PortSec: A port security risk analysis and resource allocation system

Abstract

Ports are important nodal points that stimulate the US economy. This is particularly true of the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach (POLA/LB). Over 40% of all containers shipped to and out of the US flow through this two-port complex. The POLA/LB along with other port complexes face many challenges — including maximizing operational efficiency while simultaneously minimizing risk from catastrophes, including terrorism and other man-made or natural disaster events and minimizing environmental impacts. Often these challenges are at odds with one another — increasing one often comes at the expense of achieving the other. The DHS-funded Center for Risk and Economic Analysis of Terrorism Events (CREATE) is developing a port security risk management and resource allocation system (PortSec). PortSec will support both tactical day-to-day security decision-making and long-term strategic security planning. An initial PortSec prototype (1.0) that supports tactical day-to-day risk assessment and resource allocation is currently undergoing evaluation at POLA/LB.