Case Study: Port of Oakland Achieves Foundation for Enhanced Facility Security with ESC

In January 2002, the United States Coast Guard issued security guidelines for waterfront facilities in the areas of physical property, personnel, vehicle access, vessel management, passengers, and rail operations. These guidelines followed the national mandate for heightened homeland security in the wake of the September 11th, 2001 terrorist attacks.

To meet the challenge of increasing security at the nation's ports, the Port of Oakland called on Embarcadero Systems Corporation (ESC) to design a video surveillance and intrusion detection system. This system allows Port of Oakland to address the Coast Guard's Level I Security Guidelines for Waterfront Facilities, "Alarms and Video Surveillance." The report provided the Port of Oakland a foundation for proceeding with Federal grant applications to implement improvements to its overall port security plans. The findings were the basis for the Port to secure first round Transportation Security Administration grant funding.

ESC delivered the Security Analysis Report to the Port of Oakland to specifically address the port's need for video surveillance and intrusion detection as outlined in the Coast Guard Security Guidelines for Waterfront Facilities. ESC gathered data primarily through site surveys and assessments, meetings with concerned parties (such as port officials, U.S. Customs, and the U.S. Coast Guard), and by analyzing Coast Guard guidelines and other documentation pertinent to port security. The data for a secure video surveillance and intrusion detection system--including specific designs and estimated costs for each individual terminal--was combined with the Port of Oakland's requirements and a technology evaluation to develop a port-wide security strategy and action plan.

The Challenges
The Port of Oakland identified a need to implement new port security guidelines and asked ESC to prepare a study outlining recommended guidelines and the estimated costs associated with their implementation. The response focused on guidelines regarding video surveillance systems and intrusion detection. The recommendations addressed the Port of Oakland's challenges in complying with new Coast Guard guidelines in the areas of:

• Overall port security assessment approach
• Requirements for the security system
• System design and technologies
• Cost and time estimates for implementing the recommended system

How ESC Helped
ESC provided its expertise in integrated software solutions and hardware for managing operations relating to security, access, logistical, and video control. The ESC team's extensive knowledge is garnered from collective experience in marine terminal operations, marine terminal security, electronic security systems, audio and video hardware and software, biometrics hardware and software, government projects, and engineering and software development.

Working collaboratively with Port officials, U.S. Customs officials, and the U.S. Coast Guard, ESC gathered requirements, analyzed data, designed systems, and provided cost estimates to implement an impressive port-wide video and intrusion detection system for the Port of Oakland.

ESC provided the Port of Oakland with analysis and recommendations to meet U.S. Coast Guard Security Guidelines. The recommendations required conducting individual site surveys for each terminal to assess the current state as well as make recommendations for improvements.

The Result
Through ESC's security analysis of available technology, site surveys and clear understanding of the port's requirements, the Port of Oakland was able to proceed with its application for port security plan funding. In July of 2002, the Port of Oakland received an initial installment of nearly $4.9 million in Federal port security funds for system improvements in video surveillance, intrusion detection, automated gate access, and emergency communications.

The Port of Oakland is currently implementing intrusion detection, access control, and digital video monitoring systems. Upon completion of these initiatives, the Port of Oakland will meet the Level I requirements stipulated by the U.S. Coast Guard's Security Guidelines for Waterfront Facilities, "Alarms and Video Surveillance," which are in line with and support the provisions contained within United States Homeland Security Act of 2002. The Port of Oakland now boasts a stronger infrastructure to support future perimeter security and intrusion system plans.

ESC Contact
Ed Schriger
Embarcadero Systems Corporation
1701 Harbor Bay Parkway
Alameda, CA 94502

Email:	edsc@esystem.com
Phone:	(510) 749-7436