Insights / Blog

Does Doubling the Size of the Panama Canal Mean Doubling the Threat?

 

Does Doubling the Size of the Panama Canal Mean Doubling the Threat?

By 2020, the volume of trade that flows through the Panama Canal could double. With more and larger ships transiting through the Canal, the economic possibilities are exciting. At the same time, agencies with trade and maritime security responsibilities face unprecedented volumes of transactions and inspections and both known and unknown threats.

Risk-based approaches to zeroing in on threats are more important than ever. Agencies such as Customs and Border Protection and the U.S. Coast Guard are sure to take a disciplined approach to vulnerability assessments, identifying the highest risk threats to security to our borders and ports. For example, a security incident in the Canal could have catastrophic impacts on current trade volumes and its future trade capacity. Alternatively, as the East and Gulf Coasts experience rising trade volumes, key ports of entry in the U.S. must anticipate an increased number of evolving threats

How can the homeland security ecosystem of Government (Federal, state, and local levels) and private sector stakeholders prepare for the future threat of the Panama Canal expansion?  Here are some ideas:

  • Conduct vulnerability assessments (physical and logical) to anticipate the threats based on the volume
  • Conduct carefully-planned cross-organization anti-trafficking and counterterrorism exercises (table top and full scale operational exercises)
  • Build trade models and simulate the threat impacts to identify further security gaps
  • Develop risk-based port security and information strategies to close security gaps cost effectively
  • Apply lessons learned from exercises and implement cross-agency strategies
  • Measure the effectiveness of the implementation and identify continuous improvements
  • Share information, strategies, and lessons learned across key Government and private sector stakeholders

Risk-based strategies, information sharing across key stakeholders, and strong stakeholder partnerships are essential to the success of the expansion, and to protecting the Canal’s economic potential. The region and our nation depend on its success from an economic and security point of view.

Blog Border Security Terrorism

Contributors

Lynn Ann Casey |

Global thought leader and Founder and CEO of Arc Aspicio, Lynn Ann Casey brings unique passion and insight to Government’s toughest challenges including in homeland security, border and transportation security, emergency management, and law enforcement. She is committed to partnering with governments worldwide to think differently, act strategically, innovate and explore, and deliver mission results in partnership with their employees and stakeholders.

Meet Lynn Ann  |  View all Insights by Lynn Ann

△
Using AI to Reimagine the Museum Experience

Using AI to Reimagine the Museum Experience

As technology rapidly changes and AI tools and usage increase, there is an opportunity for museums to harness AI, both to improve access to their expansive collections and to improve the visitor experience. For example, the Smithsonian Institution, the world’s largest museum and research complex, holds unparalleled collections, totaling over 157 million artifacts, of which only 1% are on display.  

→
Corban von Ouhl
Countering Deepfake Threats in Emergency Communication

Countering Deepfake Threats in Emergency Communication

Deepfakes are no longer a distant thought but a real-life danger to emergency communications. A fake video of a mayor ordering an evacuation or a cloned voice posing as a 911 dispatcher can derail crisis responses and incite public panic in an instant. Fabricated alerts strike at the core of emergency management by undermining the clear and trusted communications that responders and citizens rely on.

→
DJ Davis
,
Five Steps to Creating a Culture of Data Literacy in Your Organization

Five Steps to Creating a Culture of Data Literacy in Your Organization

Data literacy has become a core capability for Government agencies seeking to improve informed decision-making, accountability, and public trust. As agencies manage increasingly complex programs and growing volumes of data, empowering staff at all levels to understand and use data is essential to mission success. Building a culture of data literacy calls for intentional investments in access, skills, governance, and incentives. These five steps outline practical, proven ways agencies can strengthen data literacy and embed data-driven practices across their workforce.

→
Arc Aspicio
,
Map Your Community's Hidden Resources Before a Disaster Strikes

Map Your Community's Hidden Resources Before a Disaster Strikes

Every neighborhood has untapped skills and resources that become critical during an emergency. Consider the street you live on. Do you know which of your neighbors has medical expertise? If someone owns a generator? Or if anyone can operate a ham radio? Having this information will help your community respond more effectively during the first hours of a disaster, when emergency services are often stretched thin and may not reach everyone immediately.

