South Florida’s Port Everglades Considers Private Contractors Over County Sheriff

As September 11, 2001 fades into memory for some and the economy continues to produce low revenue, more ports and facilities will look to security to cut overall operating expenses. Seeing the impact of post 9/11 security costs from this single port, $4 million prior to the attack and $25 million after, it’s tough to be critical of any practice they consider for the chopping block a decade later. The cost estimate doesn’t take port expansion or other factors into account, but that significant of an increase shows the shift in focus for port managers following the attacks.

Although expenses need to be reviewed and scrutinized in the current economic situation, I would caution any port, facility, business, etc to make decisions based on complacency, on the fact there hasn’t been another successful large scale attack. The threat is still present, the ideology continues to spread, and the fight is ongoing.

More than 70 Broward Sheriff’s Office employees working at Port Everglades could be replaced with private guards under a cost-cutting proposal from seaport administrators that union leaders say could jeopardize security. The port’s plan calls for eliminating all of its Sheriff’s Office community service aides, civilian employees who staff the four entrance gates, direct traffic and patrol what is on track to become the world’s largest cruise hub. Replacing them with guards from the private sector could shave about $2.5 million yearly from the port’s budget, said Port Director Phillip Allen. Allen said he’s attempting to “right size” port security, but the union representing the community service aides questions whether the change would expose the port to heightened threats, including terrorism. The Federation of Public Employees argues that private guards lack the aides’ training and sense of professionalism.

“Anyone seriously viewing such private security guards as being capable of properly protecting our seaport … against infiltration by organized crime networks and as potential terrorist targets has simply failed to do the necessary research,” Scott Perrin, a master steward for the union, wrote the Broward County Commission. In recent years, community service aides have identified stolen vehicles and stopped weapons from getting into the port. If the port moves forward with its privatization plan, BSO would be forced to lay off 79 of its 232 aides on a last-hired, first-fired basis, Sheriff Al Lamberti said.

Port administrators also are scrutinizing whether they need 57 deputies working there as called for by the port’s contract with BSO, which expires Oct. 1. The Sheriff’s Office, security, fire-rescue and emergency services, account for 34 percent of the port’s operating expenses. Lamberti said one of the port’s proposals for cutting costs is to eliminate as many as 30 deputy positions. Allen said the number being considered is nowhere near that high, but declined to elaborate, saying he didn’t want to negotiate through the media.

The decisions about port security ultimately must be made by the Broward County Commission as it sets next year’s budget. Port Everglades is an economic powerhouse generating $14 billion in business activity statewide and impacting an estimated 143,185 jobs. The entry point for South Florida’s gasoline and diesel fuel, if it were shut down the region’s transportation system would be crippled.

Just a decade ago, access to the port was open, with people able to drive through it to get to the beach. But in the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorism attack, screening measures were put in place and the security budget swelled from $4 million to about $25 million. Port Everglades is the only one of Florida’s 14 seaports that contracts with local law enforcement to staff its gates. Port of Miami uses its own employees, while the other ports hire private security firms, said Michael Rubin, vice president of the Florida Ports Council, a trade organization.

Allen said it makes economic sense to shift to private security firms that perform similar jobs at other ports. Private security firms already work at Port Everglades in the cruise terminals and cargo yards, he said. “It’s not a matter of performance issues [with the community service aides],” Allen said. “It’s a matter of cost and how can we spend the dollars wisely. … We have reduced our operating expenses the last three years with the exception of BSO. Now it is time for contract renewal, it is time for reducing security costs.”

Fred McCrone, a business representative for the aides’ union, said that by contracting out security, the port could be left with low-paid, relatively inexperienced guards deciding who is allowed entry. The number of people guarding the port could be reduced if Port Everglades administrators focused on installing new security equipment, especially for a “failing camera system,” McCrone said. He said that of the 413 security cameras at the port, as many as half are routinely out of operation. Allen called those numbers inaccurate, and said that of the port’s approximately 300 cameras, fewer than 20 currently require maintenance.

Sheriff Al Lamberti said he has a good relationship with port officials and that contract negotiations are still under way. He said he’s concerned how a private security firm would work with BSO and other law enforcement agencies, including Coast Guard, Border Patrol and the Drug Enforcement Administration, present at the port. He pointed to how in December 2008, one of his community service aides recognized two men wanted in the Dunkin’ Donut robbery spree as they tried to enter Port Everglades to board a ship for the Bahamas. The aide tipped off a Sheriff’s deputy and the suspects were arrested at the checkpoint. “If a private security company was on that gate, those guys probably would have made it through the gate and out of the country,” Lamberti said.

Sun Sentinel