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Volpe Journal 2003: Transportation and Security

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DR. RICHARD R. JOHN
Director
John A. Volpe National Transportation Systems Center

Photo by Brad Schneider

his issue of the Volpe Journal focuses on our work in the security arena. The Volpe Center's approach to security work characterizes our general problem-solving methodology: we ask the right focused questions, foster innovative solutions, and offer informed viewpoints based on critical thinking.

This Journal highlights significant examples of our security work over the last thirty years and presents the theoretical foundations of our work. The Volpe Center is not just involved in technology research and development. We also look at the overall objectives of each endeavor and ensure that security approaches serve those purposes and are also useful to society.

Our security work falls into three main areas corresponding with our theoretical approach. First, identifying and understanding vulnerabilities (physical and cyber) and supporting the development of robust and flexible mitigation systems. Next, lessons can be learned from how past events have been managed. Analyzing previous disasters as well as terrorist attacks provides us with information that helps prevent or lessen the impact of future incidents. Finally, preparedness planning in response to previous disasters can help ensure that response, management, and support teams are knowledgeable, trained, equipped, and ready for the unique challenges presented by a disaster or attack.

Individuals and organizations posing security threats to our country have demonstrated their ability to change their tactics and introduce an element of surprise into their attacks. In responding to their threats, we must have the same flexibility and ability to think faster than our adversaries. Just as security threats evolve, so too, must our approaches to the problem. The Volpe Center has, for over thirty years, demonstrated this flexibility and we continue to take pride in responding to the challenge of our times.

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