→
Clare Casper
Building Trust in Government through Accessible Information for the Public

Building Trust in Government through Accessible Information for the Public

More than one in four Americans have a disability according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Federal compliance with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 increases the reach of Government by making Federal programs and resources accessible to all. To achieve 508 compliance, digital products must adhere to industry-wide standards for color contrast, alternate text, and PDF tags. 508 compliance is about more than just adhering to regulations – it gives everyone a fair chance to apply for benefits and stay informed.

→
Arc Aspicio
Using AI to Strengthen Local Jurisdictions Against Human Trafficking

Using AI to Strengthen Local Jurisdictions Against Human Trafficking

Combating human trafficking requires sensitivity to the experiences of victims, whose trauma and fear can make identification and cooperation especially challenging. Significant resources and coordination must be managed across jurisdictions for law enforcement agencies and non-profit organizations to detect and investigate these complex crimes. Because of the significant resources and energy required, small and local jurisdictions often lack the capacity to identify, investigate, and prosecute these crimes.

→
Arc Aspicio
,
When Every Moment Counts: How FEMA Works with State, Local, Tribal, and Territorial Stakeholders

When Every Moment Counts: How FEMA Works with State, Local, Tribal, and Territorial Stakeholders

Disaster management is a complex undertaking, one that requires smooth operation across all levels of the Government. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) works with a network of emergency managers and other stakeholders before, during, and after natural disasters, including state, local, tribal, and territorial (SLTT) Government agencies. Each SLTT agency’s circumstances are unique, including their knowledge base, budget, resources, and relationships with other Government agencies.

→
Arc Aspicio
From Checkpoints to Confidence: Building Security Through Public Trust

From Checkpoints to Confidence: Building Security Through Public Trust

Strong border security measures depend on earning the public’s trust and therefore, public cooperation. Recent updates to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) procedures highlight how small adjustments can have significant impact when it comes to building this trust. Changes such as eliminating the need for passengers to remove shoes or laptops under certain conditions not only reduce delays but also demonstrate responsiveness to the concerns of travelers. These shifts improve efficiency while sending a message: Security can adapt to meet both safety requirements and public expectations.

→
Connor Fahey
Culture is the Strategy Engine: Empowering Managers to Lead with Data

Culture is the Strategy Engine: Empowering Managers to Lead with Data

Strategy is a set of decisions about what an organization will – and will not – do to achieve its goals. The larger the organization, the more challenging it is to implement a strategy. A clear, well-understood strategy helps focus resources and effort on an organization’s most important priorities. Culture, however, is the key to making strategy happen, especially in large, complex organizations like the Federal Government.

→
Lynn Ann Casey
,
Picture This: How Information Graphics Tell a Story to Key Stakeholders

Picture This: How Information Graphics Tell a Story to Key Stakeholders

Effective communication is essential for Government program leaders, especially when conveying complex or mission-critical information to stakeholders. While traditional methods like written or spoken updates can fall short, infographics offer a powerful alternative by making data more accessible, memorable, and engaging. By mastering the key principles of infographics in storytelling, leaders can transform stakeholder communication. Using well-crafted infographics not only enhances clarity but also drives stronger project outcomes.

→
Arc Aspicio
,
Taking a Human-centered Approach to Address Challenges at our Border

Taking a Human-centered Approach to Address Challenges at our Border

In today’s global landscape – shaped by increased migration, globalization, and evolving security concerns – agencies like U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) must balance national security with the efficient processing of individuals entering the country lawfully. To manage risk and maintain security, CBP can continue to prioritize the needs of travelers who must enter the country quickly by taking a human-centered approach.

→
Arc Aspicio
, ,
Enhancing Homeland Security Operations with GenAI

Enhancing Homeland Security Operations with GenAI

Every month, artificial intelligence (AI) increases in both popularity and capability. AI refers to a computer’s ability to perform automated tasks in a manner that mimics human intelligence. In today’s fast-paced environment, AI provides Federal agencies with a solution to reduce time spent on repetitive tasks (e.g., data entry and analysis) to prioritize complex, mission-critical work.

→
Arc Aspicio
, ,