ADT to Install $4.75M Security System at Port of Oakland

The Port of Oakland announced today the award of a $4.75 million maritime security enhancement contract to Florida-based ADT Security Services, Inc., a unit of Tyco Fire & Security. Under the contract, ADT will install an integrated security system using advanced technology to assist the Port of Oakland, the nation's fourth busiest container port, in its overall security assessment and improvement program. The contract is being funded through a 2002 seaport security grant award from the federal Transportation Security Administration. The contract calls for a comprehensive system design: automated access control, video surveillance, perimeter intrusion detection, as well as an integrated communications infrastructure. The design is 100 percent complete for two of the marine terminals and installation is scheduled to begin immediately. "Maintaining the safety and security of Port workers and visitors, and the integrity of our seaport operations are of paramount importance," said Tay Yoshitani, executive director of the Port of Oakland. Yoshitani added, "This contract provides us an exciting opportunity to harness ADT's renowned experience and expertise and the latest technologies available to deliver a superior integrated security operation at our maritime terminals." Working with another Tyco International unit, Earth Tech, Inc., ADT engineered the communications infrastructure primarily through the use of proven encrypted wireless technologies. A wireless network eliminated the need for 31 miles of trenching and attendant interruptions of terminal operations thus saving millions of dollars in labor and expense. "By value engineering the project, ADT and Earth Tech created a solution that fit the Port's budget and still allows it to accomplish security goals consistent with federal Homeland Security initiatives," said Mike Snyder, president of ADT Security Services, Inc. "We are committed to the use of innovative wireless technologies to help us improve our security operations in a fiscally responsible manner," said Jerry Bridges, director of the Port's Maritime Division. Rob Costello, president of Earth Tech's Global Facilities & Infrastructure division, said that the project is "one of several security enhancements being made at the Port. Our design, construction and program management expertise, along with ADT's expertise in security applications, provide the Port with the most innovative security technologies." The integrated security management technology will provide terminal operators for the 10 port terminals included in the contract with firewalled, password-protected command and control capabilities through a web-enabled remote management system. This creates the ability to rapidly share video and data with local, state and federal enforcement agencies that have police jurisdiction over the Port of Oakland, including the U.S. Coast Guard, the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection and local law enforcement agencies (California Highway Patrol, Alameda County Sheriff's Department, and the Oakland Police Department).