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Accomplishments for Core Goal #12 Transportation Security

Transportation Security
Under Governor O’Malley, the State has focused its transportation security efforts on conducting comprehensive vulnerability assessments and hardening key transportation assets such as airports, ports, bridges and tunnels with physical countermeasures including CCTV and access control systems, and integrating various security enhancements to create redundant and multilayered protection.  Successfully securing Maryland’s transportation assets requires coordination between many agencies, across jurisdictional boundaries, and with private sector partners. Following are key projects and accomplishments:

• Received a near-perfect score for the third year in a row since 2008 on the U.S. Coast Guard’s assessment of security at the Port of Baltimore’s MPA terminals.  The U.S. Coast Guard performs an annual security assessment on each port of call in the country and inspects all physical security assets (fence lines, access control points, lighting, etc.) that protect port facilities.  Since 2007, the MPA has repaired port fencing and physical barriers to meet current industrial standards, instituted web-controlled cyber locks on all MPA terminal gates, dispatched officers to perform regular fence-line inspections, tightened access through more rigorous checks on credentials of port employees and visitors, and implemented multiple additional security improvements that have resulted in an improved performance on the U.S. Coast Guard’s assessment.

• Built an intrusion-detection system using CCTV cameras inside and around the MPA Port terminal.  Video images from cameras stationed along the perimeter of the terminal are viewed in real-time at the terminal’s Office of Security and capture movements of people and goods through the terminal grounds.  By January 2012, the MPA will transfer these video feeds to a new Port CCTV Monitoring Center, which will also house an upgraded video management system and allow real-time video sharing with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.   

• Deployed License Plate Readers (LPR) at key “choke points” that capture 90 percent of incoming commercial port traffic.  MDTA has installed multiple LPR units that capture most incoming commercial traffic to the Cruise Terminal and North and South Locust Point.  These units will be able to alert law enforcement to targeted vehicles before they reach MPA.  MDTA is also able to forward LPR data collected at these sites to the MCAC, where it will be made available to other state, local, and federal law enforcement partners to assist in investigations.

• Created a web-based visitor I.D. verification system to track and monitor all visits to MPA terminal.  The MPA developed this internet-based system to verify the name and vehicle information of individuals who are permitted to enter MPA facilities.  The system cross references information provided by Port officials with that of entering persons so that the reason for a visit can be confirmed.  Prior to M-Visitor’s development in 2010, port visitors were not required to present a pre-approved reason for the visit.  M-Visitor is also able to verify federally mandated Transportation Worker Identify Credential (TWIC) cards for all port employees.   

• Developed a security system that provides surveillance of the Chesapeake Bay and nearby critical infrastructure through a network of eight radar units and CCTV cameras.   Maryland Law Enforcement Information Network (MLEIN), a system of radar, vessel tracking/identification, and CCTV units, provides security coverage and situational awareness across the Chesapeake Bay and neighboring waterways.  Currently, there are eleven radar sites covering at least 85 percent of the Bay.  An additional three units are expected by be installed by the end of September 2011 and will complete MLEIN as currently planned.  Data from these radar sites are monitored at NRP’s communications facility at Sandy Point and shared with the U.S. Coast Guard, MEMA, and State and local law enforcement agencies.  A new software package (currently being installed) will increase NRP’s ability to “geo-fence” protected zones and issue alerts if breached, including critical infrastructure sites (Constellation power plant, LNG plant, etc.), temporary zones (Naval Academy during a presidential visit), and oyster or other wildlife sanctuaries. 

• Natural Resources Police have deployed 6 CCTV cameras with long range, low light capability as part of MLEIN for monitoring key infrastructure on the Bay.  All six of these cameras are currently connected and monitored at Sandy Point communications facility.  An additional four cameras are expected to be installed by October 2011, including a camera to be shared with Baltimore City that will improve the City’s camera coverage of the Port area.  In addition, NRP is able to monitor 12 Baltimore City cameras that provide coverage of the Inner Harbor area and one camera station in Ocean City.  NRP’s field capabilities include 12 vessels equipped with infrared CCTV cameras.  Of these vessels, three have been outfitted with gyro-stabilization equipment that enhances the clarity of images taken.  With the current CCTV camera and radar coverage, NRP is able to track in real-time all commercial vessels that enter the Bay and share data with the U.S. Coast Guard.

• Completed the Maryland Maritime Strategic Security Plan (MMSSP) to coordinate protective efforts of Maryland’s maritime environments.  This plan is the result of an unprecedented collaboration between federal, State, local maritime law enforcement agencies and private sector partners.  In August 2010, the State, Coast Guard, and Charles County produced the MMSSP to coordinate and improve responses to natural and man-made disasters and terrorist attacks.  Partners are continuing to build out and implement shared security goals.  The model for the plan may be applied to other environments with similar over- and under-lapping jurisdictional issues (e.g. rail, highways, etc.).

