Nuclear facilities may eliminate use of private guards

Jun 1, 2004 12:00 PM

After a rash of security lapses, the U.S. Energy Department is looking to create an elite force of federal guards to protect plutonium and weapons-usable uranium from terrorists, while also moving some of the material to more secure areas, The Associated Press reports.

Energy Secretary Spencer Abraham has outlined a sweeping set of proposals to increase security at nearly a dozen government facilities that hold highly radioactive material that could be used to fashion a crude nuclear device.

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 that prompted his call for new security measures.

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.

The Energy Department is looking closely at creating a federal police force to guard nuclear weapons facilities and establishing a specially trained “elite” force to protect areas with the most sensitive nuclear weapons material, Abraham reported.

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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