NCJ Number
88983
Date Published
1983
Length
13 pages
Annotation
Security for particularly valuable cargo should be concerned with the following aspects: storage, documentation, accountability, trackability, transportation, and dealing with a loss.
Abstract
Methods of storing items of extraordinary value are dependent on the physical nature of the item, the item's determined value, and various operational considerations. From these factors, it is possible to select an appropriate physical storage area, determine the type of security that the area will require (alarms and guards), and which personnel will have access to and responsibility for the area. One of the most important aspects of securing high-value freight is proper documentation. Without proper documentation, it cannot be determined if something is missing. Documentation begins when the freight enters the company's custody, and logs of items entering and leaving the secured area must be kept. Although a number of persons may have access to the secured storage area, only one person should be charged with ensuring that proper procedures are being followed and that proper inventory control is maintained. Records should make it possible to determine the routing or handling of any single item. Further, the logs should indicate the persons responsible for handling the merchandise at each handling stage. The transportation mode must be selected based upon the risk involved and other factors unique to an operation. The goal in selecting a transportation mode is to ensure that the risk is properly managed within the operational constraints of the organization. A typical plan for dealing with a loss would include notification of police and management, interviews with involved persons, notification of the insurance carrier, a determination of the amount of loss, identification of serial numbers on the items, advising the customer and arranging for replacement, writing of a loss report, and followup.