Based
on intelligence indicating that Al Qaeda and associated movements continue to
express interest in attacking U.S. mass transit systems, the Government
Accountability Office (GAO) has issued a redacted version of a classified
report on “explosives detection technologies [that] are available or in
development that could help secure passenger rail systems.” However, GAO noted
that “while these technologies show promise in certain environments, their
potential limitations in the rail environment need to be considered and their
use tailored to individual rail systems.” In its report, Explosives Detection
Technologies to Protect Passenger Rail, GAO did not make any specific
recommendations, but it did raise “various policy considerations.” The report
pointed to the fact that the TSA and passenger rail operators share the
responsibility for security, which is said could complicate decisions. In
addition, the GAO recommended the use of risk-management principles to guide
decision-making related to technology and resource allocation.
More
information on transportation security at www.securitymagazine.com