Describes new threats to security

1. NORTH AMERICAN
EDITION
Vol
™
Corridors of power
Texas joins Canada in the smart highway revolution
POLICY BEYOND POLITICS
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2. Ž‡‰ƒ…›
18T
18TH ITS WORLD
WO
CONGRESS
N
SHOW PREVIEW
H E
MOTIVATION AND INCENTIVE
Randy Salzman meets the ultimate
transport planner
MOBILITY FIRST
The multimodal goals behind
the formation of ITMA

3. SURVEILLANCE AND SECURITY
Threat
assessment
Lee J Nelson discusses the latest developments helping the US to
I
n today’s asymmetrical world, one United States Customs and Border United States Visitor and Immigrant Status
ought to understand how threats Protection (CBP) is the unified agency Indication Technology. In addition, data
can and do come from any angle within the Department of Homeland furnished by the Automated Targeting
at any time. The transportation Security (DHS; Washington, DC) which System, the Automated Export System and
infrastructure, areas where people embraces the workforces and safeguarding the Trade Act of 2002 Advance Electronic
assemble to take advantage of various authorities of Citizenship and Immigration Information Regulations (originally
conveyance modalities, poses an obvious Services, Immigration and Customs entered into The Federal Register in
“soft” target. We can be certain that Enforcement, the Animal and Plant Health December 2003), help spot perilous cargo.
terrorists view airports, train and bus Inspection Service and the Border Patrol. The Office of Intelligence and Operations
terminals, highway interchanges and CBP employs multiple strategies and draws Coordination, restructured this past July
maritime ports as high-value assets; on leading-edge technologies to into the Office of Intelligence and
waiting for the opportunity to convert one accomplish its two-part goal: preventing Investigative Liaison, furthers the above
into an astonishing news event. terrorists and terrorist weapons from initiatives: planning, collection, processing,
Ensuring contemporaneous security for entering the country while fostering analyzing, producing and disseminating
all such touchpoints would be challenging legitimate trade, travel and tourism. all-source intelligence. Functioning as
in a peaceful environment. CBP’s situational awareness hub, the newly
Consider the pressure on Federal, State A COORDINATED EFFORT streamlined Office provides timely, relevant
and local governments to protect citizenry To assess every US-bound passenger, CBP and actionable information to operators
and property when, with scarcely a relies on the Advance Passenger and decision-makers..
moment’s notice, the daily order around Information System, the Student and Using risk management techniques,
any of those sites might give way to chaos. Exchange Visitor System and US VISIT, suspicious individuals can be designated
Photo © US Customs and Border Protection
A commercial driver presenting credentials for accelerated border clearance at a dedicated FAST processing lane.
48 thinkinghighways.com Vol 6 No 3 North America

4. Border control technology
“By creating ‘smarter boundaries’, the zone
of security can be extended beyond
physical borders”
secure its borders
prior to reaching North American
shores. Meanwhile, the Container
Security Initiative targets and prescreens
freight at foreign departure ports. By
uncovering additional investigative leads,
the Initiative aims to mitigate the threat
Photo © US Customs and Border Protection
of transporting a weapon, concealed
in cargo and destined for the US.
SECURE BORDER INITIATIVE
In 2005, DHS established the Secure
Border Initiative (SBI), a comprehensive,
multi-year plan to implement tighter
restraints. The Initiative’s mission to
develop, deploy and integrate technology
into tactical infrastructures, bolsters Aerial view of an extensive crossing complex along the US-Mexican border
control efforts at terrestrial borders.
Effective border management is achieved systems, positioned at ports-of-entry, Computer Assisted Detection (ICAD)
not only through situational awareness contain x-ray and γ-ray (gamma ray) database. RVS combines multiple color and
but by rapid and appropriate responses. imaging modalities. infrared cameras, mounted atop various
To realize operational success, CBP CBP does not rely on any single structures, into a single remote-controlled
depends on personnel and equipment. approach: officers and agents utilize diverse subsystem. The sensor network consists of
A major enterprise, known as SBInet, technologies, in differing combinations, to magnetic, seismic and thermal devices,
began combining existing and novel heighten the likelihood that terrorist acting as electronic tripwires, to expose and
technologies to enable front-line agents weapons – including nuclear or radiological track intrusions. And, ICAD software
and officers to detect, identify, classify devices – are spotted and interdicted. coordinates data collection and helps
and react to incursions. Earlier this year, Personal detectors, isotope identifiers, manage personnel deployment when
however, following a lengthy period radiation monitors and trained dogs all aid responding to alarm notifications.
of reassessment, DHS Secretary Janet in locating explosives and hazardous In 2003, CBP began developing
Napolitano cancelled the program. chemicals. In short, Border Patrol agents America’s Shield Initiative (ASI) to
Funding, previously requested for SBInet are augmenting security through a integrate surveillance, communications
and provided in the fiscal 2011 continuing wide-ranging enforcement strategy; and visualization tools while maintaining
resolution, prompted a new plan. The intensifying, integrating and coordinating a and modernizing ISIS - that formally was
Alternative Border Technology employs rich repertoire of technologies and subsumed by ASI in 2005.
towers, truck-mounted surveillance communications protocols. The rejuvenation of ISIS under ASI
systems, ground sensors and hand-held addresses upgraded and expanded
units as well as fixed- and rotary-wing AMERICA’S SHIELD INITIATIVE equipment as well as enhanced detection
aircraft and unmanned drones. By creating Command, control and intelligence and monitoring. Those measures also
“smarter boundaries”, the zone of security applications also assist CBP operators, involve superior links for CBP agents to
can be extended beyond physical borders. through a common operating picture, guide the collection of visual and related
Given the magnitude of CBP’s to facilitate tactical decision-making data. Similarly, new air, ground and marine
responsibility, development and and coordinate law enforcement resources underscore improvements for
deployment of sophisticated tools is a responses. To that end, the Integrated all-weather, around-the-clock capabilities.
foregone conclusion. Non-intrusive Surveillance Intelligence System According to CBP, more robust
inspection is on the increase and viewed as (ISIS) was established in 1998. surveillance technologies could be an
a “force multiplier”, permitting CBP to Three basic components comprised ISIS: effective adjuvant, reducing static
screen or examine a larger portion of the remote day/night video surveillance (RVS), observation requirements while
commercial traffic stream. Some of those in ground sensor arrays and the Integrated engendering intelligence-based
North America Vol 6 No 3 thinkinghighways.com 49

