About Me

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Kansas City, MO, United States
Author of the book, Port Security Management (2009, CRC Press), which reflects the altered landscape of the post-9/11 era, providing real-world guidelines for port security management, planning, and implementation processes. Assistant Professor and Chair of Criminal Justice at Park University in Parkville, MO. and Associate Dean, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Contact Information: Park University, 8700 NW River Park Drive, Parkville, MO, 64152. www.park.edu/cj

Monday, May 31, 2010

Port Fourchon, LA: 7 Greenpeace Protesters Arrested

This report was posted May 27, 2010 on The Maritime Executive: "Greenpeace activists painted and posted anti-drilling messages in big letters on the bridge of a ship that is scheduled to depart for Alaska to support drilling operations in July. Charges were filed against the seven activists. The ship is docked in Port Fourchon, La., an area affected by the BP oil spill in the gulf, and is to sail to the Arctic this summer to support Royal Dutch Shell’s company’s exploratory drilling plans there."

The question is, how were they able to board a secure vessel in a secure port in a major petroleum distribution port with increased scrutiny and government presence given the BP oil rig disaster in the Gulf of Mexico? Greenpeace has been known to identify and employ methods to board ships and launch protests despite vessel and port security plans. What can vessel and port security planners learn from these incursions?

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Friday, May 28, 2010

The Scope of the Recognized Maritime Picture (RMP)

At the recent Institute for Defense and Government Advancement’s, Offshore Patrol Vessel Summit in Norfolk, VA, Canadian Forces LCdr Mark Higginson, Director, Regional Joint Operations Center Atlantic, emphasized the challenges facing maritime security practitioners in appreciating the scope of the Recognized Maritime Picture (RMP). As he indicated in his briefing, Updates for the Recognized Maritime Picture (26 May, 2010), in a full analysis of the RMP, it's great to know what all the vessel traffic is coming and going into your target environment (TE), but the real value of information is in knowing "what is the threat and what is not." That requires investigation of all contacts. To appreciate the scope of this challenge, consider that on the Great Lakes alone, there are about 200,000 registered vessels over 300 GT, but perhaps 6 million smaller vessels. The ability to vet and analyze the threats posed in this complex maritime TE requires significant intelligence to provide investigative support for maritime/homeland security operatives. This necessarily suggests a need for a paradigm shift from a regulatory to a national security mindset when considering administrative and legislative initiatives which affect the maritime industry.

Monday, May 24, 2010

Port of Los Angeles: Silica Spill from Container Frightens Workers

A May 19, 2010 report by NBC, Los Angeles says 18 workers at San Pedro Berth 126 complained of respiratory problems after a white powder spilled from a cargo container. The investigation indicated the substance was Silica, a granular or beaded white material, which posed no threat.

SEE: http://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local-beat/15-Workers-Overcome-at-Los-Angeles-Port-by-White-Powder--94375374.html

Saturday, May 22, 2010

More New Laws Help Illegal Immigrants Than Restrict Them

The Washington Post reports a study conducted by the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars indicates “more laws expanding immigrants’ rights are enacted than those contracting them. . . .“The study, ‘Context Matters: Latino Immigrant Civic Engagement in Nine U.S. Cities,’ found that areas long accustomed to an influx of immigrants … tend to focus more on trying to accommodate them rather than restrict them.”

SEE: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/05/10/AR2010051003170.html

Government and Industry Protect Cruise Ships

The Government Accountability Office reports “federal agencies, cruise ship and facility operators, and law enforcement entities have taken various actions to enhance the security of cruise ships and their facilities and implement related laws, regulations, and guidance, and additional actions are under way.” Cruise ship and facility operators have developed and implemented security plans, and the Coast Guard is “expanding a program to deter and prevent small vessel attacks, and is developing additional security measures.” However, Customs and Border Protection should consider “requiring cruise lines to provide passenger reservation data.”

SEE: http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-10-400

British Visa Rules Discourage Foreign Pupils at Private Schools

British Visa Rules Discourage Foreign Pupils at Private Schools

A report in the London Evening Standard says “private schools have been hit by tough new visa rules brought in to prevent terrorism and stop illegal immigration. Wealthy families from China and Hong Kong, who traditionally favour sending their children to British private schools, are turning to the US instead because they find the visa application system so complicated.”

SEE: http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard/article-23832549-terror-rules-frighten-away-private-school-pupils.do

IDGA Offshore Patrol Vessels Summit - May 24-26, 2010, Norfolk, VA


IDGA’s Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPV) Summit will explore the needs of the current USCG and CBP Air & Marine fleets and the upgrades necessary to support missions. I am presenting on OPV Concept Solutions for Emerging Asymmetric Threats. My perspective is about addressing in-port and local waterways threats. I am researching vessel/technology solutions that address risks to inland ports and waterways (e.g., river ports, infrastructure, barges, etc.). I will also discuss experiences negotiating and planning for marine patrol protection of port assets and integrating complementing port security solutions (e.g., radar-video surveillance, CCTV, human resources, etc.).