Technology Has Modernized Border Security
Border security is more advanced nowadays thanks to modern technology. The Niagara Falls Bridge Commission, which once relied on foot patrol, now has 144 remote cameras at the Lewiston-Queenston, Rainbow and Whirlpool bridges that operate 24 hours a day. The cameras were installed after the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.
Brent Gallaugher, the commission’s security manager, said, “When we put the cameras in, the capabilities were a lot more effective than we imagined.” The cameras have been used to stop drug trafficking and illegal alien smuggling.
The operations center receives real-time intelligence in regards to potential threats from Canadian and U.S. law enforcement. According to border patrol officials, more cameras will be installed at both U.S. and Canadian borders as part of an new security measure called America’s Shield Initiative.
Border enforcement teams consisting of federal, provincial, regional and local law enforcement from both countries will be stationed in 15 regions and will work together to share equipment and intelligence.
Abstracted by the National Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Center(NLECTC) from the Dallas Morning News (11/02/05); Mittelstadt, Michelle .
