16 June 1999 Source: http://www.access.gpo.gov/su_docs/aces/fr-cont.html ------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Federal Register: June 16, 1999 (Volume 64, Number 115)] [Notices] [Page 32211-32212] From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov] [DOCID:fr16jn99-26] ======================================================================== Notices Federal Register ________________________________________________________________________ This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains documents other than rules or proposed rules that are applicable to the public. Notices of hearings and investigations, committee meetings, agency decisions and rulings, delegations of authority, filing of petitions and applications and agency statements of organization and functions are examples of documents appearing in this section. ======================================================================== [[Page 32211]] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- INTERAGENCY COMMISSION ON CRIME AND SECURITY IN U.S. SEAPORTS Establishment of Commission To Study Nature and Extent of Crime and Overall State of Security in U.S. Seaports AGENCY: Interagency Commission on Crime and Security in U.S. Seaports. ACTION: Notice. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: This document announces the establishment of the Interagency Commission on Crime and Security in U.S. Seaports (the Commission). The Commission will conduct a comprehensive study of the nature and extent of crime and the overall state of security in U.S. seaports, and the ways in which Federal, State and local governments are responding to this problem. The study will address all serious crime occurring in the maritime context, including but not limited to drug trafficking, cargo theft, and the smuggling of contraband and aliens. This document requests, and the Commission will take full account of, the views and expertise of interested members of the private sector in identifying and addressing issues of serious crime and in improving overall security in relation to U.S. seaports. DATES: Comments must be received on or before August 16, 1999. ADDRESSES: Written comments from interested members of the private sector may be addressed and submitted to: The Interagency Commission on Crime and Security in U.S. Seaports, 1331 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Suite 1331 North, Washington, DC 20004. Comments may also be submitted to the Commission by facsimile transmission (fax) (202-927-3743), or by electronic mail at the Commission's website address (http:// www.seaportcommission.gov). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: James F. Kelly, Working Group, (202- 927-3741). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Establishment of Commission By Memorandum, dated April 27, 1999, the President authorized the Secretary of the Treasury, the Attorney General and the Secretary of Transportation, in cooperation with numerous other executive departments and Federal agencies, to establish the Interagency Commission on Crime and Security in U.S. Seaports (the Commission). The President's Memorandum is printed in the Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents, Vol. 35 (1999), page 755. Composition of Commission The Commission is co-chaired by the Commissioner, U.S. Customs Service (Department of the Treasury), the Assistant Attorney General, Criminal Division (Department of Justice), and the Administrator, Maritime Administration (Department of Transportation). In addition, Commission members include senior officials from: The Departments of State, the Treasury, Defense, Justice, Agriculture, Commerce, Labor, Health and Human Services, and Transportation; the Environmental Protection Agency, the Office of Management and Budget, the Office of National Drug Control Policy, the Central Intelligence Agency, the National Security Council, and the Joint Chiefs of Staff. All members of the Commission are full-time Federal employees. The Executive Director of the Commission, chosen by the Secretary of the Treasury, oversees the support staff and a working group established to further the work of the Commission. The Executive Director reports directly to the three co-chairs. The working group is composed of Federal employees from the previously enumerated executive departments and agencies involved in the Commission. Purpose of Commission The Commission will undertake a comprehensive study of the nature and extent of crime and the overall state of security related to U.S. seaports, as well as the ways in which Federal, State and local governments are responding to this problem. The study will address all serious crime occurring in the maritime context, including but not limited to drug trafficking, cargo theft, and the smuggling of contraband and aliens. Moreover, the study will carefully examine the role of internal conspiracies associated with such crime, including the potential threat posed by terrorists and others to the people and critical infrastructures of seaport cities. On or before completing its work within one year of the date of its establishment, the Commission will submit a report to the Secretary of the Treasury, the Secretary of Transportation, and the Attorney General. Within 3 months of the submission of the report, these officials will forward it, with their joint recommendations, to the Chief of Staff to the President for final review and appropriate action. The Commission's report will include: An analysis of the type and level of serious crime, as well as a determination as to the