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Report of Task Force on Security

HARRISBURG (Nov. 20) -- Building on the already solid foundation Pennsylvania has established in the fight against terrorism, Gov. Mark Schweiker today received the final report of his Task Force on Security, which he charged with assessing the Commonwealth's overall state of readiness and generating recommendations on a comprehensive anti-terrorism strategy.

In receiving the report, Gov. Schweiker praised the professionalism and commitment of the 13-member task force, pledging to work with them and all Pennsylvanians in making the Commonwealth's communities more safe and secure. "One day after I took the oath of office, I created this Task Force on Security to help fulfill my No. 1 priority -- the safety and security of all Pennsylvanians," Gov. Schweiker said.

"Forty-five days later, the task force has completed its mission, delivering to me a comprehensive report assessing where we stand today in protecting our citizens and communities, and recommending actions that can strengthen the Commonwealth's homeland-security posture."

"There is no question that this is the most important issue confronting Pennsylvania and the nation today. I intend to take the next several days to review the report -- from top to bottom -- and then begin discussions with state, community and emergency management leaders on what additional steps we can take to further protect Pennsylvania against future terrorist acts."

Gov. Schweiker noted that while the task force was comprised of 13 members, more than 150 people were involved in drafting the report. "On behalf of a grateful Commonwealth, I congratulate Chairman David Smith, task force members and sub-committee members on a job well-done, and express our deepest appreciation for their service and ongoing commitment to our Commonwealth."

Reaffirming that Pennsylvania's poise and readiness remains high, Gov. Schweiker said the task force's leadership already had prompted several actions in the realm of public safety and communication. To that end, Gov. Schweiker today announced a new website that will provide quick access to updated information on public safety and security efforts.

The site can be found on the PA PowerPort at www.state.pa.us, PA Keyword: "Homeland Security." Additional actions already taken as a result of the formation of the task force include:

  • Pennsylvania National Guard troops and additional Pennsylvania State Police troopers were deployed to nuclear power plants and airports to bolster security;
  • State Police Commissioner Paul J. Evanko visited and surveyed each of the five nuclear power plants, resulting in a recommendation for enhanced security at the plants by the operators, the National Guard and State Police;
  • In addition to the Homeland Security website, the Administration launched a special website for use by Commonwealth employees seeking guidance on security, mail-handling and similar issues;
  • Several state agencies jointly prepared a comprehensive catalog of available terrorism readiness and response courses for distribution to the Commonwealth's first responders;
  • The Department of Health laboratory in Southeast Pennsylvania expanded hours to accommodate state and federal analysis needs in dealing with a large number of suspected Anthrax threats;
  • The departments of Administration and General Services are providing leadership in efforts to ensure that all state-agency facilities have up-to-date emergency recovery plans and that employees are trained regularly in their implementation;
  • The Attorney General coordinated a benchmark meeting with the U.S. Attorneys serving Pennsylvania to ensure coordination between state and federal efforts and to provide information concerning the Commonwealth's regional counter-terrorism task force initiatives;
  • Working with the Department of General Services, the Office of Comptroller, the Office of General Counsel and others, the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) initiated an expedited process to acquire and distribute first-responder equipment purchased with federal Office of Justice Programs funding to task-force response units;
  • The Pubic Utility Commission, State Police, Department of Environmental Protection and other agencies assisted federal efforts to identify critical infrastructure facilities within the Commonwealth;
  • The Department of Health developed, implemented and expanded "Fax Blast" and e-mail capabilities in order to provide advisories and other information to the Healthcare and First Responder communities; and
  • The Attorney General and the State Police Commissioner initiated efforts to deter "hoax" threats against Pennsylvania's schools, business and governmental facilities.

"In the fight against terrorism, Pennsylvania is not standing still," Gov. Schweiker said. "As we've done all along, Pennsylvania continues to move swiftly to increase security as needed and to address public-safety concerns. "As a Commonwealth, we are addressing everything from protecting critical infrastructure such as nuclear power plants, water supplies and airports to reviewing and enhancing state and local emergency plans. Pennsylvania is regarded as a national leader in anti-terrorism planning and emergency preparedness. Today's report allows us to build on an already solid foundation."

As his first official act, Gov. Schweiker signed an Executive Order on Oct. 6 establishing the Governor's Task Force on Security. He appointed 13 members to the task force:

  • David Smith, Director of the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency;
  • Brian Copley, Erie County Deputy Sheriff;
  • Lt. Fred Endrikat, Task Force Leader, Pennsylvania Urban Search and Rescue 1;
  • Col. Paul J. Evanko, Commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Police;
  • Mike Fisher, Attorney General of Pennsylvania;
  • David E. Hess, Secretary of Environmental Protection;
  • Maj. Gen. William B. Lynch, Secretary of Military and Veterans' Affairs;
  • Rich Matason, Director, Westmoreland County Public Safety;
  • Luis Mendoza, Lancaster City Councilman;
  • Sen. Jeffrey Piccola (R-Dauphin);
  • Rep. Tina Pickett (R-Bradford/Susquehanna);
  • Glen Thomas, Chairman of the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission;
  • Robert S. Zimmerman, Secretary of Health.

Other security measures taken by the Commonwealth since Sept. 11 include:

  • Extending the deployment of National Guard at the nuclear facilities after the U.S. Justice Department announced its high state of alert would remain in place beyond Nov. 7;
  • Responding to a request by President George W. Bush, Pennsylvania ordered deployment of National Guard and Pennsylvania State Troopers to 16 Pennsylvania airports;
  • Randomly stopping vehicles carrying hazardous materials;
  • Calling on the General Assembly to pass legislation adding 100 troopers to help protect Pennsylvania's highways and communities;
  • Unveiling "PA Secure Online," the latest initiative to make the award- winning PA PowerPort the most secure portal in the nation. Although PA PowerPort already is among the safest in the nation, PA Secure Online will enhance security by:
    • Establishing an ombudsman to ensure all state agencies are in compliance with Pennsylvania's privacy policies, as well as federal restrictions regarding the use, storage and access to data;
    • Launching a "Cyber Academy" to educate state officials on detecting threats to cyber-security, as well as to train investigators techniques for apprehending computer criminals, or "hackers"; and
    • Calling for amending the Crimes Code to address 21st Century cybercrimes, specifically addressing crimes committed by hackers, and allowing for law enforcement to reach across jurisdictional lines.