United States Seaport Security: Protection Against a Nuclear Device Attack Delivered in a Shipping Cargo Container.

摘要

The aftermath of the 11 September 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States refocused the nation's attention on homeland security. The safety and security of the United States rely not only on the nation's ability to protect itself from a terrorist attack, but also to secure its economy through international trade. The primary question of this thesis is: What are the current standard procedures for inbound cargo inspections in U.S. seaports, and which actions have been taken to meet the 2007 congressional directive for 100- percent inspection of weapons-grade nuclear and radioactive substances prior to departure from foreign seaports. Three ports--Long Beach, Miami-Dade, and Houston--are provided for case analysis. Each port is analyzed for the security plan in place, the roles and coordination among its security partners, the application of the security plan and current technology, and the amount of federal funding awarded to each port and how much is apportioned toward enhancing port security. The point of origin from which the cargo containers come still has not met the congressional mandate of 100-percent scanning of radiological and nuclear material. This vulnerability will need federal attention.