Description

Many of the functions performed in public safety by law enforcement, fire, and emergency medical services—along with other public works-related entities such as transportation and public works departments—are closely related to transport security. Homeland security research in TTI’s Multimodal Freight Transportation Programs cuts across most emergency management topic areas: Prevention (mitigation), Preparedness, and Response.

Prevention

Prevention (mitigation) includes actions taken to prevent a harmful event from occurring. It can be the deterrent of malicious actions that are intended to cause harm through some aspect of the transportation system (including affected public), or changes in policy, procedure, or structure that prevent natural or artificial hazards from occurring. Researchers in TTI’s Multimodal Freight Transportation Programs have evaluated how port security requirements for terrorism prevention have impacted the economic viability of Texas’ deepwater ports:

• Port Security Research Project: The Effect of the New Security Paradigm on Port Infrastructure Development and Finances Preparedness

Preparedness involves planning and actions taken in advance to limit harm from and/or enable more effective response to security incidents, emergencies, or disasters that affect transport systems. Researchers in TTI’s Multimodal Freight Transportation Programs have conducted homeland security preparedness research on hazardous materials transportation and local-level emergency response agency administration.

Response

Response includes actions taken after a security incident, emergency, or disaster intended to mitigate the immediate threats to the transportation system. Researchers in TTI’s Multimodal Freight Transportation Programs have conducted homeland security response research through testing of a variety of emergency response equipment.

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David Bierling