Assignment: LASA: Conduct a Threat Assessment on Public Transportation

Public transportation systems serve a large number of people in extensive networks, which means they are especially vulnerable to terrorist attacks. Systems in London, Madrid, and Paris have experienced bombing attacks. Tokyo's public transportation system was the site of a chemical attack recently.

Transportation systems are attractive targets for terrorists, wanting to cause the maximum amount of disruption and harm. Preparation of public transportation systems' against such terrorist attacks involves assessments of the systems' vulnerabilities, mitigation of their weaknesses, and development of effective response and emergency plans.

Many people assume that terrorists are only interested in targeting transportation systems in larger cities; however that is not always the case. The city of Centervale is just as likely to be attacked as New York City, so it must be prepared. City leaders of Centervale are concerned with the security of their public transit system, as their preparation plans are out-of-date.

The six modes of their system-aviation, maritime, mass transit, highway, freight rail, and pipeline-all contribute to transporting people, food, water, medicines, fuel, and other commodities. The combined efforts of the modes play an important role in maintaining public health, safety, and economic well-being of the city.

The city leaders have tasked you with reviewing, assessing, and drafting a proposal for all systems; this means determining the level of security currently in place for each system and proposing changes or updates that are needed.

This will require you as the security analyst to work with other government agencies, such as the Department of Homeland Security, the FBI, and others, tasked with the mission to enhance the security of the United States in general.

Tasks:

Using APA format and citation guidelines, write an 8- to 10-page document that identifies any vulnerabilities, risk areas, and recommendations for change. In this report:

1. Develop 3-4 goals of the security plan.

2. Create and identify the vulnerabilities for each of the mentioned modes. (Because Centervale is a fictional city, you have some latitude here to identify realistic vulnerabilities based on the scenarios and other information about Centervale throughout the course and the knowledge you have gained in this class.)

3. Assess risks of the current system and describe the consequences of those risks, if left unaddressed.

4. Analyze and prioritize, then explain the order in which each mode should be addressed.

5. Analyze and prioritize, then explain the order in which critical areas of each mode should be addressed.

6. Research successful protective programs, and then recommend a protective program that will address the concerns of city leaders.

7. Evaluate the best measurement tools to assess the effectiveness of any recommended changes.

8. Research and explain the involvement of multiple government agencies needed in this particular development of the plan. Explain how their involvement enhances the security of the United States.

9. Research and explain how advances in technology will improve the security of public transportation systems.