Research Paper on "Port of Baltimore Brief Over the Course"
Research Paper 4 pages (1354 words) Sources: 4
[EXCERPT] . . . .
Port of Baltimore BriefOver the course of the last decade, port security has changed dramatically in response to evolving threats, and especially the threat of transnational terrorism. In response to the terrorist attacks of September 11th, 2001, the United States Congress passed the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002 (MTSA), and in 2006, after successful terrorist attacks in London, Congress passed the Security and Accountability for Every Port Act (SAFE Port Act). Together, these two laws instituted a hierarchy of federal agencies (under the newly-created Department of Homeland Security) responsible for maintaining port security and responding to possible threats (Department of Homeland Security 2012). Therefore, assessing the security of the port of Baltimore will require considering the various threats faced by the port as well as the hierarchy of agencies responsible for port security and threat response in light of the developments which have occurred over the last ten years.
The port of Baltimore's relative proximity to both the capital, Washington, DC, as well as the country's most populous city, New York, make it an attractive point of entry for individuals and groups looking to execute attacks in the United States. With this in mind, one may identify two major threat types alongside an attack on the port itself. Firstly, and perhaps the most obvious, are those threats which might enter the country via cargo containers, such as nuclear, biological, or chemical weapons. This is an attractive option for potential terrorists, because the sheer volume of cargo moving through the port means that it may be easier to slip through unnoticed than when attempting en
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However, the second category of threat is no less serious, even if it less dramatic than the possibility of a nuclear weapon hidden in a cargo container. This second category of threat are people themselves, because once again, due to the sheer amount of cargo moving through the port, it remains a popular option for individuals looking to enter the country surreptitiously. The 2008 terrorist attacks in Mumbai, India provide an example of another potential threat from individuals entering the port; the attackers entered Mumbai via inflatable speedboats, and their success was enough for the Coast Guard to study the attacks and alter their Ports, Waterways, and Coastal Security strategy (United States Coast Guard 2012).
Finally, the port itself could very well be a valuable target for individuals or groups looking to attack the United States, because the port is an important economic target, and a successful attack would cause a severe disruption, even if it was only closed for a few days. This is especially true when one considers that the aforementioned 33 million tons of cargo comes out to around $45 billion dollars, such that an attack on the port itself would be damaging not only to Maryland's economy but the country as a whole (not to mention the potential loss of life) (Maryland Department of Transportation 2012). Of course, an attack on the port would also not be unprecedented; after all, the national anthem was written during a British attack on the port of Baltimore, Fort McHenry, and the nearby shipyards.
As mentioned above, the MTSA and SAFE Port Act formalized a hierarchy of federal agencies responsible for port security and threat response alongside state agencies. In the case of the port of Baltimore, the first line of security are private security personnel working for Securitas, Inc., a Swedish company contracted by the Office of Security in the Maryland Department of Transportation (Maryland Department of Transportation 2012). These private security personnel perform the day-to-day work of securing the port, and are responsible for all access control duties. At times they will work in conjunction… READ MORE
Quoted Instructions for "Port of Baltimore Brief Over the Course" Assignment:
Homeland Security
*****¢ - This question is intended to have you grapple with the various layers of agencies and their roles in providing security by focusing on a specific theme.
Question: You have been asked by the governor of Maryland to write a brief(about 1200 words) about port security for the Port of Baltimore. The governor wants three things in this brief:
1.What are the principle security threats either to the port itself, or threats that may pass through the port (please identify 3 *****big***** ones )
2.A map of federal agencies with responsibility for port security and related areas of security. The map should present a hierarchy of federal agencies with brief descriptions of their roles. (Note: I do not literally mean a map ***** it can just be a list of agencies with descriptions, though feel free to do a graphical representation of your findings if you wish)
3.Your evaluation of the threats and security enforcement options available. The governor wants to know if the people of Maryland are safe from a threat at the port! What are going to tell the governor?
You should be able to answer this question by using appropriate state and federal agency websites. Part 1 and 2 are important, but Part 3 is where you really give your voice in assessing whether the agency mandates are sufficient to provide security at the Port. You can say either Yes, No or maybe ***** you just need to be convincing whatever you decide.
How to Reference "Port of Baltimore Brief Over the Course" Research Paper in a Bibliography
“Port of Baltimore Brief Over the Course.” A1-TermPaper.com, 2012, https://www.a1-termpaper.com/topics/essay/port-baltimore-brief/679121. Accessed 5 Oct 2024.
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