Incorporating Transportation Security Awareness into Routine State DOT Operations and Training (2014)

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10 Mainstreaming all-hazards security awareness in transportation agencies today is a challenge. This section provides methods for promoting security awareness within a state DOT. The techniques included have been found effective and can be relatively inexpensive to implement. General tips for keeping security in the front of employees’ minds include: • Looking for opportunities to tell the security story. • Taking easy steps that remind people about security. • Keeping messages short and simple. • Repeating messages to support retention. Specific approaches to incorporate security awareness into routine state DOT operations and training include: 1. Suggesting that senior leaders and management include security awareness in all their communications to employees. • Senior leadership can discuss security at every opportunity, for example, closing every meeting with a security reminder such as “Security is everybody’s business” or “If you see something, say something.” • Management and supervisors can talk about security at regular meetings, such as reminding employees to follow good security practices and procedures or discussing how to integrate security into daily work routines—for example, including security sweeps in pre- and post-trip vehicle inspections and always checking depots for suspicious activity, packages, or devices. 2. Discussing security at the small unit level. • Managers and supervisors can establish a routine for discussing “things out of kilter” and the importance of security awareness. • “Tailgate” sessions can include security topics to highlight “things to look out for” or to focus on how to report unusual or suspicious people or items. The ideal is to highlight security along with safety as an essential part of the workplace routine. 3. Incorporating security awareness into existing training. • Security awareness can be included in new or existing employee training. A short 10–15 minute module on security awareness can be incorporated into the existing training session, or employees can be directed to Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) or DHS/TSA training materials. • Security awareness can be included in position-specific training where relevant. For example, Texas DOT incorporates awareness information into bridge inspector training, highlighting the need to be vigilant and to pass along information. The module includes what to look out S E C T I O N 4 Promoting Security Awareness within DOTs This section provides information on how to promote Security Awareness within state DOTs and other transportation agencies.

Promoting Security awareness within DOTs 11 for during inspections, such as noting suspicious graffiti or unusual damage on a bridge. The fracture-critical module includes information about the importance that nothing be placed on certain places on a bridge, and stresses being vigilant about looking for unusual or suspicious objects. 4. Including security awareness messages in regular agency internal communications and at special events. • Agency newsletters and email can be used to send awareness reminders and security tips. • Posters, in-box reminder sheets, and employee wallet cards with clear, well-communicated security messages and information can be distributed within the agency. As noted in the previous section, posters, employee handouts, and wallet cards are ideal methods to distribute the specifics of how to report any suspicious objects/people or security threats. • Occasional awareness messages can be attached to paychecks, inspections reports, and other relevant agency documents. • Highlighting secure work areas and practices at special events can keep employees motivated and aware.