• About ISE
• ISE Programs
  • Homeland Security
  • Safety & Justice
  • Environment, Energy, & Economic Development
  • Transportation, Space, & Technology
• ISE Centers
  • Center for Health and Safety in the Workplace
  • Center on Quality Policing
  • Criminal Justice Center
  • Drug Policy Research Center
  • Supply Chain Policy Center
• ISE Projects & Resources
• Publications

Featured Publication

Evaluating the Viability of 100 Per Cent Container Inspection at America’s Ports

By Susan E. Martonosi, David S. Ortiz and Henry H. Willis

Chapter 12 of The Economic Impacts Of Terrorist Attacks

As part of a recently published book edited by Harry W. Richardson, Peter Gordon, and James E. Moore II, this chapter presents a cost-benefit analysis of scanning 100 percent of incoming seaborne cargo containers at U.S. ports.

Currently, approximately 5 percent of containers arriving at U.S. seaports are inspected, first by scanning with an x-ray or gamma ray device, followed by hand inspection in some cases. Congress is currently debating proposals to require that all incoming cargo containers be scanned.

This analysis considers three strategies for 100 percent scanning: the application of currently available technology, the application of technology with a faster rate of scanning, and the application of faster and more accurate technology that reduces the number of physical inspections that are required. The cost analysis includes equipment acquisition, operations and maintenance, and freight delays. The benefit of a policy is the avoidance of a terrorist attack of a certain magnitude, measured in terms of total economic damage.

The authors find that 100 percent scanning of inbound containers is not feasible with current technology because of the space and personnel requirements associated with the scanning and hand inspection stations. As technology and processes are improved, reducing the requirements for physical inspections, these policies appear to be cost effective when the consequences of a terrorist attack via a container approach $10 billion.

Full Document

David Ortiz's Biography (RAND Experts Guide)

Henry Willis's Biography (RAND Experts Guide)