in a matter of days to early next year
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Security questions raised by Cuban migrants landing at Turkey Point nuclear plant
Thirty Cubans fleeing Cuba landed near the off-limits cooling canals for the Turkey Point nuclear power plant; the migrants stayed — undetected — in the high-security area for about six hours; Florida Power & Light learned the Cubans had landed on its property only when a member of the group phoned the plant’s control room hours after the group’s arrival
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Air cargo still vulnerable to terrorists
DHS’s inspector general says there are many problems still with the TSA’s program to stop terrorists from sneaking a bomb into any of the tens of thousands of cargo packages carried each day in the bellies of passenger planes
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Pentagon looking for airborne IR sensor for ballistic missile defense
The U.S. Missile Defense Agency (MDA) has issued a request for information for airborne infrared (ABIR) sensor capable of fire-control-quality tracking of ballistic missiles at the end of the missiles’ boost phases
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Work to start soon on Nashville airport's new baggage-screening system
Nashville International Airport in a $31 million project to move the federally mandated explosive detection systems from the ticketing lobby to a space beneath the terminals
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TSA considers repair station rule exemptions
New TSA repair-shop proposal provides flexibility and recognizes differences between large and small shops, industry leaders believe, but those leaders also cautioned that many of the details of the requirements, and their impacts on small business, are still unclear
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The long view
Calls Grow for U.S. to Counter Chinese Control, Influence in Western Ports
Experts say Washington should consider buying back some ports, offer incentives to allies to decouple from China.