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Office of External Affairs |
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| News Release |
Date: June 6, 2009 713-387-7360 |
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Maritime law enforcement stakeholders meet |
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HOUSTON – U.S. Customs and Border Protection together with U.S. Coast Guard brought several law enforcement officials from federal, state and local agencies involved with maritime security in its first-ever Maritime Law Enforcement Conference May 27-28. The Houston- Galveston Seaport is the number one port for foreign vessel arrivals in the nation and with such a distinction, comes a certain level of risk that a joint-agency approach easily mitigates. “Our goal is to reinforce our communication lines between all maritime law enforcement stakeholders,” said Jeffrey O. Baldwin Sr., director, Customs and Border Protection Houston Field Office. “We all want to work together as a team and identify ways to effectively respond to threats from natural to international acts against our nation and community.” The Maritime conference offered a venue for participants to discuss their mission, capabilities and to recognize any challenges the agencies can mitigate to respond effectively to a maritime threat. “I really appreciated being invited to the conference,” said David Gomez, CBP field technology supervisor. “I was able to see what type of communication equipment other agencies are using and how I can assist CBP in overcoming any communication challenges we may face.” Joint-agency activities between CBP and the USCG enhance their abilities to perform their respective missions. Activities such as marine patrols, air support and high-risk vessel boarding are examples of the two agencies teaming up. “Our partnership with the Coast Guard has increased our ability to coordinate our responses to threats in Houston and surrounding areas,” said Michael Sinclair, area port director, CBP Houston Field Office. “During joint operations of terminal sweeps, there are individuals who attempt to evade CBP officers by jumping in the water, our Coast Guard partners are able to swing around in their vessels and haul them in from the water. This allows us to interview and process any individual looking to evade CBP.” This conference not only highlighted equipment from the participating agencies, it also provided a forum to identify ideas and suggest improvements that will enhance their ability to work together in protecting our nation. Some topics covered included radiation detection, marine pollution, agro/bioterrorism and patrol strategies. “Over the next weeks and months, we will build on the communication and recommendations that were developed in the maritime conference,” said Capt. Marcus Woodring, USCG deputy commander, sector Houston-Galveston. “It is the Coast Guard’s and CBP's determination that we work together to build strong communication lines in the community.” At the end of the conference, participants were impressed with each agency’s capabilities. Participating agencies look forward to working together to effectively protect the nation. ### Saving Lives and Guarding the Coast Since 1790.
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