overall state of security, in U.S. seaports; an overview of the specific missions and authorities of Federal agencies in this area, along with a general description of the usual roles played in this regard by State and local agencies, as well as by the private sector; an evaluation of the nature and effectiveness of coordination among Federal, State and local government agencies responsible for dealing with issues of crime and security in the maritime context; and recommendations for improving the response of Federal, State and local governments to seaport crime and enhancing seaport security. Some Areas of Focus The following is a general overview of some of the subject areas on which the Commission will focus in conducting its study: 1. Overall Assessment of Crime in the Maritime Context As noted, the Commission will undertake an analysis of the overall nature and extent of criminal activity occurring in relation to U.S. seaports, including drug trafficking, cargo theft, and the smuggling of contraband and aliens; assess the role of internal conspiracies in connection with such crime; provide an overview of the specific missions and authorities of the Federal agencies with relevant responsibilities for dealing with [[Page 32212]] criminal activity in the maritime context, along with a general description of the typical roles played in this connection by State and local agencies and the private sector; conduct an assessment of the nature and effectiveness of coordination among Federal, State and local government agencies, including intelligence efforts; and provide recommendations for improving the response of Federal, State and local governments to the problem of serious crime, including resource requirements and mandatory crime reporting. 2. Terrorism, Threats, and Environmental Crime The Commission will: Assess the threat of terrorism in the maritime context, both from domestic and foreign sources; identify major vulnerabilities to terrorist activity at U.S. seaports, in the transportation of cargo to and from ports, and at foreign ports where cargo is laded aboard ships bound for the U.S.; and recommend improvements in overall seaport security intended to make ports less susceptible to terrorist acts. Also, the Commission will focus on potential threats of environmental terrorism and negligence in and around the nation's seaports, including the risk of marine accidents and pollution occasioned by, among other things, hazardous commodities such as petroleum; assess environmental consequences and vulnerabilities in this area; and make recommendations for improvements in environmental protection and safety at seaports and on coastal and inland waterways. 3. Security and Prevention The Commission will evaluate the overall state of security existing at U.S. seaports, including measures for controlling access to ports, safeguarding passengers and cargo, and ensuring the security of possible military mobilization operations (at selected seaports); the Commission will develop recommendations, including identifying new techniques, on enhancing seaport security standards, and on whether such standards should be mandatory or voluntary. 4. Cargo Control The Commission will analyze the effectiveness and integrity of cargo control mechanisms at U.S. seaports that deal, for example, with false manifesting and the diversion of cargo (inbound, outbound, and in-bond); and make recommendations on how cargo control procedures may be improved. 5. Technology The Commission will seek to identify and recommend state-of-the-art technology for use in combating crime and bolstering security at seaports. 6. Legislation/Regulation/Funding The Commission will identify, and develop recommendations for appropriate changes in, Federal laws and regulations pertaining to seaport crime, terrorism and security. Furthermore, the Commission will seek to identify potential sources of funding, as necessary to implement its recommendations in all areas. Input From Private Sector Requested The issues involving U.S. seaport security affect many different private sector interests in a variety of ways. Accordingly, the Commission hereby invites, and will take full account of, the views and expertise of interested members of the private sector in addressing the issues of serious crime and overall security in U.S. seaports. All comments in this matter are welcome. In concert with the subject areas generally outlined above, the Commission believes input as to the following would be most helpful: (1) Describing particular problems that need to be solved concerning crime, terrorism and security in seaports; (2) Proposals for new laws or regulations, programs or other courses of action to combat crime and terrorism and increase security in seaports; (3) Suggested methods for ensuring better reporting and more accurate collection of data on crime in relation to the maritime context; and (4) Possible ways to improve coordination and cooperation among Federal, State and local government agencies, in combating criminal activity and fostering greater security in seaports. The Commission believes that the experience and knowledge that members of the private sector can bring to this undertaking will enable the Commission to conduct its evaluation of seaport crime and security in a more effective and reliable manner, and help ensure that the Commission's report contains recommendations that are realistic and that can be effectively implemented. Dated: June 9, 1999. D. Lynn Gordon, Executive Director. [FR Doc. 99-15245 Filed 6-15-99; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4820-02-P