Testimony of Tom Robbins of Boston University in Connection with Proposed Ordinance on BSL-4 Research in the City of Boston
Good Afternoon, my name is Tom Robbins and I live at 30 South Pleasant Street in Merrimac Mass. I am the Executive Director of Public Safety for Boston University and I have been in my current position since 2006. As Executive Director, I oversee the Boston University police department, public safety department at the medical campus, and all aspects of NEIDL security, including the hiring and training of the armed security officers assigned to the NEIDL.
Prior to coming to Boston University, I spent 27 years with the Massachusetts State Police, culminating with my appointment as superintendent of the department. Shortly after the 9/11 attacks, I was tasked by the Governor of Massachusetts to take over as the Director of Aviation Security for Logan Airport. During my three-year tenure as Director of Security, my team developed many security firsts for Logan Airport, leading to the airport being recognized as a national leader in aviation security.
Most, if not all, of you have toured the NEIDL facility and seen first-hand the security and safety features embedded in all aspects of the research operations. On those tours, you have heard me talk about our highly trained security force, the round-the-clock surveillance, the cabled perimeter fencing, the iris scans, the restricted access points, and the joint exercises conducted with Boston public safety agencies. The security surrounding the NEIDL is not only extensive, but truly cultural. It’s part of everything that takes place within and around the building.
I could continue reading from a long list of sophisticated safety features, but what I want to talk about today are the two questions that I hear most often when it comes to security at the NEIDL. One, How are samples safely transported to the NEIDL? And two, How have we addressed the threat of a rogue scientist?
Let me start with our transportation plan. In response to community concerns, we have enhanced our plan with additional layers of security, well beyond current federal standards. The transportation flow chart you have before you spells out the process in detail, but let me give you an overview and dispel any misinformation.
It is anticipated that there will be approximately 15 Select Agent deliveries to the NEIDL in the first year and this number will decrease in subsequent years. All samples are driven to the NEIDL if they originate domestically. If they arrive internationally, then they are driven to the NEIDL from their point of entry. Strict U.S. Department of Transportation security protocols apply to all transports whether by ground, air, rail, or sea. At all times, deliveries will be closely controlled and monitored by internal and external public safety personnel.
(Demonstration) Now, onto the package itself. The sample size is miniscule, typically around a thimble-full. The sample is stored in a shatter-proof vial. That vial is wrapped in absorbent material and placed in a watertight, non-crushable tube. The tube is then placed in a rigid outer box, so it’s triple-packed, this is what the federal transportation protocols require. However, we go several steps further by placing the box in a hard case, equipping it with a GPS tracking device and strapping the case down in the middle of the carrier vehicle so it remains secure in case of an accident. (End of Demonstration)
It is equally important to note that we also instituted a two-driver rule as opposed to a single operator, so the package is never left unattended. Both drivers are thoroughly vetted and background-checked and their credentials sent ahead to NEIDL security for verification upon arrival. The vehicle, as well as the package, is GPS monitored. Again, that goes beyond federal requirements.
While the carrier company is required to track the shipment, we have set up our own secure web-based emergency operations center, which will monitor the package and vehicle at all times. All state and city public safety officials will have access to this web portal.
Also, our package is the only package in the vehicle so that no additional delivery stops are made. It’s a direct route from point of origin to destination. Again, this is only required by BU, not federal regulators. We will also notify the Mass. state police when the shipment reaches the Massachusetts state border and Boston Police when it approaches city limits. The routes of travel through Boston are determined by the BPD and police always have the option of escorting the vehicle to the NEIDL.
Upon arrival, the vehicle is put into a trap where it can neither move forward nor back while driver credentials are checked by a NEIDL security officer. A visual inspection of the vehicle and package is also made at this time. If there are no discrepancies, the vehicle can proceed to the loading dock, where a Bio-Safety Officer is waiting. The Bio-safety officer and a NEIDL security officer will escort the package to a prepared lab where the principal investigator—in full protective gear, of course—inspects the contents. If everything is in order, the drivers are then released. If there are discrepancies, the drivers are held and public safety authorities alerted. As has been noted before, among the 10 BSL-4 labs in the country, representing more than 100 years of combined experience, there has not been a single delivery-related incident or report of subsequent infection.
Now, onto the rogue scientist question. Believe me, the last place a malevolent researcher would want to work is at the NEIDL. All potential BSL-4 researchers are extensively background-checked. This includes a Department of Justice criminal background check and finger printing conducted by the FBI Bioterrorism Risk Assessment Group. In addition, BSL-4 researchers will undergo an extensive medical clearance process that includes psychological screening, drug screening, and an immunization review. Once vetted, no BSL-4 researcher will work alone with samples, our NEIDL guidelines call for a two-person rule when it comes to all lab work.
All NEIDL employees, including researchers, will undergo an annual evaluation to identify potential signs of behavioral risks resulting from medical, psychological, or social changes which may have occurred since the initial pre-access assessment.
Further, all employees with access to the NEIDL receive annual training designed to enhance their awareness of processes and procedures related to security and safety. That includes ample attention to Insider Threat Awareness. NEIDL employees learn how to effectively recognize and report behavioral changes that may affect an individual’s ability to perform his or her job in a safe and secure manner. A Personnel Suitability Team has been established to receive, evaluate, and respond to all concerns of safety and security.
In addition, the NEIDL has a robust video surveillance system throughout the facility, including the laboratories, and a strict inventory control system for tracking Select Agent use and storage. Lastly, our security protocols allow for exit screening of all personnel and packages prior to leaving the facility.
In all my experience and years in law enforcement and security, I have never seen a more well-planned and comprehensive security design and protocol as that in place for the NEIDL. Of equal, if not greater importance, are the people behind the designs and protocols. I am equally impressed by the commitment of the staff and researchers to safety and security and to an organizational culture dedicated to safety and security that is second to none.
This concludes my statement. Thank you for allowing me to address you today. I’m happy to answer any questions you may have.
Chief Thomas G. Robbins
Executive Director of Public Safety