|
ALABAMA STATE DOCKS
ESTABLISHES ACCESS CONTROLLED PORT REGULATIONS
Alabama State Docks put into play additional
restricted regulations for port entry and access this month in its
determination to make the port as secure as possible for workers and for
cargo on Docks’ property. Security tightening was begun prior to Sept.
11’s terrorist disaster, but additional measures have been added since.
James
K. Lyons, director and CEO of Alabama State Docks, said, “Port security
is a serious issue at ports throughout the country, and at Alabama State
Docks we take it very seriously. We are working closely with other
federal agencies to insure that our security not only meets federal
standards, but exceeds them. We have committed a large amount of
resources to our improved security program already, and plan even more
expansion of that program in the future.”
Among
new regulations are that all personnel permanently employed at the port
or who enter the property more than five times within a period of 90
days must have a port-issued photo identification. All vehicles must be
registered by port police and equipped with an authorization sticker.
Selected colors signify where each vehicle and person may travel while
on the property. Photo identification badges must be worn at all times
when on port property. ID’s are checked at the gate upon entry. These
badges are laminated and equipped with holograms that keep the badges
from being capable of duplication.
Persons
with verifiable business at the port must register with port police.
Upon confirmation by employee or tenant that they are expected, a
visitor’s identification and parking pass are issued. To enter a
restricted area, the visitor must be accompanied by someone who has a
special pass for that area. Any person who has a non-restrictive pass
must have passed a criminal background check. Cameras are not allowed on
the property without individual approval.
The
port had begun to tighten security prior to September 11, 2001, by
having special legislation passed authorizing port police to have arrest
power on port property after completing minimum police standards
training. Three officers have completed that program and four officers
are now in training. Four more officers will participate in the class
beginning in January. Additional officers are being hired and
surveillance of all port facilities has been increased.
The
perimeter of the port has been better protected, and entry gates are
more restrictive as some have been barricaded on the recommendation of
federal agencies such as the FBI and U.S. Customs. The U.S. Coast Guard
has the responsibility for water policing.
The
State Docks has developed a coordinated set of proposals to improve
security even further. This will include additional fencing, improved
lighting, closed circuit television systems, and a state-of-the-art
credential system. This will be integrated with the cardholder
management system and linked to automated access gates. Camera
surveillance systems are in the proposed improvements and would be
placed to monitor all piers, warehouses and open areas and would track
personnel, vessel and vehicle movements within the property.
Upgraded equipment for the port police department will improve the
port’s ability to protect its assets and to provide support for local
law enforcement officers in the event of threat or incident.
The
cost to implement these preliminary security enhancements is about $2
million. Port police work under the direction of Herbert McCants, a
former Deputy Sheriff for Mobile County. |
