The Interagency Commission on Crime and Security in U.S. Seaports was established by President Clinton by executive memorandum on April 27, 1999. In order to achieve these four objectives the Commission surveyed 12 U.S. seaports during the summer of1999. Criteria were developed to evaluate the security of cargo and passengers as they move through the ports. Since the responsibility for cargo and passenger security is shared by both the government and the private sector, the criteria were developed by consulting existing government publications, laws, and regulations as well as existing trade publications and guides on cargo security standards. On-site surveys were conducted of the ports, and interviews and focus group sessions were held with representatives of government agencies and the trade community at each location.
Internal conspiracies are a major issue at many ports.
Intelligence and information sharing among law enforcement agencies needs to be improved at many ports. Access to seaports and operations within seaports is often uncontrolled. Coordination and cooperation between law enforcement agencies in the field is often fragmented. Meetings between law enforcement personnel, carriers, port authorities regarding security are not being held routinely in the ports. These meetings could increase coordination and cooperation at the local level.