The Development and Current Activities of the DOE 'I & E' Program

We have been constantly reminded over recent years that safety and security are not to be taken for granted. Seemingly normal situations suddenly erupt into hideous events which focus the mind on the consequences of lapses in security or gaps in our defenses. These events range from terrorist outrages at airports, the Marine Barracks at Beirut, to shuttle accidents. The Department of Energy has about sixty installations and interconnecting transportation which, in one way or another and to different degrees, are potentially at risk. Some of these installations are particularly sensitive, and a breach of security could create serious consequences. We recognize that we are by no means immune from threat, be it from terrorist, espionage, disgruntled employees, or just downright complacency.