NCJ Number
80879
Date Published
1972
Length
66 pages
Annotation
This manual presents guidelines to help transportation managers reduce cargo theft and pilferage and covers physical security measures, personnel controls, protecting cargo on the move, and the duties of security officers.
Abstract
A Department of Transportation analysis has shown that about 85 percent of goods and materials stolen go out the 'front gates' on persons or vehicles authorized to be loading and unloading in transportation facilities. Clothing, electrical appliances, automotive parts, food products, hardware, jewelry, tobacco products, scientific instruments, and alcoholic beverages make up about 80 percent of the total national losses due to theft and pilferage. Transportation managers must know the high loss items at their locations and take steps to reduce the increasing problems of theft. Basic considerations that should be addressed in a security plan are discussed, such as accountability procedures, vulnerable areas, and common patterns of theft and pilferage. Methods to control personnel through pre-employment screening and identification systems are detailed, as are techniques to control areas within the transportation facility. Also discussed are physical barriers such as fencing and locks, protective lighting systems, are critical to a program's success and lists duties, qualifications, and organizational options. Advantages and disadvantages of sentry dogs are explored. Other suggestions focus on protecting cargo during shipment, at transfer points, and in storage. Finally, the guidelines consider the major responsibities of the security officer regarding surveys, investigations, and employee education. The appendixes contain a summary of recommended physical and procedural matters essential to cargo security and a checklist of questions for a security survey.