5. SURVEILLANCE AND SECURITY
“We must also marry our
various programs together
and ensure that all
participants are vetted to
the same high standards”
Nelson
© Lee J.
responses. ASI would incorporate a means undesirables. CBP currently operates six concentrate our resources on suspect
to evaluate enforcement actions, collect Predator Bs (the MQ-9 Reaper from people and goods. Our Trusted Traveler
performance metrics and provide managers General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Program, Global Entry, which is growing
with analyses and efficiency reports. San Diego, California): three from the at a rapid rate, is helping improve our
The US Congress approved additional National Air Security Operations Center ability to identify low-risk travelers. We
resources in the Emergency Supplemental (NASOC) in Sierra Vista, Arizona, two must continue to expand participation
for Border Security (passed and signed into located at Grand Forks, North Dakota and in similar efforts, such as SENTRI,
law in August of 2010) that included 1,000 a maritime variant, the Guardian, from NEXUS, and FAST,” remarked CBP
extra Border Patrol agents, 250 CBP Cocoa Beach, Florida. Most recently, a Commissioner Alan Bersin. “We must
officers, two more Unmanned Aircraft second Guardian was delivered to NASOC, also marry our various programs together
Vehicles (UAVs) and two new Forward Corpus Christi, Texas in further support of and ensure that all participants are
Operating Bases. interagency missions. vetted to the same high standards.”
All program applicants voluntarily
UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLES TRUSTED TRAVELER PROGRAMS undergo a background investigation against
Equipped with sophisticated on-board The Global Entry pilot program criminal, law enforcement, customs,
sensors, UAVs, also called Unmanned streamlines the international arrival immigration and terrorist indices, a ten-
Autonomous Vehicles or Unmanned process for pre-approved travelers. Once fingerprint law enforcement check and an
Aircraft Systems, confer unparalleled, long- inducted, Global Entry members may interview with a CBP officer. Each approved
range reconnaissance. They are able to avoid lengthy waits by proceeding directly Trusted Traveler receives a WHTI-
remain “on-station” longer than other to special kiosks. There, the system compliant (Western Hemisphere Travel
airborne assets and, therefore, are confirms one’s identity by scanning a Initiative) card. The card fulfills WHTI’s
particularly useful in isolated areas. passport (or lawful permanent resident requirement for “a passport or other secure
UAVs gather intelligence on border card) and compares fingerprints against travel document that denotes identity
activities and survey open waters. The high those already on-file. and citizenship” by all North American
endurance of larger-class drones permits Enrollment in the quartet of CBP’s citizens, entering the US by air, land or sea.
overnight or 24-hour vigils while their size Trusted Traveler Programs – Global Entry, Conscription to all programs is managed
and operating altitude make them NEXUS, SENTRI (Secure Electronic via GOES, the Federal Government’s Global
practically imperceptible by ears or unaided Network for Travelers Rapid Inspection) Online Enrollment System.
eyes. UAVs contribute to enforcement and FAST (Free and Secure Trade) – has SENTRI provides expedited processing
efficacy as well as officer safety, complement exceeded one million members. for motor vehicle drivers and passengers
incursion detection and help to quell entry “If we are able to identify low-risk who are inbound from Mexico. First
of terrorists, smugglers and other travelers and cargo, we will be able to implemented at Otay Mesa, California in
1995, SENTRI has grown to include sixteen
lanes at the nine busiest crossing points
along the US-Mexico border. When an
accepted international visitor approaches
in a distinctly marked SENTRI lane, a
video-based license plate reader
Photo © US Customs and Border Protection
automatically recognizes the automobile.
Each occupant is verified through records
maintained in an on-line database
(containing digitized facial photographs),
together with a radio-frequency
identification (RFID) card and an officer’s
visual authentication.
NEXUS is a joint CBP-Canada Border
Services Agency (Ottawa, Ontario)
An unmanned aircraft vehicle poised for take-off on a border surveillance mission. endeavor for enhancing security while
50 thinkinghighways.com Vol 6 No 3 North America

