Nuclear Site Guard Force Considered

[seemslikeadream]

Abraham cited "poor performance" in mock security exercises at some weapons sites and other lapses -- such as lost keys to secure areas -- and shortcomings in training to buttress his call for new security measures. Although rare, he said, such lapses are unacceptable.

A department audit recently found guards at one facility cheating in mock tests by obtaining advance information about an assault during a test. Another investigation found guards inadequately trained in such basic tasks as using a shotgun.

For the first time, the Energy Department is closely considering creating a federal police force to guard nuclear weapons facilities and establish a specially trained force to protect areas with the most sensitive nuclear weapons material, Abraham said.

The sites, including federal weapons labs and other facilities such as the Savannah River complex where Abraham spoke, now are guarded by private contractors. The number of guards is classified.

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http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A9346-2004May7.html