After 9/11, security grants were increased for airports and airport security measures were upgraded and intensified. On the other hand, no major security attack has happened on surface transport but vulnerability exists that is higher than airports’ vulnerability. It is important that the government implements systems and policies that reduce the vulnerability of surface transport and secures the American population (The National Academies Press, 1999).
I agree with Student # 2 that all transport systems have some level of vulnerability, but the type of vulnerability differs depending on the means of transport. Due to the differences, it important to prioritize the vulnerabilities such that air transport vulnerabilities are handles separately from surface transport vulnerabilities to increase efficiency and to reduce conflict of interest (Tahmisoglu et al., 2009).
It is a matter of concern that 87% of the commercial airports do not know their levels of vulnerability and they do not undertake frequents risk assessments. After the occurrence of 9/11, airports should employ stringent measures that would hinder terrorist activity at every cost. Constant assessments of vulnerability would assist in covering security loopholes (Kolesar & Petruf, 2012).
I agree with Student # 5 that border security officials have the capability of detecting suspicious activity and deterring the entry of drugs and weapons into the United States. Another important note is the laxity some of the officials and the underutilization of breach reporting systems. The border security officials need to be vigilant so that they do not give terrorists a chance (The National Academies Press, 1999).
References
Kirk, R. S., Frittelli, J., Luther, L., William, J. M., & Peterman, D.R. (2012). Surface Transportation Funding and Programs Under MAP-21: Moving Ahead for Progressin the 21st Century Act (P.L. 112-141). Congressional Research Service, 1-30.
Kolesar, J. & Petruf, M.(2012). RISK MANAGEMENT IN THE SPHERE OF CIVIL AIRPORT PROTECTION AGAINTS OF UNLAWFULL INTERFERENCE. Annals of Faculty Engineering Hunedoara, 21-28.
Tahmisoglu, M., Ozen, C., North Atlantic Treaty Organization., & NATO Advanced Research Workshop on Transportation Security Measures to Counter Terrorism. (2009). Transportation security against terrorism. Amsterdam, Netherlands: IOS.
The National Academies Press. (1999). Improving Surface Transportation Security: A Research and Development Strategy. The National Academies Press. Retrieved from:< http://www.nap.edu/openbook.php?record_id=9689&page=3 >
