Joe Goddard Logistics 239 Bob Casey 7.25.11

TSA Implementation of Surface Transport Security

The Transportation Security Administration or TSA, is an agency within Department of Homeland Security, which developed in the wake of the September 11, 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center. The DHS was created by the Bush Administration as a way to consolidate security information and intelligence to help defend the the United States from foreign and homegrown aggression. The TSA itself was established under the Aviation and Transportation Security Act in November 2001. (http://www.tsa.gov/research/tribute/history.shtm) Since then, the TSA has become household term for air travelers in the United States, even abroad. The familiar annoyance of long lines and uniformed officers disassembling everything you packed. However, air travel in the United States is hardly the only method of transit utilized by the everyday citizen, or terrorist in sheep's clothing for that matter. Ten years later, one may ask, what is the TSA doing to protect other modes of transport? More specifically, what are they doing to help implement security for travelvia surface modes, such as trucks, rail, and ocean vessels? The mere mention of the the Transportation Security Administration conjures up the image of an airport and “prohibited items” lists. However, being the Transportation Security Administration, additional application is needed. Now, let's move forward, to 2011.

TSA involvement in Security Of Surface Transport Beside the nation's airports, there are thousands of miles of roads, rail systems, rivers and oceans that are utilized by transport vehicles. Because these transport routes form large hubs in major metropolitan areas, which include substantial underground infrastructure, bridges, and passenger staging areas, they are vulnerable to attack. they are Currently, in the Surface arena, the TSA works with many partners to help execute their programs and policy.(http://www.tsa.gov/assets/pdf/060211_tsa_reauthorization.pdf) Partners include local law enforcement, and largely ,the transportation providers themselves. Another strategy the TSA has implemented in public staging areas are what as known as Visual Prevention and Response Teams, or VIPR. Beginning with rail systems, they have also expanded to the commuter ferry system nationwide. These teams carry out patrols at ports and rail stations, such as at the Washington State Ferries Terminal in Seattle for Example, other Government Branches, like the United States Coast guard will carry out detection inspection of vehicles with K-9 units, and work with police for deterrent capability. The VIPR teams are comprised of a multi-layered group ranging from Behavioral officers, Explosive detection K-9 teams, and TSA personnel. Security is also enhanced by the cooperation of agencies and law enforcement invloving intelligence and up to date information. New York City, Boston, Providence R.I. And Buffalo are examples of where VIRP teams have been deployed. VIPR teams are just one step to improving the security of the surface modes, and as the second decade of the 21st century begins, the TSA will need to continue to evolve and stay ahead of the curve of emerging threats to the security of the United States.