In terms of Homeland Security, the greatest threats are the transportation of weapons of mass destruction and/or
terrorists to populated areas of the United States. The effective operation of the US economy and the protection of
the nation depend on efficient movement of people, goods, information, and financial resources. This movement is
assured by the US transportation infrastructure, and interdependent and interconnected system of highways,
railways, waterways, pipelines and airports. This course will primarily focus on the transportation of cargo
throughout the United States. The course will provide students with an understanding of basic security practices
that can be applied to a wide variety of threats including cargo theft and drug trafficking.
Objectives:
To develop an understanding of the transportation infrastructure.
To develop an understanding of a systems approach to transportation security.
To develop an appreciation for risk management to control threats and vulnerabilities.
To develop an integrated approach towards transportation infrastructure assurance.
Written Assignments: Write a two page double spaced interview paper. Contact and arrange an interview
with a security director with transportation security responsibilities. Ask him/her the following questions:
What's the greatest security challenge facing your organization today?
What are the best features of your existing security systems?
Where are the areas that need improvement?
How could the best practices in this course help you with your job?
* Email to instructor by Week 9.
Alternate Assignment:
If you can not get an interview, write a five page research paper on the following topic. How Will Poor Border
Security with Mexico Impact US Transportation Security? Include all research citations.
Grades: 120 points available: 20 points for interview/special report.
10 points for answering each week’s questions. 100 possible points.
110 - 120
A
105 - 109
A-
100 - 104
B+
95 - 99
B
90 - 94
B-
85 - 88
C+
80 - 84
C
75 - 79
C-
70 - 74
D
Assignments: Email response to the following questions at the end of each week
Week 1: Draw a flowchart of cargo transportation in the United States. Start with placing cargo in a container in a
foreign country and have it arrive at a US store.
Week 7: Write a one page paper explaining your reaction to post 911 changes.
Week 8: How does the report define risk management? Email your response to the instructor. Prepare an outline of
the entire Post 911 report and email it to your instructor.
Week 9: Prepare your own power point presentation outlining the best parts of this report and email it to your
instructor.* At least 5 power point slides
Week 10: Research and write a one page paper describing the major transportation security concerns in your state.
About Your Instructor: Ed Piper has served as a security consultant and trainer to the transportation
industry since the 1980’s. He has developed anti-drug, anti-terrorism and anti-piracy training programs in the US,
South America, Italy and Africa. He served as a primary contractor to the RSO of Panama. He has served with the
Office of Naval Intelligence and the NCIS.
- Vita