Snag in the Port

The ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach have a new biometric security system in place, but it may not be that effective since several thousand workers have not picked up their new ID cards.

Coast Guard officials say that nearly 67,000 truck drivers, longshoremen and other workers must carry TWIC cards, but more than 10 percent of those workers have yet to pick up their cards, possibly creating disruptions as the new system goes into effect.

Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano toured the complex Monday and said she expected implementation to go smoothly saying "I think we're doing really well."

Implementation of TWIC cards at both ports has been delayed seven months so far. Officials cite a slower-than-expected registration process. TWIC was mandated by Congress in the wake of the Sept. 11, 2001 terror attacks, and it has been implemented at most ports nationwide.

Members of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union have been advised to show up to work whether or not they have received their cards. A small percentage, about 3 percent of the workforce, have either not applied for the card or have been denied. Some of those denied TWIC cards are appealing.

Let's hope this SNAFU can be quickly resolved and port workers can get back to work, performing a vital service to the nation's economy. While some have asked about employers who exploit the illegal labor market for their own gain, it makes sense for the Obama administration to muster appropriate cases against those employers and illegal aliens alike.

About the Author

Ralph C. Jensen is the Publisher of Security Today magazine.

Featured

  • Maximizing Your Security Budget This Year

    7 Ways You Can Secure a High-Traffic Commercial Security Gate  

    Your commercial security gate is one of your most powerful tools to keep thieves off your property. Without a security gate, your commercial perimeter security plan is all for nothing. Read Now

  • Protecting Data is Critical

    To say that the Internet of Things (IoT) has become a part of everyday life would be a dramatic understatement. At this point, you would be hard-pressed to find an electronic device that is not connected to the internet. Read Now

  • Mobile Access Adoption

    Smartphones and other mobile devices have had a profound impact on how the world securely accesses the workplace and its services. The growing adoption of mobile wallets and the new generation of users is compounding this effect. Read Now

  • Changing Mindsets

    We have come a long way from the early days of fuzzy analog CCTV systems. During that time, we have had to migrate from analog to digital signals. When IP-based network cameras arrived, they opened a new world of quality and connectivity but also introduced plenty of challenges. Thankfully, network devices today have become smart enough to discover themselves and even self-configure to some degree. While some IT expertise is certainly required, things are much smoother these days. The biggest change is in how fast security cameras and supporting infrastructure are evolving. Read Now

Most   Popular

Featured Cybersecurity

Webinars

New Products

  • Mobile Safe Shield

    Mobile Safe Shield

    SafeWood Designs, Inc., a manufacturer of patented bullet resistant products, is excited to announce the launch of the Mobile Safe Shield. The Mobile Safe Shield is a moveable bullet resistant shield that provides protection in the event of an assailant and supplies cover in the event of an active shooter. With a heavy-duty steel frame, quality castor wheels, and bullet resistant core, the Mobile Safe Shield is a perfect addition to any guard station, security desks, courthouses, police stations, schools, office spaces and more. The Mobile Safe Shield is incredibly customizable. Bullet resistant materials are available in UL 752 Levels 1 through 8 and include glass, white board, tack board, veneer, and plastic laminate. Flexibility in bullet resistant materials allows for the Mobile Safe Shield to blend more with current interior décor for a seamless design aesthetic. Optional custom paint colors are also available for the steel frame. 3

  • Unified VMS

    AxxonSoft introduces version 2.0 of the Axxon One VMS. The new release features integrations with various physical security systems, making Axxon One a unified VMS. Other enhancements include new AI video analytics and intelligent search functions, hardened cybersecurity, usability and performance improvements, and expanded cloud capabilities 3

  • AC Nio

    AC Nio

    Aiphone, a leading international manufacturer of intercom, access control, and emergency communication products, has introduced the AC Nio, its access control management software, an important addition to its new line of access control solutions. 3