ABSTRACT
At the Port of Miami in Florida, the development of innovative security technologies is changing the nature of how the port facility conducts business in the new homeland security environment. The optical character recognition devices illustrated in Figure 12.1 are just one example of how advances in technology, combined with port leadership’s focus on enterprise security solutions, are enabling ports to adapt their business models to the new culture of port security. With a convergence of business, information technology (IT), and security operations, port facilities such as Miami are innovating new business models that embrace a strong integrative security approach to port management. In this particular application, the optical character recognition devices designed into the main cargo gate processing center are used to acquire the container, chassis, and truck license plate numbers of cargo-carrying vehicles as they pass through the array. The information is relayed to a remote command and control center staffed by port facility security staff for use in generating a gate pass. In conjunction with other IT applications, the port staff is not only able to record precisely who and what is entering the port facility, but can also verify the driver’s and company’s compliance with port security credentialing, business permitting, and insurance requirements. In addition, arrivals and departures are shared electronically with the port’s cargo terminal facilities to confirm that the terminal is either expecting these individuals and shipments, or that they have received authorization to leave. Additionally, companies doing business at the port are encouraged to use a prepay option to facilitate collection of gate pass and scale fees without the need for trafficdelaying cash transactions. All of this is accomplished within minutes and without the need for the driver to exit the vehicle, and for the most part without a direct physical interaction with a posted security officer.
