🚀 go-pugleaf

Jul 14, 2004 6:07 pm US/Eastern
Baltimore, MD (WJZ) Security officials from all over the nation
gather in Baltimore to learn how to keep ports safer. 

WJZ reporter Mike Hellgren talked to one of the safety officials
in attendance. He said port officials have to be diligent to keep
people safe. 

"You've got to know what ships are coming in. You've got to know
where they're coming in. You've got to have proper fencing, proper
lighting, proper surveillance techniques, said Port of Corpus
Christie security worker Ken Starrs. 

Officials say new technology is helping keep major seaports from
being vulnerable to terrorist attacks. 

They say they have new software that provides security officials
with real-time pictures of the area, including inferred images
that can detect body heat. 

The government is also working to form partnerships with private
companies to develop new technology that can better monitor
security at ports nationwide. 

The federal government spent nearly $200 million in grants just
last year on security. 

The Department of Homeland Security estimates 95 percent of goods
from foreign countries move through America's port system.