6. Border control technology
Left: The author’s Global Entry WHTI-
compliant ID card with embedded RF tag.
A US-Canadian border-crossing lane,
equipped with a NEXUS card reader as well as
a video camera for license plate recognition.
Photo © US Customs and Border Protection
simplifying entry for low-risk visitors.
NEXUS was established in 2002 and
currently counts more than 500,000
members. Applicants must agree to
background checks in both Canada and the
US. FAST offers dedicated lanes and state-of-the-art security methods, the “The US border security system should
accelerated border clearance for importers, program will enable inspectors to be integrated into a larger network of
carriers and commercial drivers who have concentrate on threat-sensing and screening points that includes our
passed rigorous assessments. response activities. transportation system and access to vital
Through International Trade Data facilities, such as nuclear reactors. The
AUTOMATED COMMERCIAL System initiatives, ACE will become the President should direct DHS to lead the
ENVIRONMENT “solitary window” for electronic collection effort to design a comprehensive screening
Advances in non-invasive inspection of of all harmonized information required by system, addressing common problems and
containerized freight are proving effective Federal agencies for clearance of cargo setting common standards with
at stemming the flow of contraband, versus reams of paper which was the norm. systemwide goals in mind. Extending those
principally illicit drugs, smuggled into the There are more than 19,000 ACE portal standards among other governments could
US by sea and land. The armamentarium of account-holders who have filed about dramatically strengthen America and the
imaging technologies generates an 475,000 entry summaries (since that world’s collective ability to intercept
unfathomable data volume and does so on functionality was introduced in April 2009). individuals who pose catastrophic threats.”
nearly a continuous basis. Highlighting, Published in the Summer of 2004, that
interpreting and communicating the BETTER NOW THAN NEVER statement encapsulated one
essential elements is a Herculean task. Over the past two years, DHS has been recommendation of the National
Originated in 2001, the Automated focusing humanpower, technology and Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the
Commercial Environment (ACE) offers a infrastructure on the US’s Southwest United States (also known as the 9/11
single, consolidated venue for commercial border which experiences one-half of the Commission).
transactions, trade enforcement and nation’s illegal traffic. The Border Patrol is As Thinking Highways went to press, we
compliance, while abiding multi-agency better staffed, presently, than at any time in observed the 10th anniversary of the
practices. Previously, CBP officers had to its 87-year history; doubling the agent pool terrorist attacks on the East Coast of the
toggle among seven different computer from 10,000 in fiscal year 2004 to US: New York City, Shanksville,
screens, and review paper forms, when approximately 20,500 at the close of 2010. Pennsylvania and The Pentagon in
deciding whether to allow cargo to pass into Beside the Border Patrol, CBP’s workforce Arlington, Virginia. Now, seven years after
the country or detain it for further scrutiny. of roughly 58,000 employees consists of the Commission’s findings and despite
ACE affords government users a unified more than 2,300 agriculture specialists and significant undertakings, the assurance of
and systematic approach to analytical 20,600 port-based officers. contemporaneous and complete security
targeting of equipment and freight. In 2010, CBP deployed 17 new Mobile remains elusive.
ACE’s evolving trade processing system Non-Intrusive Inspection Systems and 22
is helping to facilitate cargo handling,
modernize business processes, speed the
additional large-scale Non-Intrusive
Inspection imaging units. Mobile X-ray
fyi
flow of legitimate shipments and target technology permits officials to detect
Lee Nelson is an Independent analyst and
President of H3B Media North America
ellicit goods. ACE ultimately will extend stowaways and contraband such as
(to CBP and other participating currency, drugs and explosives in lnelson@rcn.com
government entities) the ability to access passenger vehicles and in freight. Those http://www.garlic.com/biz
data throughout the international supply systems already have conducted more than
chain and to anticipate, identify, track and 7.3 million examinations and resulted in Read more in our ARCHIVES at
intercept high-risk shipments and persons. over 1,300 seizures, including 288,000
thinkinghighways.com/archives.aspx
By incorporating electronic devices, such pounds (130.6 tonnes) of narcotics. Full The author acknowledges invaluable
as transponders, RFID tags and smart cards and final deployment of ACE is scheduled assistance from James Falasco (Sachse, Texas)
together with biometric applications and for the Winter of 2012.
North America Vol 6 No 3 thinkinghighways.com 51