A conversation with the new Chariman of NCSC
by Spring 2004 issue of E.J. Brooks Security Newsletter
David Jones, CPP, responds to six provocative cargo-security questions for 2004
EDITORS NOTE: We reviewed major issues facing cargo-security pros in the coming months, then posed six questions to the newly elected NCSC chairman, David Jones of Tommy Hilfiger USA Inc. His responses follow.
Q- National Cargo Security Council has become the most significant, all- encompassing cargo-security association in the world. Does NCSC plan to expand its scope and membership even more?
A- You are correct in that NCSC is the only organization that reaches across all avenues in the supply chain. As such, we need to broaden our base membership by reaching out to like-minded organizations so we can speak as one voice in gathering support in our fight against cargo crime. Cooperation is the key to determining how much headway we make in the coming years.
Q- Steps are under way to form Canadian, Mexican, Australian and other affiliates of NCSC. Should this be a major effort in 2004 and why?
A- Supply chain theft is a global problem and must be attacked from a global perspective. Just as we need to gather cooperative support for our fight on the domestic front, so too must we develop organizational support on a global level. With few exceptions, most U.S. companies deal on some level with goods or merchandise which originates overseas. The safe transport of this cargo is critical to our economic stability here at home. Developing NCSC international affiliates is key to developing a global strategy. Weve begun affiliate partnerships in Mexico and are planning our first Roundtable conference there this summer. Similar strategies are being explored for movement into Canada, Australia, Europe and the Far East. We will move cautiously to assure that we build a strong, meaningful affiliate program.
Q- NCSC uniquely has brought private-sector/govt. forces together. Will this concept grow and will you seek new, disparate groups to be coalitionists?
A- The short answer is yes. As we in the private sector coordinate our message, our voice will get louder and louder. We will promote the development of more multiagency task forces in law
enforcement to supply chain theft. Many excellent task forces operate in major cities across the US. They perform a valuable service. But in several instances, they are understaffed and underfunded. Just last year, NCSC led a major push and fund driving effort to keep the CargoCats task force in place in the LA area. Here you had a county with one of the best and most productive law enforcement task forces in the country, willing to flush the whole program due to lack of interest in funding. Private industry stepped up to the plate to save this program. Law-enforcement units recognize and understand the impact cargo crime has on the U.S. and world economy. Our goal is to make the people aware of how it affects their lives and their pocketbooks so pressure can be brought to bear in the political arenathats where funding decisions are made.
Q- Technology may well be the ultimate key to thwart cargo-security and terrorist threats. Will NCSC foster this solution in 2004?
A- Absolutely. Technological advancements will play a large part in the fight against cargo/supply chain theft. NCSC has a standing committee on Technology whose mission is to investigate, research and publicize the various technologies which are available in the fight against cargo crime. Many of our members are from companies that offer such products. It is important for end users of these technologies to keep in constant communication with the companies that supply these products so they can be continually modified and improved. NCSC will be holding its first seminar this spring directed solely at supply-chain theft prevention technologies.
Q- Aside from major port cities, most U.S. communities and whole regions know nothing about cargo-security problems. Should NCSC aim to increase awareness of the cargo-security and terrorists threats in every town and county?
A- Yes indeed. This is a major problem. Cargo theft isnt classified as sexy by mainstream media. It is not highlighted, so Americans know little about a problem that costs them so much. For example, last Fall 2003, investigators from the N.J. Attorney Generals office capped a major investigation into railroad crime which culminated in the capture the largest rail-theft gang in US history. Recoveries exceeded $5 million. Aside from some local coverage, this event was hardly a blip on the media radar screen. These cases happen all the time across the country. Huge cases are wrapped by Cargo Task Forces in all major markets, with little or no recognition. The FBI estimates that cargo-crime losses amount to an astounding $15 billion year. The general public needs to know they are footing the bill for these losses through higher product costs and taxes. Until there is an outcry from the public, politicians will be slow to act. Since 9/11 weve had an added elementterrorist threats with which to concern ourselves. This threat is a real catch 22 for U.S. companies. The trick is to develop a program which balances the probability of such an attack with the harm which shot gun or over-kill controls may have on the overall economy.
This is a tough one to tackle. There are many Chicken Little security pundits cautioning that this poses the worst threat to the world since the plague. The publics fears are played upon and politicians react rather than think. Again, the media can play a big role here by highlighting the protective measures being taken on a voluntary basis by many U.S. companies. Safety and threat issues must always remain a great concern, but crippling our economy with feel-good controls can be far more destructive to the health of our country.
Q- Budgets are tight with the private sector, industry associations, CBP, TSA and DHS in general. Can a neutral NCSC help sort this out and how?
A- Budgets are tight everywhere and, yes, we can help. A good example of such help occurred in the private sectorsaving of the L.A. Cargo Cats program. We are a volunteer organization, our time is donated by our companies.
Q- What does the 2004 NSCS officers, board and committees bring to the table....new ideas, new programs, new experience, new resolves?
A- The executive committee and Board read like a veritable Whos Who in supply-chain security. Indeed our entire membership is likewise formulated. Our board and committee chairs represent a cross section of supply-chain experts from cargo carriers, shippers/manufacturers, law-enforcement and support operations. The NCSC leaders and members with their prodigious body of experience and expertise already have proffered new ideas, new programs and, yes, new resolves. We can help also by sorting out needs and priorities with the help of the 26 associations and government agencies with whom weve affiliated. Together, theres so much we can do. A final word, please. NCSC has been a work in progress for 30-plus years, creating an ever-expanding circle of solutions to assure the safe and secure movement of the nations commerce. We are grateful for the devotion, expertise and creativity shown by previous NCSC leaders. We humbly accept the torch theyve passed to us.
About David Jones
David Jones of Tommy Hilfiger USA, Inc., Cranbury, N.J. was elected Chairman of the National Cargo Security Council (NCSC) for 2004. He will serve a one-year term beginning January 1. David previously chaired NCSCs Retail Cargo Security Committee for two years.
As Vice President, Corporate Loss Prevention and Security for Tommy Hilfiger USA, David is responsible for controlling all avenues of loss in both wholesale and retail operations. He has more than 30 years of loss-prevention experience with Bambergers/Macys, Tiffany & Co. and The Home Shopping Network. David is a Certified Protection Professional, as designated by the American Society for Industrial Security.