Gaps in port security

Wednesday, May 28, 2008 | 2:07 a.m.

Federal auditors say that gaps persist in a Homeland Security Department program that is designed to prevent terrorists from smuggling weapons or otherwise staging an attack via cargo that arrives in U.S. ports each day.

The Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism, established shortly after the 2001 terrorist attacks, allows about 8,000 importers, port authorities and cargo carriers to submit detailed security plans to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency, which can then approve eased inspections for the companies at the nation’s 326 ports.

But a report Tuesday by the Government Accountability Office, the investigative arm of Congress, says Customs officials have not adequately demonstrated that those entities offered the reduced scrutiny have complied with the program’s requirements.

The reduced scrutiny is granted largely on the basis of self-reported security information provided by the companies seeking the benefit. GAO auditors say these reports often don’t include information on security measures taken for the entire supply chain of the cargo.

What’s more, the GAO says, Customs officials are not required to examine third-party audits of a company’s security measures — even when such audits are available.

The GAO acknowledged that Customs officials have corrected some mistakes noted in a 2005 GAO audit — such as Customs officials’ offering reduced scrutiny before examining companies’ security reports. But more improvements are needed.

“Until Customs overcomes these collective challenges,” GAO auditors said, the agency will not be able to assure that companies offered reduced scrutiny “actually employ adequate security practices.”

Some problems persist because of inadequate internal controls within the agency, the GAO said. But Customs also faces a lack of agents and resources needed to effectively monitor the program.

It has been nearly seven years since terrorists attacked the United States, and securing the nation’s ports is long overdue. Customs officials must work more diligently to ensure that companies offered less scrutiny have earned the privilege. And the president and Congress should see to it that the agency has the funding and staff to adequately do the job.