Florida Power Says Turkey Point Nuclear Power Plant Is Secure

The Turkey Point nuclear power plant, located east of Florida City, Fla., is protected by strategically placed vehicle barricades, security fencing, bulletproof towers, and a phalanx of armed security guards wearing black body armor. The barricades, fencing, and other security measures serve as a sort of maze where the nuclear plant’s well-trained security team can strategically position themselves and use crossfire to eliminate any potential terrorists or other intruders.

Florida Power & Light (FPL), which runs the plant, says that the chances of an actual terrorist attack on the plant are slim and that the plant is secure enough to withstand any attack. The plant’s security measures have always been strong, but they were increased after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, although FPL will not get into the specifics of any upgrades, citing security reasons.

What is known about the plant is that it has various sensing and detector systems, including motion detectors, metal detectors, and explosives detectors. Access to areas of the plant that contain radioactive material is controlled by handprint scanners and heavy stainless steel turnstiles that are guarded by armed security officers.

Despite the bristling security, critics and opponents of nuclear power question whether the plant could hold off an airborne or water assault by a large force of foes.
Abstracted by the National Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Center(NLECTC) from the Miami Herald (12/18/05); Morgan, Curtis .