Page 26 - Port of Baltimore - May/June 2019

PARTNERSHIPS
THE PORT OF BALTIMORE HAS He added: “The MDOT MPA Office
BEEN STEADFAST AND ON THE CUTTING EDGE WHEN IT COMES TO SECURITY.
The Maryland Department of Transportation Maryland Port Administration (MDOT MPA) has the latest technology and strategies to detect any potential threats. The Port
also works closely with its partners — U.S. Customs &
Border Protection, U.S. Coast Guard and MDOT Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) Police — to ensure safety.
“A culture of acceptable behavior on MDOT MPA terminals has been reshaped and incorporated,” said David Espie, Director of Security for the Port of Baltimore. “It is now clear to all those who utilize MDOT MPA terminals that there is an obligation and requirement, without fail, to abide by all rules and regulations set forth in the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002, Safe Ports
Act of 2006 and relevant Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR).”

MDOT Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) Police provide patrol, emergency response, detective personnel, K-9 and other law enforce- ment services as required at MDOT MPA terminals.
of Security incorporates an analytical process when assessing its security posture, whether refining current procedures or considering physical security technology for future installation.”
Some of the latest initiatives and programs through the federal Port Security Grant program that make the Port safer include:
Enhancing the Access Control System software and hardware
Expanding and refining the Closed- Circuit Television (CCTV) system
Hardening access control points with state-of-the-art barriers
Implementing/upgrading cybersecurity technology
Expanding opportunities for deterrence operations between the MDTA Police, U. S. Customs & Border Protection and the U.S. Coast Guard.
The new technology is an extremely important element of the Port’s security program. Within MDOT MPA terminals, security personnel utilize multiple forms of technology that were purchased and installed only after the quality, usability and clear necessity of the technology were established.
“I believe the MDOT MPA Office of Security, in coordination with our MDOT MPA partners, such as our Information Services Department, has a sound mix of outstanding personnel, realistic policies and procedures and meaningful technology, providing Port users a safe and secure environment,” Espie said.
The enhanced technology is vital because the Port of Baltimore operates on a seven- day, 24-hour cycle. As a result, a myriad
of individuals need to enter the terminals
on a daily basis, including MDOT MPA employees, tenants, contractors, vendors, International Longshoremen, shipping agents, crew members, U.S. military personnel, law enforcement and visitors.
“Hence, you have to develop and implement a balanced security program that
[24] The Port of Baltimore ■
May/June 2019