Palisades Transit Security Newsletter

PalisadesTransit Security Newsletter

Volume 4, Number 8May 1, 2005

A Publication by Palisades Group USA Printer-Friendly Version

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National Update

Homeland Security Advisory System: Current Nationwide Threat Level—Elevated (Yellow)

For more information:

Federal Transit Administration’s Threat Level Response Recommendation:

Boston’s MBTA Unveils New Surveillance Approach
The MBTA decided to “reorganize” the way it monitors its stations after several threat and vulnerability assessments pointed out that the authority needed to make it easier for employees to pay attention to what’s going on there. Previously, the MBTA monitored all stations from its OperationsControlCenter. Now, security monitors who man the booths help to ensure smooth operations, while police officers focus on emergencies and event management. See: Transcript of Secretary of Homeland Security Michael Chertoff at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce
The new head of the Department of Homeland Security, Michael Chertoff, spoke to the members of the U.S.Chamber of Commerce on April 29, 2005. See: Chertoff Gets Briefing on Security at Grand Central Stations in New York City
Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff visited New York City's Grand Central Station on April 25 to view new security arrangements. Chertoff said new technology was the key to securing the nation's rail systems against attacks, especially those involving weapons of mass destruction. "We've got sensors now in stations that look for possible chemical or biological agents that are out there," Chertoff told NBC's "Today" program. "We use video cameras. And we work with state and local transportation officials so that they can use their resources in a way that is most effective." The Transportation Security Administration, the section of Certif.'s department responsible for rail security, has been criticized for focusing too closely on aviation security and not paying enough attention to other modes of transportation. See: Cyber Security Tips Available at US-CERT Website
The US Computer Emergency Readiness Team (CERT) provides Cyber Security Tips that offer advice about common security issues for non-technical computer users. See: GAO Releases Transportation Security Report (GAO-05-357T)
The General Accountability Office (GAO) has released a report describing DHS and TSA efforts in managing risks and allocating across aviation and surface transportation modes, and in integrating screening, credentialing, and R&D efforts to achieve efficiencies. See: Palisades Security Team News
Palisades Security Team Director Eva Lerner-Lamwill be presenting a paper entitled “Making ITS Technologies Work for Public Transit” at the upcoming ITS Security Symposium at the Orleans Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas on Wednesday, June 1, 2005. The Symposium is sponsored by the University of Nevada Las Vegas.

Palisades Transit Security Newsletteris published twice monthly as a free service to the transit community.
Publisher: Eva Lerner-Lam () Managing Editor: Ellen Thompson ()
Contributors: Charles Barker,Said Easa, Don Estes,Ric Finn, Ed Fuller, David Gaier, Ken Harvey, Mimi Hwang, Monica Isbell, Bernie Jacobsen, Larry Johnson, Jim Kemp, George Kovatch, Ronald Libengood, Tom McPherson, William Nicholson, Kevin O’Brien, Albert Samano, Bernie Wagenseller