Homeland Security: Process for Reporting Lessons Learned from Seaport Exercises Needs Further Attention

United States Government Publishing Office publisher pbl distributor dst United States Government Accountability Office author aut Government Organization text government publication eng GAOREPORTS Legislative Agency Publications gao legislative 2010-08-12 U.S. Government Printing Office 2005-01-14 monographic deposited born digital 35 p. GA 1.13:GAO-05-170 https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/GAOREPORTS-GAO-05-170 P0b002ee18037d122 f:d05170 DGPO 2010-08-12 2011-03-24 GAOREPORTS-GAO-05-170 machine generated eng fdlp REPORT GAOREPORTS-GAO-05-170 GAO-05-170 Counterterrorism Defense contingency planning Facility security Harbors National preparedness Interagency relations National defense operations Reporting requirements Strategic planning Terrorism Homeland security Timeliness Other Written Product A15500 Homeland Security: Process for Reporting Lessons Learned from Seaport Exercises Needs Further Attention Seaports are a critical vulnerability in the nation's defense against terrorism. They are potential entry points for bombs or other devices smuggled into cargo ships and ports' often-sprawling nature presents many potential targets for attack. To assess the response procedures that would be implemented in an attack or security incident, officials conduct port-specific exercises. Many federal, state, and local agencies may potentially be involved. The Coast Guard has primary responsibility for coordinating these exercises and analyzing the results. GAO examined (1) the emerging framework for coordinating entities involved in security responses, (2) legal and operational issues emerging from exercises conducted to date, and (3) Coast Guard management of reports analyzing exercises. GAO reviewed reports on 82 exercises from fiscal year 2004 and observed 4 exercises as they were being conducted. https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/GAOREPORTS-GAO-05-170/html/GAOREPORTS-GAO-05-170.htm https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/GAOREPORTS-GAO-05-170/pdf/GAOREPORTS-GAO-05-170.pdf GAO-05-170 https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/GAOREPORTS-GAO-05-170 Other Written Product GAO-05-170; Homeland Security: Process for Reporting Lessons Learned from Seaport Exercises Needs Further Attention; Counterterrorism Defense contingency planning Facility security Harbors National preparedness Interagency relations National defense operations Reporting requirements Strategic planning Terrorism Homeland security Timeliness