Port Security \"Describe the Framework for Managing

Port Security

"Describe the framework for Managing and Leading a Security Force."

Management is a "process of working with and through individuals and groups and other resources to accomplish organizational goals." ( Christopher, 2009 P. 180). The central challenges within the port security management is the ability to effectively manage changing worker's demand, government and legal requirement as well as managing the issue of workforce diversity. Thus, port security must develop a framework for effective security management to achieve these goals. The strategy to develop this framework and leading a security force is the responsibility of security manager. To manage and lead a security force, a security manager must be able to:

Plan, direct, organize and coordinate workforce,

Minimize conflict

Maintaining an effective interpersonal relationship,

Resolve and identify supervisory problems,

Direct employees to meet the departmental objectives,

Be aware of employees' physical and mental health conditions,

Maintain employee demeanor and maintaining appropriate social standards,

Develop measurable and normative performance standards.

Be competent in concepts of planning and budgeting. (Christopher, 2009).

More effective framework to manage and lead a security force is the enhancement of human resources management. To enhance effective security within the port organization, a security manager must work in coordination with human resources department to pursue organizational strategies. Typically, organization could effective manage its security force through efficient and effective use of human resources. Human resources management is a benchmark against which security force's activities and programs will be critiqued. For example, a port organization will require hiring additional security staff t to increase capacity and streamline operational efficiencies.

2. "What is meant by maintaining force competencies in Port Security"?

Training of port security personnel is the strategy to maintain competencies in port security. The training is essential to enhance effective flow of people, ships, and cargo without hindrance. Port security personnel needs to develop their skills with educational program and security training to enhance effective security measures. Essentially, training is imperative for both contracted and proprietary security personnel. More importantly, a security personnel needs to enhance their skills through in-service training. The techniques will enhance port security maintenance and prevent crime within the port facilities. (Christopher, 2009).

3. "Describe Security Force Operations and Patrol."

Security force operation is the method by which security officers perform high-visibility patrols of all the port-controlled facilities. The security operations also include patrols of roadways, parking areas and terminal to enhance security protocols of all port facilities. Typically, security officers need to implement frequently patrols of the waterside, container storage, dock, and cargo storage and gantry crane areas. Special operational assignment should be to:

Monitor and secure all access point at port facilities,

Monitor and investigate and respond to unattended luggage and other items that could pose a security threat,

Deny access to people who refuse to submit to security verifications,

Inspect fences and other security barriers to ensure soundness of port security perimeter;

Use of operating equipment such as x-ray machines, and metal detectors to assist in screening people, cargo and vehicles. (Christopher, 2009).

4. "How is security planning coordinated between the Port Facility and Vessel

Operations?"

The security planning is very critical for vessel operations within the port facilities because the large vessels have become the floating structure that is connected to port facilities. It is critical to realize that a large vessel could conceive almost 6,000 people on board and 1,360 crew. For example, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. could occupy 4,375 passengers. Thus, potential threats to vessel are a potential threat to the port facilities. (Christopher, 2009).

Fire emergencies on board and criminal activity may pose a significant threat to vessel and its occupants. Thus, vessel security is very critical to enhance security of port facilities. A vessel in port represents port's components that must be protected. When a vessel arrives at the port facilities, security personnel should develop a security planning agenda to implement effectively security operations for port-vessel operations. (Christopher, 2009).

5. "According to this week's readings, which aspects of cargo operations do you believe are critical in establishing a secure facility?"

The aspect of cargo operations that are critical to establish the secure facilities are the high-risk cargoes destined to pass through the United States. Moreover, the secure facilities are critical for cargo carrying the weapon of mass destruction destined for or pass through the United States. These type of should make a declaration to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection 24 hours before loading at a foreign port. According to the rule, the foreign cargo must provide the detailed description of the contents in the container. The information will assist the U.S. Customs to identify the potential terrorist threats before the cargo arrives at the U.S. port. (Christopher, 2009).