Aviation security efforts overshadow maritime, ground transportation security
The Homeland Security Department may be overemphasizing aviation security at the expense of protecting maritime and land-based transportation, according to a study released by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) Wednesday.
The study further found that Homeland Security and its Transportation Security Administration have not coordinated research and development efforts for increasing transportation security.
Until the two "prepare R&D strategic plans with measurable objectives and complete all of their risk assessments, Congress and other stakeholders will not have a reliable means of assessing ... whether the millions of dollars that are being invested in transportation security R& projects are being spent cost-effectively," the study found.
The survey said that several experts believe R&D for aviation security is taking precedence, although other experts disagreed.
GAO urged the department to conduct basic research, complete strategic planning efforts, develop an information management system, and better coordinate with other federal agencies and the transportation industry.
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