• Since 2007, the Maritime Tactical Operations Group (MTOG) has secured at least $2.6 million in federal Port Security grants to purchase five response/patrol vessels, nighttime infrared detection, gamma ray page radiation detection and additional maritime tactical equipment for state and local patrol agencies.  The MTOG was created in 2005 to coordinate state and local first responders in maritime incidents, develop common training protocols, and standardize equipment across departments.  Seventeen agencies currently participate, including MSP, MDTA, NRP, and marine units from a number of local and federal entities.  MTOG members completed their fifth Basic Maritime Operations Course in 2010 and to date have trained 125 officers in standardized training, which helps create a more prepared and efficient patrol force to prevent and respond to security incidents. 

• Since 2009, MTA has conducted Threat and Vulnerability Assessments (TVAs) at approximately 100 rail stations and operations and maintenance facilities. TVAs help the State determine the security risk to transit assets and help determine the best allocation of the use of transit security grant funding and related state funding.

• Deployed two Visible Intermodal Protection and Response (VIPR) teams to increase protection of public transit systems.  MTA and MdTA have equipped, trained, and deployed (beginning fall 2010) two federally-funded VIPR teams to support transit security through heightened patrols.  Each team includes four officers (three of whom are federally grant-funded), and a dedicated vehicle.  VIPR teams augment transit law enforcement detection capabilities by providing a visible deterrent presence at busy, multi-modal transit facilities.  Federal funding will support these teams until September 2012, after which state funds will be used to continue VIPR team operations.  

• Utilizing Zoned Enforced Unified Sweep (ZEUS) operations to harden the transportation system against terrorist and criminal acts.  These MTA Police operations employ the Israeli Ring Theory of Security, first requiring teams use explosive detection canines and specially trained officers to sweep the outer perimeter of a property for any possible threats or devices. Upon securing the outer perimeter, the inner perimeter—including all areas of a station or property with public access—is swept.  These random operations serve both deterrence and detection functions in an effort to protect the public.

• Launched a region-wide “If You See Something, Say Something” transit ridership security awareness campaign.  MTA, Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), and seven other regional transit agencies began in July 2011 a unified, “If You See Something, Say Something” security awareness campaign targeted to bus and rail transit ridership.  This campaign uses print media, radio, and web-based media (including a dedicated web site at www.securetransit.org) to provide a single phone number for transit riders to call (in Maryland, 1-800-492-TIPS) if they see or wish to report suspicious activities.  Posters and brochures will be displayed in most transit vehicles and at high-volume transit stations.  PSAs will air in movie theaters during film previews.  Additional outreach measures and awareness products will include “on-hold” telephone messaging, coffee sleeves at convenience stores printed with awareness information, and email blasts.  This campaign has received approximately $837,000 in federal grants that will sustain the campaign through January 2012.       
  

• Implemented stopped-vehicle detection systems and companion cameras in the Fort McHenry Tunnel. MdTA has completed this project to identify vehicles that have become disabled or have been intentionally left in the tunnel, supplementing that situational awareness with the visual information provided by CCTV cameras.

• Reducing the vulnerabilities of Maryland’s bridges by securing anchorage islands, shorelines, and bridge cables, as well as utilizing CCTV and stopped vehicle detection sensors.  MDTA is working to ensure that the shorelines and anchorage islands of the State’s bridges are protected by anti-climbing fencing, razor wire, and electronic fence sensors at these targeted areas.  If the fence sensors are activated by movement, the CCTV will slew to the location and an alarm will be triggered at the MTAP central security operations center. Also under way is an electronic bridge security project, which includes additional lighting, above- and below-roadway cameras, and stopped vehicle detection analytics for the major bridges. Completion of this initiative is slated for 2013.   

• MAA has completed designs on a Consolidated Dispatch Center (CDC) that will link BWI’s fire and EMS services to the Statewide CAD/RMS system.  BWI has its own in-airport Fire and EMS services which requires dispatch services similar to regular community-based departments.  With support from the TSA, the State has completed designs for a Consolidated Dispatch Center that will connect BWI’s fire and EMS services to the statewide CAD/RMS system and serve as a monitoring center for the airport’s CCTV system, which is currently being upgraded.  This modernized dispatch center for fire, EMS, and law enforcement will improve response capabilities for the BWI community.  The project is expected to be completed by July 2012. 

Back to Transportation Security Updated September 2011