TVRA and Application to a Transit Center: A Case History Study

Threat, vulnerability, and risk assessment (TVRA) is a primary pillar in any security program. The TVRA lays the foundation for several steps to a comprehensive security program that might cover technology investment, network security, drone detection/monitoring, active shooter planning, emergency preparedness, mutual aid agreements, and business continuity. The goal of the TVRA is to utilize limited security resources to maximize risk reduction and provide no-cost or low-cost options first before going directly into capital investment. This article will discuss the development of a customized TVRA mythology for a typical intermodal transit center. The process will include development of site-specific hazards, acceptable performance criteria for each hazard, vulnerability assessment, consequence assessment, and finally risk assessment. Mitigation strategies are customized for specific hazard that produce consequences not satisfying the performance criteria. The TVRA is followed by a cost/benefit analysis to select the most cost-effective mitigation strategy. Workshop sessions, that involve end-users and other stakeholders, are a crucial step in the development of a successful TVRA.