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California ports shortchanged in latest round of port security funding
Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles face a drastic cut, while Oakland and San Francisco are frozen out alltogether; state officials react angrily and question DHS’s allocation process; California sees a history of ill-treatment on security spending issues
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DHS relaxes on-board liquid transport restriction
Starting tomorrow, passengers can carry-on items purchased in secure airport areas; home products okay if less than three ounces, capable of fitting in a one quart plastic bag
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TSA announces Registered Traveller program compliance standards
Agency regulators move forward despite concerns that rising costs may eventually kill program; two week public comment period begins; issues of concern include IT security and privacy rules, enrollment standards, and ongoing compliance methods
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DHS to increase four-fold security funding for New York, New Jersey ports
DHS’s decision three months ago to cut funding to New York City antiterror programs by 40 percent was welcomed by an equal measure of disbelief and outrage (especially when the department explained that its review process found no national monuments or icons in the city); the department will announce today that it is increasing four-fold its support for security programs at the ports of New York and New Jersey
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CBP downgrades importance of container seals; shipping industry relieved
There are two ways to make sure that a freight container arriving at a U.S. port does not contain a nuclear bomb or other destructive cargo: Tamper-seal the container after cargo has been loaded and validated, or scan the contents of the cargo when it arrives at port to see what it contains; DHS has decided to put the cargo-seal rule making on the back burner, for now
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Day of highjack-proof aircraft nears
Some cars already have a built-in security device which disables the car’s engine if an unauthorized person tries to drive the car away; a similar system is now being developed for the future highjack-proof plane; a biometric access control device at the cockpit door will alert the computerized security system if an unauthorized person enters the cockpit; the system will then seize control of the plane and guide it to the nearest airport, avoiding tall buildings
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Boeing wins $2 billion SBInet contract
Company beats out Northrop Grumman, Raytheon, and others to win border security prize; a comeback for a company battered by loss of spacecraft competition; L-3, Unisys, and Elbit among happy subcontractors
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Broadware Technologies, Cubic team up for Baltimore MTA explosives detection system
Program brings together trace detection and video capabilities to defend against train terrorism; when explosves are detected at ticketing kiosks, Broadware cameras transmit a digital picture to security personnel while the entry gates refuse access
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Officials downplay the future of counter-MANPAD technologies
Despite $45 million to Northrop Grumman and BAE, little enthusiasm exists for full deployment; planners are unwilling to commit in face of rocket-propelled grenade and machine gun risks; cost remains a major issue as wll
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ObjectVideo deploys video analytic software to Port of Texas City
Deal follows on successes with Madrid, Spain and HSARPA, among others; software is able to detect violations of predetermined behavioral rules, allowing fewer employees to cover more ground; video analytics a new but growing field; stronger algorithms will take the industry into the future
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Magal Security Systems wins $5.5 Israeli border security contract
With fighting over in the north, Israeli government looks to shore up its defenses against infiltrators; mountainous region and long-term occupation caused neglect of technology-based systems
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Senate passes port inspection deal; no 100% inspection
The beefed-up port security measure places heavy emphasis on radiation detection at U.S. ports, but Republicans fought off Democrats’ demand to include a mandatory 100% inspection of all U.S.-bound cargo containers; bill also increases funding for rail and land transportation security
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Mounting fees may kill Registered Traveler Program
TSA announces it will charge additional $70 to pay for additional screening staff; at total estimated cost of $200 per passenger, price may be too high
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Lobbyists resist homeland security measures recommended by 9/11 Commission
Farmers fight off ammonium nitrate controls; television station opposes handing over frequency for emergency services; retailers stick to their guns on radiological screening of containers
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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.