Home / Publications / NCJRS Abstract

PUBLICATIONS

Stay Informed
Register with NCJRS to receive NCJRS's biweekly e-newsletter JUSTINFO and additional periodic emails from NCJRS and the NCJRS federal sponsors that highlight the latest research published or sponsored by the Office of Justice Programs.

NCJRS Abstract

The document referenced below is part of the NCJRS Virtual Library collection. To conduct further searches of the collection, visit the Virtual Library. See the Obtain Documents page for direction on how to access resources online, via mail, through interlibrary loans, or in a local library.

NCJ Number:	123302

Title:	Barriers to Port Security

Journal:	Journal of Security Administration Volume:12 Issue:2 Dated:(December 1989) Pages:29-41

Author(s):	H W Stephens

Date Published:	1989

Page Count:	13

Type:	Legislation/Policy Analysis

Format:	Article

Language:	English

Country:	United States of America

Annotation:	Government and industry must reassess existing arrangements for U.S. port security, taking account of conditions that tend to fragment governmental authority and complicate public-private sector cooperation.

Abstract:	Government officials and maritime industry leaders apparently perceive the terrorist threat at U.S. ports as remote and the risk minimal. The vulnerability of the ports, however, makes them potentially attractive to terrorists. Existing organizational structure is inadequate to meet the requirements of port security. No designated lead agency for port security exists, and no maritime counterterrorism plan is in place. Narrow, fragmented agency jurisdiction and diffuse authority are likely to produce confusion about authority to act and hence delay response. Officials have only a general idea about how agency actions are likely to interact during an assault, and gaps and duplications in duties are likely to be undetected until this happens. Given the unpredictability of terrorist activities, there will be no time to permit government agencies to address the complexities of creating a comprehensive net of physical protection for the ports. Government and industry must begin now to reassess and upgrade port security. 14 notes.

Main Term(s):	Port and vessel security

Index Term(s):	Counter-terrorism tactics; River and marine policing



	To cite this abstract, use the following link: http://www.ncjrs.gov/App/publications/abstract.aspx?ID=123302

*A link to the full-text document is provided whenever possible. For documents not available online, a link to the publisher's website is provided. Tell us how you use the NCJRS Library and Abstracts Database - send us your feedback.

PUBLICATIONS

NCJRS Abstract

Find in a Library