Transportation

Southwest universities team up on border security
The Southwest Border Security Consortium will develop and promote scientific and policy solutions for issues affecting the U.S.-Mexico border region; Universities of Arizona, Texas, and New Mexico among participants; research will focus on agricultural security, cybersecurity, surveillance, and energetic materials research, among other issues
- Read more
NIST scientists adapt voice recognition to detect birds at airports
Current technology cannot distinguish between a Canada goose and a carrier pigeon; to help airport controllers defend against avian interference — birds have caused $2 billion in damage since 1990 — NIST adapts biometrics meant for humans
- Read more

Canada to require background checks for maritime workers
Marine pilots, seafarers, and security personnel covered by new regulations; Canada to spend C$42 million on new port security endeavors, including surveillance, communications, and perimeter security
- Read more
On Track Innovations scoops up SuperCom
At a cost of $21 million, OTI acquires a number of critical anti-countefeiting and production patents; company looks to expand ePassport and national ID business; Israeli industry consolidation continues
- Read more

Sealegs unveils new emergency rescue amphibious craft
Crushing demand for the fiberglass ARC forces the company to open a larger factory; at a price of $58,850, Sealegs sees a great opportunity in the American homeland security market
- Read more
U.S. Helicopter raises $4,500,000 in financing
A New York company offering helicopter shuttle service from area airports — and quicker security screening — raises $4.5 million in funding
- Read more

ACRO develops a pen-like TATP detector
As an increasing number of companies develop portable, self-contained laboratories, ARCO jumps ahead to fight a common terrorist explosive; technology uses enzyme-catalyzed oxidation to produce colored pigments; low cost per unit a huge attraction for pen devices
- Read more
Cost of securing U.S. borders may reach $30 billion
DHS IG Richard Skinner says the project to make U.S. borders more secure may range in cost “from $8 billion to $30 billion”; Rep. Mark Souder (R-Indiana), a critic of the September Boeing SBInet contract, agrees, saying about the staimated cost of securing U.S. borders: “The bottom line is there isn’t a number”
- Read more

Coast Guard to collect biometric information from illegal migrants
The U.S. Coast Guard launches a pilot program to collect biometric information from illegal migrants seized on the high seas between the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico; pilot is part of an effort to develop a biometric mobile solution for DHS
- Read more
Coast Guard to run illegal immigrants against US-VISIT database
Pilot program off Puerto Rico will take fingerprints and digital photographs of captured migrants as US-VISIT flexes its digital muscles; a good first step for DHS’s mobile biometrics plans
- Read more

Optosecurity solves the liquid explosives problem
Technology relies on standard 2D X-ray imaging; attached to legacy systems, Optoscreener XMS identifies threats by their molecular signatures; passengers place their plastic quart bags on the conveyor; system can even detect if a person is hiding liquids in their carry-on luggage
- Read more
DHS announces US-VIST ten-print capture wish list
Although four companies have come close to meeting DHS needs, agency is open to competition in its efforts to shore up the US-VISIT program; speed and accuracy are a must, as is a small footprint; software improvements needed on the back end
- Read more

UNISYS’s Jeff Irland on RFID and security
- Read more
DHS brings explosives detection pilot program to Seattle-Takoma
Previously at SFO, program is helping DHS work out the logistical kinks involved with air cargo explosives detection; sussing out human smuggling a priority as well, with officials looking to carbon dioxide emissions as a critical clue
- Read more
Canada issues proposed regulations for new airport security card
The Restricted Area Identity Card will be issued to 120,000 airport personel at twenty-nine Canadian airports; both fingerprint and iris scanning biometrics to be used; new regulations offer details about deployment, privacy, continuity, and record keeping procedures
- Read more

More headlines