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AS&E gets TSA go-ahead for a modified Z Backscatter screening system
Privacy issues delayed roll-out; an algorithm brushes away passengers’ most intimate secrets, and the video is immediately erased after processing; to ease embarassment concerns, monitoring will be done out of sight of the passengers
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Verified Identity gets the go-ahead to expand
DHS authorizations means the Brill-owned company can move in at airports in New York, California, Indiana, and Ohio; Lockheed to work as subcontractor for account and network management
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Raytheon wins contract to help TSA determine ideal emergency flight paths
$1.9 million Advanced Route Evaluation System will perform risk analysis on aviation routes by assessing such factors as aircraft type, fuel loads, and flight route; Tec-Masters lends a hand
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Boeing wins patent on uninterruptible autopilot system
New technology can be activated by the pilots, government agencies, even on-board sensors; not even a tortured pilot can give up control; dedicated electrical circuits ensure the system’s total independence
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British air force tests unmanned jetliner
Two-hour flight shows off Qinetic’s UAV command and control interface; the next step is to to fly the jetliner, a fighter jet, and a fleet of UAVs simulateously without stepping into a cockpit
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Maine to host maritime security course for first responders
Classes will take place at the Maine Maritime Academy in Castine; the 100 expected participants were chosen by local emergency authorities; pilot program may establish Maine course as the nationwide gold standard
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Portendo teams with Swedish government to develop explosives detectors
Deal signals growing European awareness of terrorist risk; Swedish Defense Research Agency will help improve Portendo’s nSure sensors; in return, Portendo will help FOI with their own ESSEX technology
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AFGE looks again to unionize airport security screeners
Federal law prohibits labor organizing in that industry, but a recent UN ruling and an incoming Democratic majority gives hope to the American Federation of Government Employees
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Snakes on the plane no movie for Phillipines authorities
X-ray screener finds 60 snakes stuffed into two suitcases; reptile smuggling a major problem in Southeast Asia; consequences for smuggler, animals unknown
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Transportation sector lags behind in forming DHS "sector council"
National Infrastructure Protection Plan asks industry groups to form councils to advise DHS on critical assets, risk assessments, and an agreed security approach; so far, diverse nature of transportation has been a major road block; TSA now encouraging the development of smaller subsector councils, but still hopes for an industry-wide group
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TSA finalizes Registered Traveler fees
Announced background screening fee of $28 may save this valuable program; previous suggestions of $100 might have broken the market; full steam ahead for Verified Identity Pass
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VCs and others jump into the cargo tracking market
LoJack’s recent purchase of a minority stake in SC-Integrity just one example of an industry on the rise; with $50 billion at stake each year, shipping companies get value by both preventing theft and managing their supply chains
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NY/NJ Port Authority looks to replace Haynes security
Ethical problems compounded with severe security breaches to raise doubts about company’s competence; local congressman suggests the $89 million contract to provide guards at LaGuardia and JFK not be renewed when it expires in January
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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
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The long view
Calls Grow for U.S. to Counter Chinese Control, Influence in Western Ports
Experts say Washington should consider buying back some ports, offer incentives to allies to decouple from China.