Critical Infrastructure Risk & Resiliency

• In Event: State Crime and Beyond

Abstract

Critical infrastructure is too vast and complex to protect everything. Protection of vital infrastructures such as food, water and energy are essential to daily life. Knowing America has finite resources, it is imperative to identify critical nodes, cities and infrastructures vulnerable to disruption. The current study uses Risk Terrain Modeling to assess the critical infrastructure risk matrix in one of the nation’s top logistic hubs: Los Angeles, CA. Differential risk for critical infrastructures was assessed; critical nodes and vulnerable communities were identified. If critical nodes were attacked by terrorists, or hit by a natural disaster, Los Angeles and surrounding communities would be significantly disrupted. Geospatial analysis helped understand local variability in the Los Angeles threat and ways to contain such a disruption. RTM utilized geography to pinpoint at-risk areas and enhance the understanding of terrorism risk to critical infrastructures. Criminal analytical techniques combined with geospatial analysis have the capability to process, analyze, and visualize information, as well as respond to threats – whether from natural events or violent activity. Assessing the United States’ critical infrastructure risk only improves the overall protection and resiliency of our nation’s cities, wherever vulnerable, whatever the threat.

Author

• Danielle M. Rusnak, Rutgers University