In a combined effort to strengthen security at one of the nation’s top 20 maritime ports, TSA participated in a multiagency strike force operation (MASFO) that scanned and verified Transportation Worker Identification (TWIC®) at two Port of Baltimore checkpoints.
During the successful, daylong operation at the Seagirt and Dundalk terminal checkpoints, TSA and agency partners verified 527 TWICs. Ten of those cards were reported lost, stolen, revoked or expired and were confiscated from the people who tried to use them for entry.
“Working collaboratively across Department of Homeland Security components is critical to securing all borders,” said TSA Assistant Administrator for Investigations Kimberley Thompson. “During this operation, TSA’s collective law enforcement and regulatory authorities joined to provide a formidable blockade to increase the safety and security at an extremely busy maritime terminal.”
The Port of Baltimore offers an on-dock rail service and close proximity to two interstate highways, making it a popular maritime destination for incoming, container cargo headed for the Midwest.
“There is nothing more important to the Maryland Port Administration than the safety and security of the men and women who work here,” said Kathleen Bowen, director of security for the Maryland Port Administration. “This (MASFO) initiative included TSA, the U.S. Coast Guard, Customs and Border Protection, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Department of Transportation and the Maryland Transportation Authority Police.”
“When people think of TSA, they typically only think of the officers at the airport, which is an essential function of TSA,” said Investigations Special Agent Tom Andriko Jr. “However, operations like this one help demonstrate the full range capabilities and authorities by TSA.”
Issued by TSA, a TWIC is a federal identification card required for unescorted access to secure areas of maritime facilities and vessels ensuring that only authorized personnel access sensitive areas. TSA’s Enrollment Services and Vetting Program evaluates TWIC applicants and issues cards accordingly, while TSA Investigations leads mitigation efforts by identifying, apprehending, disrupting and intercepting fraudulent activities associated with the TWIC program.
“TSA is a key component to the MASFO process by conducting secondary TWIC inspections and ensuring regulatory compliance by the individual cardholders while entering the port,” said Bowen. “The TSA team who conducted these inspections are regularly assigned to port operations, and they have a reputation of being highly trained and collaborative. TSA is a key component in a joint operation demonstrating that port security is our nation’s top priority.”
The success of this operation underscores the importance of interagency cooperation and the critical role each participating agency plays in maintaining the security of our transportation systems.
“We most often frame discussions about collaboration in terms of working with partners, which is indeed a vital part of what we do, especially in driving impactful security efforts that reduce risk,” said Mary Leftridge Byrd, TSA regional security director, Surface Operations, Region 2. “That said, I firmly believe that true alliance begins at home. By moving in mutuality with sister agencies, we are better positioned to achieve the shared mission we serve. This display of cross agency alliance definitively illustrates teamwork at its best. We appreciate the opportunity to have been part of the planning and execution of this initiative with evidenced outcomes toward safeguarding transportation systems, on the road, in the air and on the water.”
By Karen Robicheaux, Strategic Communications & Public Affairs