Nov 27, 2007 5:48 pm US/Eastern
All Port Employees Undergo New Security Checks
DUNDALK, Md. (WJZ) ―
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Baltimore port employees will be required to take a federal security check.
CBS
It's been a slow roll-out, but a federal security check of all Port of Baltimore workers is finally underway.
Alex DeMetrick reports thousands must qualify for a special ID card, before they go anywhere near a ship.
Ports like Baltimore's turned into potential targets right after 9/11. Calls for tighter security followed, resulting in a small ID card called the Transportation Workers Identification Credential or TWIC.
"So that we can ensure that they are who they say they are, and that they have gone through security checks. It's going to be a major step toward ensuring the safety and security of our port," said Captain Brian Kelley, U.S. Coast Guard.
Those checks began Tuesday in Dundalk, as the first of thousands of people who work state and private marine terminals, applied for TWIC cards.
Besides background information, fingerprints and photos are also taken. The data is checked by federal authorities.
Besides being mandatory, the TWIC cards must also be purchased. The cost to applicants is about $130 for an ID valid for five years.
(© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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