May 27, 2008 5:35 pm US/Eastern
Investigators Find Gaps In Port Security Program
Reporting
Adam May
BALTIMORE (WJZ) ―
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Some are concerned with security at the port of Baltimore.
CBS
A new report shows port security across the country may be lacking in the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
Adam May reports on the tightened security at the Port of Baltimore.
With hundreds of cargo ships coming into the Port of Baltimore, loaded with containers from around the world, the new government report finds major gaps in homeland security.
The failures make it possible for terrorists to smuggle in anything from operatives to weapons in unchecked containers.
"I think we can always do better. I don't want to comment on any federal program or priority, but we have a good partnership," said Michael Fischer.
Fischer, the state's acting head of port security, claims Baltimore's port is one of the safest in the U.S. It was one of the first ports certified under what's called the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism. It allows around 8,000 importers, approved after 9/11, reduced cargo inspections if they have adequate private security measures.
A government audit found some of those private companies are not meeting security standards, but were still shipping across international waters to places like Baltimore.
"If terrorists are taking a gamble, they have a 95% chance sneaking something through," said Michael Greenberger, a former senior official in the Justice Department. He's concerned for Baltimore's safety and criticized federal port security programs in an exclusive
Eyewitness News investigation two years ago. That's when we revealed only five percent of cargo coming into the country is actually physically inspected.
In Baltimore, that number is 12%, thanks in part to millions spent by the state.
(© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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