-
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
-
-
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
-
-
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
-
-
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
-
-
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
-
-
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
-
-
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”
-
-
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
-
-
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
-
-
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
-
-
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
-
-
-
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
-
-
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
-
-
L-3 signs $40 million DHS deal for airport explosives detection
Industry leader will provide new eXaminer systems and provide updates to hardware and software for those already in use; multi-slice CT imaging technology continues to wow at home and abroad; control system manipulates conveyor belts for optimum scanning position
-
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.